An esoteric concept album where death metal meets medieval Spain
Ahead of its Friday release, Alcázares, the long-awaited third album by Franco-Spanish conquistadors IMPUREZA is streaming now on the Season of Mist YouTube channel. The album marks the band’s return to the frontline of extreme metal with a work as steeped in mysticism as it is in violence.
Conceptually rooted in the Spanish Reconquista (722–1492), Alcázares unfolds as a fantastical and historical epic: eleven tracks channeling the collapse of Islamic Iberia and the merciless rise of Christian dominion.
Fusing guttural death metal with flamenco guitar, orchestral flourishes, and Spanish-language vocals, IMPUREZA construct a sonic Alcázar; where the sacred and savage co-exist. Tracks such as “Reconquistar Al-Ándalus” and “Castigos Eclesiásticos” invoke the spiritual violence of holy war, portraying crusading zeal and inquisitorial cruelty with an unflinching eye. Elsewhere, instrumentals like “Verdiales” and “Murallas” serve as meditative interludes between blood-soaked battle hymns. The album’s palette is one of dust, fire, and faith, evoking both historical myth and fantastical dread.
Recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic (France) and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Denmark), Alcázares is elevated by guest contributions from Xavier Hamon (percussion) and Louis Viallet (orchestration).
With Alcázares, IMPUREZA have carved their boldest statement to date: an ode to a violent past, where the sword and cross met in a storm of steel and ash.
Watch the full album stream here: https://youtu.be/qE12rz0T60Y
Pre-order & Pre-save Alcázares: https://orcd.co/impurezaalcazares
Praise for Impureza’s “Alcázares”:
“Impureza have put together an impressive record here.” – Wonderbox Metal
“‘Alcázares’ is definitely one of the best albums of 2025 and is certainly a contender for the crown.” – Metal-Heads DE
“IMPUREZA is further proof that the French scene is full of fantastic bands.”
Tracklist:
1. Verdiales (1:15)
2. Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo (6:25)
3. Covadonga (4:01)
4. Pestilencia (4:44)
5. Reconquistar Al-Ándalus (5:25)
6. Murallas (2:24)
7. La Orden del Yelmo Negro (4:57)
8. Castigos Eclesiásticos (6:06)
9. El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos (5:18)
10. Ruina del Alcázar (1:37)
11. Santa Inquisición (6:26)
Full runtime: 49:02
Country: France (FR)
Genre: Hispanic Metal/Brutal Flamenco Death Metal
FFO: NILE, Hate Eternal, Behemoth, Fleshgod Apocalypse
IMPUREZA is a Franco-Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. IMPUREZA remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.
Concept:
The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. IMPUREZA’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band’s very essence. Often nicknamed the “French Nile” due to their primary influences, combining the complex and brutal lines of death metal with the most ardent and undulating Latin flames. IMPUREZA‘s members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.
Let the conquistadors of IMPUREZA lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!
SOMOS IMPUREZA!
Line-up:
Esteban Martín – All Vocals
Lionel Cano Muñoz – Rhythm, Lead & Spanish Guitars
Florian Saillard – Fretless Bass
Guilhem Auge – Drums
Production Credits:
Recorded & mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic, Les Arc-sur-Argens, France.
Mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, Ribe, Denmark.
Guest Musicians:
Xavier Hamon – Percussion
Louis Viallet – Orchestration
Cover Art:
Johann Bodin & Xavier Ribeiro
Photography:
© Michel Canavaggia / Mr Cana Photography
Follow Impureza:
Website: http://www.impureza.eu/
Bandcamp: https://impureza.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Impurezaconquista
Instagram: https://instagram.com/impurezaofficial
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/ImpurezaBand
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkOMYXI-_teRnaDCs1ho8A
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1195314
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YA9Uqs38ZD6Lg2q66PVw9
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/impureza/422671948
