I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Isabel Restrepo, the lead vocalist of Fabulae Dramatis, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the creative force behind their music. You can find that interview here, and I highly recommend checking it out. As for their latest release, “Violenta”, it’s nothing short of a complete work of art. Combining Latin influences with progressive metal, Fabulae Dramatis has crafted an album that is emotionally gripping, sonically diverse, and thematically profound.

The album kicks off with “Fábula Violenta,” and from the opening lines “We are born to die! But not today” it’s clear this isn’t just another metal album. The track immediately immerses you in the band’s world, with Isabel’s sultry yet powerful vocals taking centre stage. The multilingual approach, switching between English and Spanish, elevates the emotional weight of the lyrics. The lines “Life crawls behind you // Death falls in love with you!” resonate deeply, highlighting the album’s exploration of life, death, and the violence that exists between them.

“The Jungle of Ego” follows, and its scathing critique of modern society’s narcissism is amplified by the haunting chant, “Addicted to vanity // The factory of lies // Digital agony.” The tribal chanting and Isabel’s eerie vocals create a dark yet captivating atmosphere, reinforced by lyrics that dive into the dangers of social media and self-obsession. Lines like “Mundo de maldad // Mundo de vanidad” (World of evil, world of vanity) set the tone for the song’s biting commentary.

“The City (Translucent)” takes us further into a modern-day dystopia, where Fabulae Dramatis examines our growing isolation despite living in a hyper-connected world. Lyrics like “Enclose yourself and embrace the cage // ‘Cause your wings don’t fly” speak to the emotional imprisonment many feel in a society driven by technology. The alternating languages of English and Spanish aren’t just a stylistic choice but a narrative tool that deepens the emotional experience.

“Lead Astray / Indigo” offers a slower, introspective moment on the album. The lyrics; “My body freezes // My hands sweat and tremble” capture the raw emotional turbulence of being overwhelmed by life’s consequences. It’s a beautifully composed track, and while Isabel’s growling is still present, it doesn’t overshadow the song’s serene and reflective qualities.

One of the most powerful tracks, “River of Despair,” beautifully blends hopeful and despondent tones, especially with its imagery of nature reclaiming life: “Río de colores // Abriendo el umbral // Creando futuro en su torrencial” (River of colors // Opening the threshold // Creating the future in its torrent). The combination of English and Spanish lyrics once again adds a layer of storytelling that makes this track especially impactful.

As the album progresses, tracks like “Pawn Out of Board” and “The Illusionary Spyglass” delve into modern prog and post-metal soundscapes, providing ample space for the band’s impressive musicianship to shine. The crystal-clear production further enhances each band member’s individual contributions, bringing every detail to the forefront without overwhelming the listener.

Overall, “Violenta” is more than just an album, it’s a journey through emotional landscapes, cultural fusion, and progressive metal experimentation. Fabulae Dramatis’ ability to blend multiple languages, vocal styles, and genres makes “Violenta” one of the most unique and compelling albums of the year. It’s bold, daring, and musically sophisticated, deserving of all the praise it will surely receive.

Rating: 9/10

Release Date: September 7th  2024
Label: Dramatis Music & Arts

Writer: Andy Baqone

Track list:

1. Fábula Violenta
2. The Jungle of Ego
3. The City / Translucent
4. Lead Astray / Indigo
5. River of Despair
6. Pawn Out of Board
7. The Illusionary Spyglass
8. Máquina de Sueños