The relatively unknown Spanish power metal act Red Wine is formed in Logroño in 1997 and has released two albums prior to Sueños Y Locura. As everyone knows the Spanish metal scene isn’t a very famous one, which is a shame. While I myself have only recently been introduced to several Spanish power metal bands like Mägo de Oz and Ankhara I must admit I have started to develop a certain weakness for the freshness that these bands display. Sure, the music is rooted deeply in the soil of the European power metal scene but it’s nevertheless that certain Spanish touch that lends these bands their own identity and Red Wine is certainly no exception.

Sueños Y Locura kicks off with the same titled instrumental intro. Normally I tend to dislike all intro songs but this one actually has style and is kept short enough not to become too annoying. From there on it’s only upwards with Red Wine; excellent songs like “Pesadilla”, “Sombra De Poder” and “Gigantes De Hierro” show traces of traditional European power metal imbued with Spanish freshness and especially the keyboards deserve special mention.

Now here’s a power metal band that knows how to use keyboards, and boy, are they mixed in well! Whereas many fellow power metal acts tend to either mix in their keyboards too soft or too loud, Red Wine have managed to find a perfect balance. Or, maybe I should say Piet Sielck (Iron Savior), since he is ultimately responsible for the mastering of this album. Add to that an excellent guitar sound, a good amount of well placed lead breaks and nice tight riffing as well as drumming and one simply has to conclude that Sueños Y Locura is a very good sounding piece of metal.

The vocals are good although Mario Suarez now and then tends to outreach himself with ear-piercing screams. All the lyrics are in Spanish, which might alienate non-Spanish speaking fans but just like with Mägo de Oz it works miracles in my opinion. If you want to hear a decent metal album that on one hand is typical European power metal yet on the other hand shows traces of freshness and originality then I can highly advice this album! It certainly has done many a spin in my CD-player.