Argentinian project RIPIO is the creative vehicle of one Eduardo Costanzo, presumably a guitarist from the onset, who handles all instrument and vocal duties when he records his material. So far he has released 5 CDs documenting his skills as a composer and musician. “Vengador de Perdedores” is the fourth of those, and was self released in 2009.
Ripio is a project that appears to be all about heavy metal. Metal in the old school manner, revolving around circulating riff constructions, steady beats, a guitar solo tossed in midways and then a return to the initial key riff construction as the final part of the song plays out. If you desire sophisticated music to fuel your desires this albums isn’t at all about that, not even in a heavy metal context. This is basic, prime heavy metal of the kind that could have been recorded anytime between 1980 and today, and an underground variety of the style at that. Costanzo does have a knack for creating compelling riff constructions however, and it appears clear that these have been assembled and developed with some care.
He’s also able to kick off nice and effective guitar solos that fits his riff constructions quite nicely, basic ones perhaps but again they are compelling. The basslines functions well enough too, but the drum patterns are a tad too pedestrian and simple to suit my taste. One of many small details lacking for this artist to reach a higher, elevated level of music in my book. Another disputable asset are the vocals. Costanzo is an able vocalist, and thankfully one able to hold a tune as well. But his voice is fairly nasal, and kind of constantly set in a slightly off mode of the kind that made me think about Ozzy Osbourne, although in this case the vocals are much thinner and lacking the more powerful delivery good, old Ozzy is capable of. Passable, just like the drum patterns, and a second element that makes this an album of underground, enthusiast heavy metal in my book, rather than something a bit more elevated.
Costanzo have employed a producer rather than attempting to produce his music himself, and while I do not know his capabilities in that department the producer he has been working with appears to be an able one. While basic and with something of a low end quality to the general sound the instruments are finely balanced in the mix, and the individual instruments appear to have been tuned to gel as well as overall possible, emphasizing the strengths of the material rather well.
As long as you find compositions revolving heavily around distinct key riffs and repeated guitar riff constructions chances are that you’ll come to the same conclusion as I did about this album: That this is pleasant, compelling, basic heavy metal. Perhaps not the kind you’ll sit down to listen with full concentration, but a pleasant soundtrack for a car drive or for putting on the stereo when you need to mop the floors or accomplish some other menial task. In general old school heavy metal of the kind that is a pleasant music backdrop, as long as you enjoy this type and variety of heavy metal.
My rating: 56/100
