Flor de Loto, literally, (Flower of Lotus), is a band from Lima, Peru, which fuses progressive rock with the rich sounds of Andean music. And they have been doing this for over two decades. They played ROSFEST in 2018. And, they have recently released their latest album, Cosmos, on January 23, 2025; under record label OSKAR from Poland.
Flor de Loto are made up of band members: Alonso Herrera, who sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar; Alvaro Escobar, who plays drums; Alejandro Jarrin, who plays bass: and Sergio Cuadros, who plays flute. Guest artists include: Ray Alder, (Fates Warning), on lead vocal on the song, “Crossfire”. Mike DiMeo, (ex-Riot, ex-Masterplan), sings lead vocal on the song, “Cosmos”, and Diego Sánchez, also plays keyboards, on “Cosmos”.
The CD is already available on https://www.IndependentMusicMarket.com .
I have always loved Andean music, but marrying an Ecuadorian woman peaked my interest! She introduced me to even more bands and varieties of the musical style. I have often requested music to review from several Ecuadorian bands, but to no avail. So, the opportunity to finally review some of this Andean – influenced progressive rock, was an opportunity I could not pass up!
Flor de Loto, does a great job of creatively writing and performing Andean-influenced progressive metal music. This music is truly heavier than traditional progressive rock; or Cosmos is a heavier album than their past album. Either way the album is full of highlights and great music that will keep you entertained and spinning this disc in your home or car.
The opening track “Éxodo”, or “Exodus”, is an introductory flute solo, with accompanying keyboards. The little over, one minute instrumental solo is a wonderful introduction to the type of music I was expecting. I do hear a few similarities to Jethro Tull, but not enough to give them credit for the inspiration. This is Andean influence music primarily.
Then, “Revolución”, enters the soundscape with its full on drums, bass and electric guitars. The pace picks up and Alonso Herrera sings about the need for revolution, to facilitate liberty. Sergio Cuadros, who plays flute, really sets this music apart from all other metal progressive bands of its kind. This is an anthem to lead people from bondage into liberty. The drum solos from Alvaro Escobar, and the guitar solos of Alonso Herrera are inspiring. The lyrics on this track are all in Spanish, but anyone should be able to figure out the content of what he is singing. Sergio Cuadros’ flute stays perfectly in sync with the metal sounds of this fast moving soundscape.
The title track, “Cosmos”, is another power metal song, sung in English by Mike DiMeo, a former singer for Riot and Masterplan. All the while, Sergio Cuadros’ flute keeps up with fast moving electric guitar and drum beat; through this over five minute music explosion. Alonso Herrera repeatedly encourages us all to reach for the cosmos!
“Ahorita Voy”, opens with some cool percussion sounds before we hear the lead from Sergio Cuadros’ flute. Then, the metal guitars, drums and bass join in. This is an instrumental song full of guitar riffs and soloing, along with that warm, and natural, ever-present flute. Translated, “I’ll be with you in a minute!”
“Sobreviviré”, is one of the best songs on the album. It features Sergio Cuadros’ flute and softer acoustic guitar, along with, Alonso Herrera dueting in Spanish, with, fellow Lima, Peruvian, Ingrid Castro Segura. Easily one of the best songs on the album. Literally, “I will survive!” A fight song for us all. The video is also a welcome trek near the soft waves of the ocean. On this track Sergio Cuadros’ flute playing absolutely rivals Ian Anderson.
The metal guitars return on “Nuevo Amanecer”. However, Sergio Cuadros’ flute keeps up with the powerful sounds of the electric guitar, bass and drums. A new dawn, for us all; sung in Spanish.
“Ecos del Pasado”, opens with keyboard sounds and Sergio Cuadros’ flute, along with acoustic guitar and softer drums. The title means “echoes of the past”, and it is another of the best instrumentals on the album. Sergios impressive flute playing ratchets up to a new, higher level, on this song.
“El Reino del Dolor”, opens with more of Sergio Cuadros’ impressive flute playing. This time, literally, in the “The Kingdom of Pain”. That is the translation of the song’s title. This is a massive metal explosion, with Alonso Herrera reaching louder with his vocals to emphasize the pain, in Spanish. The drumming, electric guitar, bass and flute create an out of this world soundscape. Some of the best soloing on the entire album.
“Crossfire”, is the album closer. It opens with Sergio Cuadros’ impressive flute playing; accompanied by Diego Sánchez on keyboards. Then, guest singer, Ray Alder of Fates Warning, sings the lyrics to the song. Ray sings, “I am awake and I am in the crossfire”. A song about how all of us are caught between the crossfire of modern times. Broken promises from politicians, the media, and corporations, have left all of us abandoned. Ray sings well of the plight of the world, as Sergio Cuadros and Diego Sánchez try to comfort us with their playing, before Alonso Herrera rips into the air with a blistering guitar solo, supported with drums.
Flor de Loto’s Cosmos, is a wonderful escape into another world. A world of music grounded in the ancient past of the Andean culture and the middle of South America. The metal and progressive influences and sounds are thankfully augmented with the powerful flute playing of Sergio Cuadros. His musicianship, above all, gives this band its local sound. The music is rich in history and virtuoso instrumental performance. You cannot go wrong by giving Flor de Loto’s music a listen. You will be transported to the lovely culture, climate and land of Peru and South America, with this and any of their other albums. Take the next step and listen to or buy, Flor de Loto’s Cosmos. I think you’ll be glad you did.
Album Track List:
- Éxodo – 1:28
- Revolución – 4:37
- Cosmos (Featuring: Mike DiMeo) – 5:55
- Ahorita Voy – 5:07
- Sobreviviré. Featuring, Ingrid Castro – 4:26
- Nuevo Amanecer – 4:48
- Ecos del Pasado – 4:21
- El Reino del Dolor – 5:37
- Crossfire (Featuring: Ray Alder) – 7:32
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0icF_Ct-keAdWgFA6jOf1Q
https://flordeloto.bandcamp.com/album/cosmos?from=discover_page
https://open.spotify.com/album/3YTgejWgBvYwwB3AA29B1P
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTNBXNRG
https://tidal.com/browse/album/413047480
https://music.apple.com/gr/artist/flor-de-loto/338472837
https://www.facebook.com/flordelotoprogre
https://independentmusicmarket.com/pl/prog-rock/5799-flor
https://flordeloto.bandcamp.com/album/cosmos
https://WWW.INDEPENDENTMUSICMARKET.COM
https://oskar-cd.com.pl/
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiTexQuurt0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MVK2uskMeA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PdA9KK_Tss
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1229101921712782
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0qH9aY0dVA