| Musical Style: Melodic Metal & Hard Rock | Produced By: Rex Carroll |
| Record Label: Retroactive | Country Of Origin: USA & Argentina |
| Year Released: 2026 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 43:57 |
Legado de Fuego gives Whitecross loyalists a Spanish option. The Retroactive Records released October of 2026 work traces to a YouTube video discovered by founding member and guitarist Rex Carroll of Argentine vocalist Romina Barba singing a Whitecross song. Struck by the power and character to her voice, Carroll reached out only for Romina to advise she did not have the instrumental tracks available to sing more Whitecross material.
Carroll rectified the situation by going through the Whitecross archives and putting together a compiling of studio recordings, outtakes and previously released tracks that formed the foundation for a full-length project. Specifically, Legado de Fuego encompasses eight Whitecross classics in addition to previously unreleased material in form of a song originally written for Whitecross, “La Oración Es Poder” (“Power Of Prayer”), and a newly recorded guitar solo, “Jack Conejo” (“Jack Rabbit”). Rounding out the Legado de Fuego lineup is long-term Whitecross timekeeper Michael Feighan and bassist Benny Ramos.
The Retroactive press material best sums things up: “With Romina adding her incredible Spanish-language vocals, Rex's idea became Legado de Fuego- a unique new chapter in the Whitecross legacy.” At the heart of the project is Romina Barba, whose “powerful voice was the inspiration that set the entire project in motion, bringing a fresh energy and Spanish-language identity to songs that Whitecross fans have loved for decades.”
Legado de Fuego loosely defines as a re-imagined Whitecross greatest hits package with Spanish female lead vocals. This might be an oversimplification, but the Legado de Fuego track listing is nothing less than impeccable beginning with opener “Basta” (“Enough Is Enough”). I always felt the 1987 self-titled debut of which the song traces includes the best song selection of a Whitecross album but ended up held back by thin production. This, however, changes in that Legado de Fuego accents a stronger mix realized in a sturdier low end, which allows the songs innate lower register groove not to mention brawny hooks to stand out that much further. Tying everything together is Romina, no small talent who vocally takes a ‘tough girl’ approach with a soulful middle register style that contrasts with much of the symphonic operatic and searing classic tenor female lead vocals abundant in the current hard music scene. Lyric snippet:
Hago el bein, Y hago el mal
Vivir asi me puede matar
Ya no quiero seguir , debo cambiar
Es hora de tu nombre levantar
Basta, ya debo cambiar
Las mentiras hay que terminar
Basta, hoy debo cambiar
Ya no quiero hacer el mal
Whitecross follow up cut “Señales Antes del Fin” (“Signs Of The End”) also manifests stronger production in form of sturdier rhythm guitar that provides an added high-energy dose not previously present. It also deserves note the cleaner mix of symbols. As with the original, Carroll is all over the place with his shredding lead guitar, including the closing minute to see him cut loose with his virtuoso abilities.
First of two from In The Kingdom, “No Hay Otra Oportunidad” (“No Second Chances”) remains a classic. It differs in now moving at a faster tempo and manifesting a heavier straight on metal vibe - rhythm guitar exudes a stauncher edge - as opposed to the commercial hard rock to the original. Perhaps it is due to Romina really belting it out, but hooks also stand out that much further. Lyric snippet:
Un hombre rico y con poder
Codiciaba siempre mas
Y lazaro el mendigo
Postrado en la puerta de aquel
El rico no podia volver
A sus hermanos a advertir
Ahora nos toca hablar
No dudes mas, no debes callar
No Whitecross album would be complete without an open-air “Eruption” style guitar solo and such is the case with “Jack Conejo” (“Jack Rabbit”) in which Carroll extols his open-air abilities. It leads to perhaps my all time favorite Whitecross song and lone entry from 1988 sophomore effort Hammer & Nail, “Llévalo al Extremo” (“Take It To The Limit”). I will go to my grave saying that if recorded by Ratt - noting Stephen Pearcy influenced founding member and front man Scott Wenzel - it would have been a significant hit. It remains as good in the hands of Romina, who lends some heartfelt soul to go alongside backend harmonies that stay true to the songs scrappy hooks.
