Album Review: Abriendo Fuego by Nucleo Terco – A Raw Punk Energy Burst from 2003
Nucleo Terco’s Abriendo Fuego isn’t your polished, radio-friendly pop-rock record. Nope. This is a gritty, unapologetic dive into the raw edges of punk, Oi, and alternative rock. Released in 2003 under Spain’s Potencial Hardcore label, this album feels like a punch to the gut—exactly what fans of the genre crave. It’s messy, loud, and brimming with attitude, capturing the essence of rebellion without overthinking it.
The tracklist reads like a manifesto for discontent. Songs like “El Pueblo Y Sus Verdugos” and “Colapso Social” hit hard with their relentless energy and sharp lyrical edge. But if I had to pick two tracks that stuck with me after multiple listens, they’d be “Canciones De Guerra” and “A Martillazos.”
“Canciones De Guerra” grabs you right away with its driving rhythm and chant-worthy chorus. The guitars are razor-sharp, and the vocals have this raspy urgency that makes you feel like you’re part of some underground movement. There’s no pretense here—just pure, unfiltered passion. You can almost picture a sweaty mosh pit forming as soon as the first riff kicks in. It’s one of those songs that stays on repeat because it just feels so alive.
Then there’s “A Martillazos,” which hits different. The tempo slows down slightly, but the intensity ramps up. The lyrics are biting, almost accusatory, and delivered with such conviction that it’s impossible not to pay attention. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab a spray can and tag a wall (don’t do that, though). The breakdown near the end? Absolute chaos in the best possible way.
One thing worth noting about Abriendo Fuego is how cohesive it feels despite its varied styles. Tracks like “Los Parásitos” bring an Oi! vibe, while others lean more into alt-rock territory, but everything ties together through sheer grit. Even when songs share titles or themes (like the repeated mentions of “El Pueblo Y Sus Verdugos”), it doesn’t feel redundant—it feels intentional, like hammering home a point.
What surprised me most about this album was how timeless it feels. Sure, it came out in 2003, but the anger, frustration, and defiance still resonate today. Maybe even more so. Listening to it now feels like opening a time capsule filled with emotions we’re all too familiar with.
Final thought? If you’re looking for something safe and predictable, skip this. But if you want music that challenges you, pushes back, and leaves you breathless, Abriendo Fuego is worth every second. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself yelling along to “Canciones De Guerra” at 2 AM. Oh, and fun fact: try finding another album where “Verano del 42” shows up twice but somehow doesn’t get old. Good luck with that.
