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First impressions are situations that can make an impact, be amazing, be neutral or even be disappointing. When you talk about the Costa Rican Metal scene, there are groups who have made an impact to the public, others have simply not been able to fit in or draw people’s attention. There are some that have a basic structure and sound in the creative aspect, but there are others who explore and experiment these unknown dimensions in Metal, creating an original sound and different from all the rest. My first impression of Grecco was of originality.

Founded in 1996, Grecco is a Costa Rican Metal band, strongly influenced by Thrash, Death Metal and Progressive Rock. It’s founders were Andres, aka Satanachia (Vocals, Guitars, Guitar Synth), Andy Herrera (Lead Guitar) and Arnoldo Soto (Drums), these last two members being the creators of the group’s name.

Their first demo was recorded in 1998, at a Studio in Radio U, with a influenced Thrash sound, not that fast, but you start to hear Progressive sounds, due to the fact that they had a keyboard player then. They recorded a second demo in 2000, but in 2005 they finally make a stable line up, with Esteban Villalobos (Drums), Rafa Torres (Bass) and Pablo Granados (Lead Guitar). From there on is where the band’s sonic evolution is mostly made. The Death, Thrash and Progressive influences, with minor Jazz / Fusion apparitions, make the composition, not only better, but it makes the ideas, lyrics and melodies in a more human level.

I had the more the opportunity to see them live in 2007, at the very well known Sand Bar. I didn’t know what to expect. Although I was already told good things about the band, I didn’t imagine hearing what they projected that night. From beginning to end, I didn’t stop head banging; it was very heavy and potent. After coming out with a smile from the gig, I realized that Grecco wasn't simply another band in the community; it was a very well known and respected underground band in the national scene. I asked around and every response was positive.

Some time after, Pablo left the group because he wanted to focus on producing bands. By the end of 2008 and beginnings of 2009, Pablo returns to the group to record, produce and mix their debut album, thus making it his first recording as a producer.

But, there was still an important element missing in the equation, Pablo’s replacement. The search process was long and not easy. But for Esteban, the opportunity came along when he found a friend, Mauricio Madrigal (ex-Eternal). Mauricio had just left the group and, in that moment, he had no interest in playing Metal. That idea changed when Esteban gave him a demo of the song “Brother Arab” and after hearing a few minutes of the song, he wanted to immediately be in the group.

Currently, the band is finishing to mix the record and the person in charge of doing the master is Richie Nieto, known for his work with the now defunct Costa Rican band, Neurotica. I was able to sit down with Andres and listen to the Master Tape of the mixes and have an idea of the record. Honestly, it was an atomic bomb from beginning to end. From Thrashy riffs, Progressive scales and insertions, Jazzy bridges, the use of keyboards and Hammond, yes… a Hammond, even symphonic style choruses, synthesizers, Arabic sound and percussion, guttural and Black metal voices combined, etc. The list goes on, but I will leave with the high expectations, then you will know what I’m talking about.

In January 2010, they will release there first album, entitled “The Feeling of Not Being Alone”, a record that has been 10 years in the making. The wait is over for its followers. If you haven’t heard, don’t wait that long to do so, because you will not be disappointed.

If I had to put in simpler words, Grecco represents the evolution of the Metal scene in Costa Rica and there is still a long way to go

J.C. Zuñiga.

Metalicos.com