The Unsung Heroes of Stoner-Doom: Why Argul’s Soledad & Orgullo Deserves Your Attention
Let’s start with a confession: I’m a sucker for bands that fly under the radar. There’s something intoxicating about discovering an act that hasn’t yet been chewed up and spit out by the music industry machine. That’s why, when I stumbled upon Argul’s Soledad & Orgullo, I felt like I’d unearthed a hidden gem. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just another stoner-doom album. It’s a testament to the power of raw talent and unapologetic creativity.
The Sound of Solitude and Pride
Argul’s debut is a masterclass in blending the old with the new. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Mauricio Guerrero and Jose María Venturi manage to channel the spirit of Black Sabbath’s Master of Reality without sounding like a carbon copy. Their guitar work is dark, slow, and bluesy, but it’s the moments of liveliness—like the head-bopping grooves in ‘Hor Hodin’—that really grab you. It’s as if they’re saying, ‘We respect the classics, but we’re here to carve our own path.’
What many people don’t realize is that stoner-doom often gets pigeonholed as a genre of repetition and monotony. Argul defies that stereotype. Tracks like ‘Ritual’ and ‘Animal Dog’ are drenched in funerary modes, but they’re far from one-note. There’s a depth here, a richness that rewards repeated listens. If you take a step back and think about it, this is exactly what the genre needs—bands willing to experiment while staying true to its roots.
Vocals That Haunt and Enchant
One thing that immediately stands out is Argul’s vocal approach. Instead of the bombastic wails or coarse growls typical of the genre, Guerrero and Venturi opt for ethereal, harmonized lilts. It’s a bold choice, and in my opinion, it pays off. Their voices weave a warm, ghostly blanket that elevates the music to something almost otherworldly.
But here’s where I’ll play devil’s advocate: while their vocals are enchanting, they’re not always memorable. This raises a deeper question—does an album need catchy hooks to be great? Personally, I think not. Argul’s strength lies in atmosphere, not in earworms. That said, with a bit more focus on memorability, they could become unstoppable.
The Album’s Achilles’ Heel
No album is perfect, and Soledad & Orgullo is no exception. The tracklist is a bit uneven, with ‘Ritual’ and ‘Hor Hodin’ shining brightly while ‘Engendro’ and ‘Animal Dog’ feel somewhat undercooked. And then there’s the bonus track, ‘Kamog,’ which adds a whopping 15 minutes to the runtime. From my perspective, this is where the album loses some of its momentum. A detail that I find especially interesting is how such a small decision—including a lengthy bonus track—can disrupt an otherwise cohesive listening experience.
Why This Matters Beyond the Music
What this really suggests is that Argul is a band still finding its footing. But that’s part of what makes them so compelling. They’re not polished or overproduced; they’re raw, honest, and unapologetically themselves. In a world where music often feels manufactured, that’s a breath of fresh air.
If you’re a fan of doom or stoner metal, Soledad & Orgullo is a must-listen. But even if you’re not, there’s something here for everyone. It’s an album that invites you to slow down, to feel, to reflect. And in a world that’s constantly rushing forward, that’s a rare and precious thing.
Final Thoughts
As I sit here reflecting on Soledad & Orgullo, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with music in the first place. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. Argul’s debut may have its flaws, but it’s also got heart—and in my book, that’s what matters most. So, here’s to the unsung heroes of stoner-doom. May they continue to create, to experiment, and to inspire.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Personal Records (https://www.personal-records.com/)
Websites: Bandcamp (https://argul.bandcamp.com/album/soledad-y-orgullo) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/argul__doom)
Releases Worldwide: August 21st, 2026
