Sound Scars’ Legacies: Epic and historical musings in the form of heavy metal

Sound Scars is a project led by Rio de Janeiro-based guitarist Rubem Barreto. “Legacies”, their debut full-length album, produced by Celo Oliveira, is a concept album filled with symphonic metal influences, and brings the theme of the inheritance not only of material things, but also that which is genetically and even culturally passed on from one generation to the next. It will be out on April 22, on all digital platforms.

“Ashes to Ashes” opens the album with criticism of the genocide that took place, and still goes on, in the Amazon region, where the original inhabitants of the land are continuously decimated in the name of progress. “Ancient Puzzle” follows, with fantastic vocals by Leandro Felicio, and references the mysteries of ancient civilizations. “My New World,” with an amazing vocal performance by Vinicius Libânia, takes the listener through the mind of a person who suffers from schizophrenia, and is, in my opinion, the best track on the whole album.

“Regression, No Regret” brings a moment of peace amidst the chaos of sound: the mix here is impeccable, as this is one of the cleanest-sounding tracks on the effort. “Legendary Tales” speaks of Brazilian folklore, and begins with a samba-style tambourine sound, although the track has excessive keys and way too many layers. Here, a bit of simplicity would have spoken volumes.

“Wind, Wave and War” has a medieval folk-metal feel, and “Sunrise” follows, a beautiful ballad that takes on the pandemic and how it made human beings realize how fragile we truly are, in spite of modern society making us feel invincible. The album closes with “Delicious Addiction,” another very good track, about a serial killer cannibal.

Epic and eco-friendly, “Legacies” is a good debut album, although it is at times too thick with layers – sometimes less is more – as it makes some of the tracks lost and buried below this excessive barrage of sound. Overall, a fine and solid album, well mixed, with good instrumentals and exceptional vocals. For epic and symphonic metal lovers, this will be a good fit.