Ensuing is another favorite in “Su Amor Siempre Está” (“Love On The Line”). In its initial form, it proved a slow and driving crawler with catchy riffs to spare and all the refuse to go away swagger you could ask. I also found it a bit heavier than many earlier Whitecross tracks with a bluesy metal vibe emphasized by Wenzel’s grainy delivery. The Legado de Fuego rendering further slows tempo with an added conspicuous bass presence and Romina lending further muscle with her rugged vocals. It equates to some of the albums finer moments. Lyric snippet:
Estas atrapado
Sientes dolor
Y ya no esta tu gran amor
Se termino
Tristeza hay en tu ser
Un vacio en tu corazon
Caen lagrimas por la traicion
Pero Jesus llevo tus cargas
El conoce tu dolor
New song “La Oración Es Poder” (“Power Of Prayer”) is also a winner- it would fit perfectly on most recent Whitecross album Fear No Evil from 2024. Song proves melodic metal manifest, with a light commercial inclining in which a blithe contour, settled guitars and precise hooks converge. The catchy harmonies remind of latter Stryper.
“Sabes lo Que Tienes Que Hacer” (“We Know What's Right”) in my opinion is the best cut off In The Kingdom. Each version exceeds six minutes. The Legado de Fuego recording stays true to the original with open air guitar to start and cowbell throughout not to mention rich low end groove to go with equal portions catchy riffs and bluesy proclivity. Instrumental run separates with a jazzy bass improvisational feel. Vocals are authentic as it gets. Lyric snippet:
Tu amor por el mundo
En pacado, nausebundo
No reconocen tu identidad
Aqui viniste to
Tu amor diste en las cruz
No saben que eres
Lus y eternidad
Segados por su ley
Ardiendo esta su fe
“Necesito de Ti” (“All I Need”) is first of two off Whitecross closing the album. It still proves straight on melodic metal, essential to an earthy street wise essence as blazing guitars and soaring refrain carry the day. I appreciate how the new rendering replaces the awkwardly shouted gang style backing vocals with those less pronounced but more flattering. If anything, the brighter and cleaner production stands out on this one.
Likewise, “En Cristo Estoy” (“He Is the Rock”) presents with the cleaner separation of guitar, bass and drums. Song continues to present as a top shelf metal anthem, distinctive to a commanding drum presence and shouted faith statement based refrain: ‘En Cristo Estoy!, Firme Estare!’ I take to manner in which it now carries past five satisfying minutes. Lyric snippet:
Peridido en la noche
Un esclavo seras
Estas en tinieblas
Rechazas la luz
Buscas el cielo
Pero enfermo estas
Cuando entenderas
Caiste en la red
It is obvious a great deal of time and thought went into the Legado de Fuego track listing. There is not a bad song present with classic after classic along with two strong new cuts. Lone misgiving is I wish the group had made room for at least one song off 1989 third album Triumphant Return. That said, Carroll remains in top form as does Feighan and Ramos, with Romina imbuing each track with her assertive but soulful vocal personality. Give kudos to the clean production and excellent cover art. I see this one remaining a frequent player for time to come.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Basta” (“Enough Is Enough”), “Señales Antes del Fin” (“Signs Of The End”), “No Hay Otra Oportunidad” (“No Second Chances”), “Jack Conejo” (“Jack Rabbit”), “Llévalo al Extremo” (“Take It To The Limit”), “Su Amor Siempre Está” (“Love On The Line”), “La Oración Es Poder” (“Power Of Prayer”), “Sabes lo Que Tienes Que Hacer” (“We Know What's Right”), “Necesito de Ti” (“All I Need”), “En Cristo Estoy” (“He Is the Rock”)
Musicians
Romina Barba - Lead Vocals
Rex Carroll - Guitars
Benny Ramos - Bass
Michael Feighan - Drums
