There is news of the full return of a band in these words. What you have seen with your own eyes and heard with your own ears in recent weeks was not an illusion. What they told you and what is on everyone’s lips is true. The moment to fully confirm it has come. LATZEN HAS RETURNED. Returned, to the stage this summer. Returned, to singing and record-making now. And then, after the new album, next year, to return – once again – to the stage and on tour. LATZEN, the quartet, still. That said, for the first time the original four are no longer there. Do you remember them? Aitor, Joxe Mari, Gorka, and Iker. Back then yes, but today no; Iker Martinez de Zuazo is missing from this 2025 LATZEN, the lead guitar has now passed into the hands of Yerko Ortiz. A guitarist of the new generation, for this band that wants to be as relevant in the future as it has been in the past. And in this way, the group, which has been one of the most remarkable quartets of the second wave of metal made in the Basque Country and in Basque, wants to continue its strong trajectory.
LATZEN, from 1993 to 1999 initially, one demo and two long studio works. “Heriotzari Deika” (demo), “Kontzientzia ala Infernua”, “Ardi Larruz”. First pause. In 2008, a gesture to pay off debt and, live album and DVD, “Hellmuga”. What is, after all, a metal band without live performances? And from there, years of silence and…
And, without any news, when we considered this chapter closed in the face of such emptiness, the first rumors started in the town, in Oñati. In Oñati, Deba-Goierri, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country. Also outside of here… Aitor, Joxe, and Gorka could not escape this. Iker has other projects and commitments and does not get on this train.
And yes, it returned, but after so much time, how? the skeptics will ask. This year, those who first saw it in Zorrotza and then live at Hatortxu Rock have the answer. And if you are not among them, now, when you listen to this Memento Mori, you do too. From the very first second, the intro, chorus, solo, and other parts of this new song will place current LATZ in its position. Metal. Metal crafted like few places in the Basque Country. That’s where they went, and that’s what they come for. This, at the time, was LATZ, but also what it will be from now on!
The “Memento Mori” single, produced and recorded by Iker Bengoa at Silverstar studio in Gasteiz, and its music video by Bideolan, is the third long studio production to come out before the year ends. And from January onwards, the concert tour as well. Jimmy Jazz, Santana 27, Leyendas del Rock… Those linked and those coming soon… Don’t let time escape, Memento Mori! LATZ!
Joseina Etxeberria.-
