La Inquisición from Barcelona was formed on the foundations of the band Secret Army. While Secret Army played energetic punk rock with English lyrics, La Inquisición retained that same drive but switched to Spanish and took their sound in a much darker direction. Since their formation in 2015, the band has quickly established itself on the European punk/Oi!/streetpunk (call it what you like) scene, releasing several EPs and two full-length albums – LVX (2018) and Tenevrae (2020).

Uróboros is a four-track EP released in 2022 on the HFMN label from Badalona. Here, La Inquisición methodically builds its own musical universe – dark yet elegant, filled with melancholy and emotion. This is not just a collection of songs, but a cohesive record where each track functions as part of a larger whole.

Lyrically, the EP touches on themes such as the pain and sorrow caused by the absence of a loved one, the urge to escape daily routine, moments of mental awakening, and the struggle with life’s difficulties. The band avoids superficial slogans or clichés – their lyrics are introspective, thoughtful, and sincere. Even the track titles – which translate as Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter – reflect a conceptual approach. The EP thus symbolically forms a closed circle, a cycle of seasons and human emotions.

The record comes on purple vinyl and is housed in a gatefold sleeve with full lyrics included. The packaging is carefully designed and reinforces the impression of a fully realized artistic vision.

For me, this is one of the most remarkable European punk rock releases of recent years. I admire the fact that the band sings in their native language – and even more that they’re not afraid to step outside genre stereotypes and create their own poetic voice. The Uróboros – a serpent eating its own tail – is an ancient symbol of infinity. I don’t know if that symbolism was intentional, but this is an EP I could play on repeat endlessly – as the seasons change, the record spins, and the story goes on.

This is exactly the kind of release that proves physical records still matter. Not just for the music, but for the artwork, the depth of thought, and the creative intent behind it.

Best track: Otoño