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Article from Oakland's East Bay Express:
It's not hard to believe that Benjamin Woods might have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical virtuosity. With dark, feral eyes and fingers blurring on the guitar, it's easy to imagine him at a crossroads cutting the deal. But who knew that the roads of flamenco and speed metal even crossed? Woods, noting that both forms can be hard and brutal, is bringing a powerful group of performers and his "guitar luthiered in Hell" to bear on a "tale not to be told to the timid or tender-hearted," this Saturday night at La Peña. The event is Flametal's The Elder, an original horror story told by a 350-year-old Elder, supported by flamenco dancers. Woods himself, who is well known around the area for both his virtuoso flamenco playing and teaching, leads a live band comprised of the equally demonic Uriah Duffy, Thomas Perry, and Brian T. Spalding. Woods swears that his intent is not to dilute either flamenco or speed metal, but to show how the two enhance each other's eldritch beauty while the dancers "slither and pound" their way through a performance unlike any ever before produced. While purists may blanch, the combination makes sense: Flamenco relies on duende, or a deep existential sadness, for much of its emotional impact, while metal is all angst. Why not bring these two tortured forms together and see what dark creature might be born?-Lisa Dristova, East Bay Express
Flametal's long awaited debut album "The Elder" has just been released independantly. Containing the first and only true fusion of flamenco and metal, including ferocious musicianship, swirling flamenco rhythms and fleet-fingered dual guitar-shredding! Also including the dancer's percussive footwork and hand claps, original artwork, hidden tracks and more surprises. Destined to be a landmark album for flamenco, metal, and guitar enthusiasts alike. Now available for purchase at CDBABY.com! Pick it up, it's 'hella fresh'! Sample clips availbe online.
