For the first
Barricada album after the departure of leader Enrique "El Drogas" Villareal, the band incorporated bassist Ander Izeta and promised to deliver a "100%
Barricada album." They made good on their word on
Flechas Cardinales, a return to their classic sound of melodic hard rock, as opposed to the trash/hardcore leanings of their most recent work. Producer Iker Piedrafita (a member of
Dikers and son of second guitarist Alfredo, who also sings on two tracks) returns to ensure a contemporary punch, and first guitarist and co-founder Javier "El Boni" Hernández assumes lead vocal duties -- as expected, since he used to sing half of their material anyway. Despite the absence of Villareal, who was thought to be the group's main writer and most outspoken political activist, the lyrics continue to reflect
Barricada's trademark fiercely militant stance, as in the antiwar first single "Punto de Mira." ~ Mariano Prunes