Bloque-Hombre, Tierra y Alma (1979)

Bloque was a Spanish progressive rock band that released four studio albums, some of which are considered among the best in Spanish progressive rock. Founded in Cantabria in 1973, the band consisted of keyboardist Juan Carlos Gutiérrez, bassist Luis Pastor, drummer Paco Baños, and guitarists Juan José Respuela and Sixto Ruiz. In 1978, they released their self-titled debut album, "Bloque", which already showcased their talent but was nonetheless hampered by a certain immaturity in their compositions. A year later, they captured the attention of fans with their excellent "Hombre, Tierra y Alma" (Man, Earth and Soul), a concept album featuring more elaborate compositions and more complex instrumentation. Long instrumental passages are the common thread throughout this outstanding work. From the opening and atmospheric "Humanidad indefensa" (Defenseless Humanity), to the folk-tinged instrumental "Por fin he vuelto a ti" (Finally I've Returned to You), and including rock exercises like the powerful "En infierno está aquí" (Hell Is Here), or the melodic progressive "Meditación parte I" (Meditation Part I). This album showcases the band's perfect balance between the hypnotic and ethereal sounds of the keyboards and the electric guitar riffs combined with acoustic guitars. In a similar vein, the band released "Hijo del Alba" (Son of Dawn) in 1980, which, despite its immense quality, was released in the midst of the Spanish post-punk era and went somewhat unnoticed by the public, who were more interested in the music of the Movida Madrileña (Madrid Scene). Today, Bloque is considered a cult band in the history of Spanish rock, having created music that was in no way different from its more renowned European contemporaries.