"En Al Batalla" Album Description:
Historical Context: Spain and Heavy Metal in 1985
In 1985, Spain was still experiencing the echoes of its democratic transition, emerging from decades of dictatorship and immersed in intense cultural and social changes. Heavy metal, until then a marginal genre, began to establish itself as a powerful form of youth expression. Inspired by the explosion of the British New Wave of Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), Spanish bands started to make their mark, drawing influence from global icons such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath.
The Spanish Heavy Metal Scene in the 1980s
The "Spanish Heavy Metal wave" was in full motion: bands like Zarpa (formed in 1977) were pioneers, while the 1980s saw the rise of groups such as Barón Rojo, Obús, Ángeles del Infierno, Santa, and many more. These bands defined a unique style, blending powerful riffs, vocals in Spanish, and striking stage presence, connecting deeply with local audiences.
Relevant Contemporary Bands
- Barón Rojo – From Madrid, icons of Spanish metal with international projection, even sharing tours with Metallica.
- Obús – Known for their energetic live shows, with production links to Tino Casal and connections to Iron Maiden.
- Ángeles del Infierno – Formed in San Sebastián in 1980, achieving success in Spain and across Latin America.
- Santa – Led by vocalist Azucena, representing a female-fronted take on mid-80s metal/AOR from Madrid.
"En Al Batalla": Zero's Musical Statement
Released in 1985 by RCA, "En Al Batalla" is the only full-length LP by Zero. Recorded at the Mediterráneo Studios in Ibiza, it represents the sonic battle of a band striving to carve its own identity within the rapidly growing Spanish metal scene.
Musical Explorations in the Album
- Language and Attitude: All songs are sung in Spanish, emphasizing authenticity and a local voice against English-dominated trends.
- Rhythm and Power: Short, direct tracks rooted in classic heavy metal structure, from “Buscando Rock” to “Qué mala suerte.”
- Central Theme: “En la batalla” metaphorically reflects the group’s fight to survive and thrive in a competitive musical environment.
Key Figures Behind the Album
- Zero (band members):
- José Antonio Manzano – Vocals
- José Ángel Asensio – Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Carlos Martín – Guitar, Piano on “Sobrevivir,” Backing Vocals
- Pedro Pizarro – Bass
- Juan L. “Nini” Martín – Drums, Percussion
- Production Team:
- Production: Claxon for RCA
- Recording Engineer: Dennis Herman
- Mixing Engineer: Brad Davis
- Recording Assistant: Alfred Dübell
- Photography: Moya and Linos
- Management: Cristóbal Cintas
Band History and Line-ups
Although Zero’s history is less documented than that of their contemporaries, this LP showcases a solid line-up with members taking on multiple roles (vocals, guitars, piano, bass, drums). There are no clear records of major line-up changes before or after the album, making “En Al Batalla” the band’s singular, defining statement captured on record.
Controversies Surrounding the Release
While there are no accounts of scandals or public controversies linked to this record, the decision to release a heavy metal album entirely in Spanish in 1985 was itself bold and, to some, provocative. Many groups chose English for broader appeal, but Zero’s choice to remain faithful to their native language was a cultural statement, reinforcing their identity in a time when the genre was still viewed with skepticism by the mainstream.
Language as a Declaration
This LP reinforced Spanish identity within the global metal movement: no concessions to commercial trends, a raw aesthetic, and straightforward delivery. In that sense, “En Al Batalla” stands as a record of pride and authenticity within Madrid’s underground of the 1980s, even if it never achieved mass recognition.
