Artist: Vastago
Country: Spain
Label: Profaner Records
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2026
After two EP’s, also compiled on a CDr released by an Argentinean label specialised in the format, the Spanish Vastago felt ready for the next step and serves us with their very first full-length record. ‘Influencias Adversas De Un Sol Adyacente’ is a 35 minute affair, which is nice and short for this sort of bellowing Death/Black Metal, yet still almost the same as the playing time of both EP’s combined. In other words, we definitely have something substantial to sink our teeth in.
Although Vastago has been compared to a lot of different bands from basically the entire Black- and Death Metal spectrum, they are still combining a bit of both into something that feels predominantly Death Metal. The dark and brooding atmosphere has an unmistakable Black Metal feeling to it, but the heavier and meatier sound mostly reminds of bands like Imprecation, Infester, Sadistic Intent and Necrovore. Evil American Death Metal, but there’s enough to enjoy if you have a knack for the likes of Blasphemy (‘Gods Of War’-era) and Teitanblood as well. Undeniably, there’s some undefined chaos that lets the band venture into more wild waters as well.
Another remark I’ve seen about Vastago is that it echoes a bit of the South American intensity. That is something that I can totally relate to. Because the majority of the music is surprisingly slow and mid-tempo at best, it does have something that might remind of the first two Impurity records or what Satanicristo has been doing lately. Not in the least because of the low, almost gurgling vocals drenched in boatloads of reverb. Therefore it will also appeal to fans of bands like Possession or Ritualization.
Vastago will not secure any rewards for originality, but what it may lack in an identity of their own, they make up with quality. Just like the band’s previous releases, ‘Influencias Adversas De Un Sol Adyacente’ is a very enjoyable ride for those who prefer their metal a mixed bag of all sorts of extremities.
