13^th album from this Spanish band that begun its career in the 70’s and that still play today! I would say “Stronger than Ever” after listening El Yunque Contra el Martillo! All their vinyls have been re released in CD in 2003 so it’s quite easy to get their complete discography! I’ve got Luchadores de la Paz 2002 and Infierno 2004 (this last one on Karthago Records) and I can’t say I really enjoyed these Cds, a quite good Hard Rock but not really my cup of sangria… So when I received this new CD I thought I would listen to a good Hard Rock 80’s sing in Spanish as the other ones…

But there was a surprise! As soon as the first song starts I immediately said “Great production, great energy, and great song! I’m sure it will be only for the first one…and each song gave me the same great feeling, ZARPA reached a maturity and a way to combine high class Hard Rock and melodic Heavy Metal “Made in Spain”! Believe me you will be surprised by the new ZARPA direction! Sin Piedad, La Zarpa y el Sable, La Ultima Batalla, El Yunque Contra El Martillo , Los Defensores Del Rock  are some of the really good songs I invite you to discover rapidly ! For me this CD is much better than the last Tierra Santa…You will find at the end 3 bonus from “ZARPA en Vivo en Grilly (France) 1987” their Live re released on CD in 2003!

So I think you know what you have to do! Visit their Website to know more about the band !  

THE VERDICT = considering it's a 13^th CD in Hard/ Heavy style: 

RASKAL The French Warrior gives a 16/20

RASKAL The Objective gives a 17/20 

The French Warrior speaks with its Heart and is more interested by the essence of the songs / cover / attitudes…

The Objective takes all with a more "professional" vision (production, way to play, to sing...) and tries to be neutral.