Exili is a band from the city of Lleida, located in the western part of Catalonia. The album Un Orgul Pels Teus opens with „Els Segadors“, the Catalan national anthem, followed by eleven full-length tracks in the Oi! / street rock style — medium tempo, melodic guitar leads, and a strong focus on the dominant vocal line. I’d say the record is also heavily influenced by melodic punk and classic rock, with traces of heavy metal in the arrangements. The songs are sung in Catalan — and that’s the basic factual characteristic of this LP.
But the key thing is that this record is an absolute blast, both musically and atmospherically.

If I had to sum up my feeling about this album in one word, it would be pride. Exili have created eleven songs that express love for their roots, pride in their class, and a strong connection to the skinhead subculture. All of that is captured in powerful, well-crafted, and genuine songs.

After the Catalan anthem, the album kicks off with the punk track „La Seu Vella“, dedicated to the Cathedral of Saint Mary (La Seu Vella de Lleida), a Romanesque-Gothic basilica that dominates the skyline of Lleida and serves as a source of pride for the local people. The second track, „Adrenalina“, is one of my favorites — a song dedicated to the northern stand of the Camp d’Esports stadium, home of Lleida Esportiu FC, a meeting place for the local skinhead scene. Next comes the strong patriotic song „Patria Immortal“, the slightly nostalgic „El Pas De Temps“ about the power of friendship (you can find a music video for this one on YouTube), and the equally emotional „Campanades A Morts“, dedicated to those who have passed away. All the songs on side A maintain a high standard and a distinctive atmosphere that blends nostalgia, pride, and a fighting spirit.

That feeling continues on the B-side, which opens with „Ebre“, a song about the Battle of the Ebro (1938) — one of the decisive moments that led to the rise of General Franco’s regime, which aimed to create a homogenized Spain, disregarding regional and national identities. „Cargolada“ celebrates the joyful moments in life — the parties and good times that are just as important as work and struggle. „Octubre“ deals with the events of October 2017, when the Catalan independence referendum took place and was violently interrupted by Spanish authorities, sparking a wave of repression against supporters of Catalan independence. „Trencant Les Barreres“ is about breaking down personal barriers that hold us back and keep us in place. „El Meu Odi“ is a classic skinhead outburst of frustration and aggression — a pure hate song. The final and title track, „Un Orgul Pels Teus“, carries a slightly nostalgic tone and pays tribute to hard work, perseverance, and pride in oneself.

This record is incredible and without a doubt one of the top contenders for album of the year 2025. Released on La Nostra Forca Records, it comes with a 52-page zine/booklet in Catalan, English, and Spanish, in which the band shares their thoughts on a variety of topics. Get your copy while it’s still available — I recommend this album with everything I’ve got. You’ll love it and keep spinning it on your turntable over and over again.

TOP TRACKS: Adrenalina, Patria Immortal, El Pas De Temps

BANDCAMP: https://1url.cz/aJZ9V