This is the most popular Spanish rock band in the post-TRIANA era. In 1990 they released the double-LP En Vivo, on this live recording the band succeeded to capture the great live atmosphere and it contains all their best work.

MEDIANA AZAHARA delivers on my 1- CD release version En Vivo (running time almost 75 minutes) a powerful blend of rock and "heavy progressive". The keyboards from Pablo Rabadan have obvious hints from Mark Kelly (synthesizer flights), Manual Martinez his vocals sound inspired and emotional and the rhythm-section Randy Lopez on bass and Manuel Reyes on drums is strong and tight (sometimes too). But the focus is on Francisco Ventura's varied and powerful guita rplay, he gives the tasteful arranged compositions a special flavour with his harder-edged but sensitive play, like Ritchie BLACKMORE meets Carlos SANTANA! Discover this top notch Spanish prog rock band: from the catchy Velocidad, the beautiful ballad Otono, the stage favourites Amiga, Se and Hacia Ti to the highlight Paseando Por La Mezquita (compelling Morish undertone and moving crowd participation, goose bumps!) and the up- tempo rock version from El Lago, a legendary track from TRIANA's eponymous debut album.

Erik Neuteboom (Prog Archives/Progwalhalla/Background Magazine)