Guitarist Ramón Ortiz (Puya, Ankla) recently released his new instrumental track, “Theodicy.” It is the first single from his upcoming fourth solo album, and features a special collaboration with drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña, a longtime friend of Ortiz and his former Ankla bandmate. Check out the new track and find out more below.
“Light and darkness are key elements in our lives. They coexist and interact in a cosmic dance, shaping everything from day and night to life and death,” Ortiz explains. “In many Western religious doctrines, these forces are in perpetual conflict. However, in Eastern spiritual traditions, they are seen as complementary, creating harmony and balance. This duality has been the foundation of countless masterpieces in rock and heavy metal, and “Theodicy” seeks to capture that same energy.”
“Theodicy” draws its inspiration from the age-old philosophical concept of the same name, which seeks to reconcile the existence of evil within a world created by a supreme being. The track delves into the duality of light and darkness – forces that define not only the universe but also the human experience. Ortiz’s composition brings this contrast to life, with major and minor tonalities symbolizing the cosmic balance between good and evil, love and hate, peace and war.
Ortiz speaks fondly of reconnecting with Clarke, whose drumming elevates the song’s intensity and dynamics.
“Pepe’s explosiveness and dynamism were crucial to the track. We’ve had a musical connection since our Ankla days, and it was incredible to work with him again after all these years.”
More from Ramón Ortiz:
Ramón Ortiz has built a career on blending seemingly incompatible musical genres. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ortiz’s sound is rooted in both the folkloric traditions of his homeland and the hard-hitting riffs of 80’s rock and metal. From his early days with the genre-defining band Puya, which fused Latin rhythms with heavy metal, to his work with Ankla and his solo career, Ortiz has always pushed musical boundaries.
His solo journey began in 2012 with the release of his debut album, Ortiz, followed by Portal in 2015 and the EP Corozo in 2019. Each release showcased his evolution as an artist, blending progressive rock, latin fusion, and heavy metal. His work has earned him recognition across the metal world, including multiple tours with legendary acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, and Pantera. Now, with “Theodicy,” Ortiz takes yet another bold step forward, bringing together the dualities of light and darkness in a track that is as heavy as it is thought-provoking.
Ortiz first made his mark with the Latin metal band Puya, which won a Latin Billboard Award for “Best Rock Fusion Album” in 1999. He later formed the thrash metal group Ankla, which toured internationally, including Ozzfest 2007. Ortiz’s solo career, launched in 2012, has continued to break new ground, blending progressive rock with Latin influences. He remains a respected figure in the metal scene, known for his innovative approach to music. Ortiz is endorsed by Dean Guitars, Mesa Boogie Amps, Seymour Duncan pickups, and D’Addario Strings.
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