Laguna - The Ghost of Katrina
(Frontiers Music SRL - 2025)
(Genre: Melodic Hard Rock)
Mexican Melodic Hard Rockers, Laguna bring us their debut release, ‘The Ghost of Katrina’. The band consists of Andres Espada (Vocals), Jose Mesta (Lead Guitar), Firio Verastegui (Rhythm Guitar), Daniel Mesta (Bass) and Sergio Mtz (Drums). The first thing that grabs me is the striking album art, leaning into the Mexican Day of the Dead theme. Ten tracks are on offer on this debut effort so let’s get into it…
‘Intro-Katrina’ is a standard intro track, that many albums use a table setting device and does so in reasonably good fashion. ‘Ghost Behind The Mask’ follows and offers a very heavily inspires 80’s rock sound. It is a well delivered song with plenty of lovely melody throughout.
‘Living On The Line’ continues in a similar vain but adds a touch of modern melodic rock in the mix. Think of any of the Swedish melodic rock bands of the last 20 years to give you an idea. ‘Living On The Line’ is a catchy tune and starts to show there is some real talent within the Laguna ranks.
‘Punk Boy’ sees Sergio Mtz (drums) give the song a touch more dynamism with his playing here. Jose Mesta and Firio Verastegui weave some splendid guitar work, while Andreas Espada starts to show he is the real deal on vocals.
The pace slows for the power ballad ‘Wildfire’. Espada’s vocals are class alongside the framework of eloquently played musicianship from the band. Mtz’ drumming has power and feeling throughout this song and Mesta’s guitar solo soars!
The album is flying by as we reach track 6, ‘These Chains’ which a certain Bon Jovi might have influenced. The song is so well delivered however, that it never suffers from being a mere imitation though. ‘Electric High’ sees Espada give another impressive vocal performance.
These Mexican’s are making quite a statement on this debut album! Mtz is great behind the drums on ‘My Syndrome’. It is about as heavy as Laguna get on the album. Espada unleashes a powerful vocal to match the step up in heaviness and Mesta adds plenty of colour with his lead guitar work.
The sparkling form continues with ‘Bring Back to Life’. Closing out the album is ‘Sinners of Tomorrow’. Both powerful and catchy in equal measure, the band is in full flow on this album finale. Laguna soar like a prime Rey Mysterio before hitting a 619!
A doff my sombrero to the guys in Laguna, ‘The Ghost of Katrina’ is a good album from start to finish. You could easily hit the play button again as soon as it ends. Rock fans please give Laguna a listen, I don’t think you will be disappointed!
By Carl Mace