Behold the debut by this up-and-coming Peruvian Doom Metal outfit, bringing the past into the present, presenting a blend of the band’s early days with what they are today.

A Doom Metal band formed by guitarist Mauricio Guerrero and drummer Jose María Venturi in Lima, Peru in 2014, originally leaning towards the roots of Heavy Metal and Stoner Rock by drawing inspiration from contemporary bands such as Orange Goblin, Witchcraft, and Reverend Bizarre, but evolving into the more distinct style it is today, sounding slower, heavier, and more introspective, Argul are unleashing upon us their highly anticipated debut, titled Soledad & Orgullo, which is Spanish for “solitude and pride.” Recorded, mixed and mastered by Eddie Plenge at Dragonverde Studios (with the song “Kamog” being recorded and mixed by Alonso and Mauricio Guerrero at Ogro Space), and showcasing a grim cover photo by Jose María Venturi, the debut by the aforementioned Mauricio Guerrero on vocals and lead guitars, Jose María Venturi on vocals and rhythm guitars, Jian Holmes on bass, and Alonso Guerrero on drums (also featuring guest drummer Emilio Carranza on a few songs) brings the past into the present, presenting a blend of the band’s early days with the Argul of today, where heavier atmospheres are moving between crushing weight and quieter, thoughtful moments without losing intensity.

They kick off their doom-laden feast with the dark, sluggish and groovy Ritual, where the dual vocal attack by Mauricio and Jose works beautifully while their ritualistic guitars transpire darkness and sulfur. Then the thunderous bass lines by Jian dictate the pace in the rhythmic, pounding Engendro, with Emilio making sure his beats and fills bring absolute heaviness to their music. Hor Hodin continues from where the previous song left off, showcasing the power of the mighty riff by both Mauricio and Jose; however, it’s when they deliver those sluggish, no shenanigans Doom Metal arias that surpass the ten-minute mark like what happens in Animal Dog that they truly thrive, with their guitars breathing fire accompanied by the massive bass lines by Jian. And last but certainly not least, get ready to be dragged to absolute darkness with the introspective and grim Kamog, where their vocals walk hand in hand with the fierce drumming by Alonso, putting a beyond heavy and climatic ending to the album.

Mostly utilizing their native tongue throughout the entire album, imparting a particularly unique aspect to it, highlighting those contrasts whilst never losing a focused consistency, Ardul are on absolute fire in Soledad & Orgullo, and if you want to put your hands on the album you can find it on their own BandCamp, as well as on the Personal Records’ BandCamp or webstore, and don’t forget to also give those talented Peruvian rockers a shout on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Ardul, including their heavy and doomed live performances. In the end, the primordial is wrapped in a gloomy heaviness. The essence is the obscure and the inevitable. This is Argul’s Soledad & Orgullo.

Best moments of the album: Ritual and Animal Dog.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Personal Records

Track listing
1. Ritual 10:08
2. Engendro 5:04
3. Hor Hodin 5:47
4. Animal Dog 10:15
5. Kamog 14:20

Band members
Mauricio Guerrero – vocals, lead guitars
Jose María Venturi – vocals, rhythm guitars
Jian Holmes – bass
Alonso Guerrero – drums on “Ritual” and “Kamog”

Guest musician
Emilio Carranza – drums on “Engendro”, “Hor Hodin” and “Animal Dog”