Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Listen to Manuel’s “Fuerza”: progressive Latin metal at its best
Today Chaoszine presents a musician for lovers of high-quality music: American progressive Latin metal guitarist Manuel. Watch the official music video for his track “Fuerza” below.
“Fuerza” is a masterpiece of shred rock played by super talented musicians who know how to fuse the complexity of prog and the technicality of shred with finesse and good taste.
As the name suggests, it’s a powerful and belligerent track that begins as if John Petrucci and Dream Theater were playing in the pyramids of Egypt. Then comes a calmer fragment, with the characteristic Swedish melancholy of Mikael Åkerfeldt’s Opeth, and then the aggressiveness rises again. There is excellent use of dynamics, the solos are abrasive and the track is breathless. At 3:16 a more power metal interlude begins, until the progressive complexity returns at 3:28, and the end of the track, with the Meshuggah-like riff combined with those Latin chords, is as impressive as it is surprising.
From coast to coast, from calm to chaos, Manuel Urgiles’ diverse and dynamic career shines brightly through Manuel, one of Maine’s most promising contemporary instrumentalists. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA with Peruvian roots, Manuel’s journey is as rich and varied as his heritage. As a father of two, he carries a mantle of pride, duty, and joy—responsibilities that have both challenged and championed him as a man and musician.
Manuel’s music is a powerful blend of percussive passion, groove, and blistering shred, encapsulating the essence of progressive Latin metal. He proves that ‘soul’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘singer,’ with his lyrical guitar lines and lightning-fast fingers conveying deep meaning and melodrama, leaving nothing unsaid in his instrumental storytelling.
His 2023 EP, “Underneath”, mixed and mastered by the esteemed Stacy Parrish (known for his work with Robert Plant, Brandy Carlile, and Elvis Costello), marks a significant milestone early in what promises to be a long and vibrant career. Stacy Parrish, a renowned recording engineer, music producer, musician, and songwriter with six Grammy awards, described Manuel’s EP as a true musical revelation. “Manuel’s EP is a true musical revelation, defying conventions and pushing boundaries with its genre-defying fusion of heavy metal, Latin rhythms, and surf elements. His guitar prowess is nothing short of awe-inspiring, delivering a sonic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Following the release of “Underneath”, Manuel has continued to impress with two powerful singles, “Pandemonium Sunset” and “Fuerza,” both ferocious tracks that take listeners on an epic journey.
Manuel’s music is for fans of Marty Friedman, The Mars Volta, Dream Theater, Santana and Opeth.
Find out more here.
Manuel’s Bandcamp: https://westboundmusic.bandcamp.com/