ALBUM REVIEW: White Stones - Memoria Viva

For those who may be unaware, White Stones is a Martin Mendez solo project, and this third album Memoria Viva sees Mendez further establish White Stones as a truly unique outfit

2021’s Dancing into Oblivion followed hot on the heels of the debut album Kuarahy, a product of lockdown, and so we’ve waited patiently for this release, whilst the collective involved have no doubt worked on other projects whilst keeping one eye firmly on this next chapter. 

White Stones - Photo credits - Sandra Artigas

There’s no doubt that the Opeth links remain. The progressive and Avant Garde flute and Jazz of Zamba de Orun are drenched in the kind of confusing sounds that split the Opeth fanbase from Heritage onwards. Mendez’s bass lines are a huge part of the Opeth sound, and once again they are front and centre here, but although Mendez drives the sound, at no time does it overpower or detract from the overall soundscapes created. 

A myriad of styles assault the senses. This may have some death metal origins, but the eastern flavours that provide the intro to Humanoides before Mendez leads the track forward provide a completely different approach. It’s clever, intricately crafted, and intoxicating in equal measure. Eloi Boucherie’s growling roars work well, holding their own over the cacophony of instruments that congeal into one heady mix. Yes, once again there are Opeth grooves to be had, but this is no copycat outfit. 

As the album unfolds, there is much to enjoy. The crushing power of single D-Generación with its addictive riff and Mendez’s melodious bass lines combining alongside Boucherie’s gravel-soaked roars is an instant hit, whilst Zamba de Orun throws in a curve ball with its jazz fusion and progressive vibes drawing you in with a seventies feel. There’s still plenty of bone crunching riffs to please the more extreme fan, such as the thundering bursts on La Ira, that explodes in a frenzy of musical chaos. Throw in the fact that Boucherie is singing in Spanish throughout, which adds an additional edge, and you’ve got an album that is drenched in atmospheric intricacy. Dive deep into Grito al Silencio (Scream of Silence) and you’ll find one beautifully crafted and imaginative songs you’ll hear this year. 

This is an album that is very likely to find a place in my top ten of 2024. The combination of extreme elements, progressive slants, melodious passages that lift the soul and the Spanish lyrics make Memoria Viva an essential album.

White Stones is released on 28th June via Reigning Phoenix Music.

Review by Hutch