Jinetes Negros - Un Falso Resplandor (2026)

In 1999, ANIMA's keyboardist Octavio Stampalia and vocalist marcelo Ezcurra put together a new project with the help of a guitarist, bassist and drummer. JINETES NEGROS (a name based on a poem by Nené Dinzeo meaning "Black Riders") have released a couple of accessible prog albums, rather song based but nicely enhanced by Sampalia's keyboards and the effective use of choruses provided by a dozen singers.

With its Wakeman-like keyboard flights, their first (eponymous) album is more likely to please progsters, with parts running the harder edge à la ELP. The grandiose, large-scale impression provided by both the choirs and the simulated orchestral textures (keyboards) give the album a 'rock opera' feel, akin to musicals such as "Les Misérables". The musicianship is solid throughout, especially Sampalia's keyboard play. More like a hard-rock album in disguise, their second effort entitled "Chronos" is more mainstream, with a few symphonic prog trimmings here and there - and minus the impressive choirs of the first CD. It is a concept album based on 12 works of Salvador Dali with surreal lyrics to match. Because both albums are highly song oriented, it pays to understand Spanish to fully appreciate the material.

Fans of NEXUS will find some common ground, here, as well fans of early to mid-70's Rick Wakeman.