Origin: Spain
Formed: 2018
Genre: Folk / Melodic Death Metal
Status: Active
Label: Unsigned / Independent
Themes: Rural Issues, Valencian Regionalism
Curial is a folk/melodic death metal band from Valencia, formed in 2018 and distinguished by its strong cultural identity and lyrical commitment to Valencian regionalism. Their music blends the aggression and melodic intensity of death metal with traditional Iberian folk instrumentation—hurdy‑gurdy, dulzaina, lute—and lyrics primarily written in Valencian/Catalan. This linguistic and cultural focus places Curial among the few extreme metal bands actively preserving and promoting regional heritage through their sound.
The band’s name references Curial e GĂĽelfa, a 15th‑century Valencian chivalric romance, signaling from the outset their dedication to historical and cultural themes. Their debut EP The First and the Last (2019) introduced a sound rooted in melodic death metal riffing, harsh vocals, and folk textures, establishing the foundation for their evolving identity.
Curial gained wider underground attention with the single The Bat (2020), followed by Memòria de la nit – Memoria da noite (2021), a bilingual release that highlighted their interest in regional folklore and rural narratives. The same year, Al paĂs de l’olivera further emphasized their connection to Valencian land, traditions, and social issues, blending melodic aggression with folk‑driven melodies.
Their later singles—Terra oblidada (2023) and La cercavila (2024)—showcased a more mature and cohesive sound, with richer folk arrangements and a stronger interplay between harsh and clean vocals. These releases paved the way for their first full‑length, Veus sense nom (2025), a work that solidified Curial’s position as one of the most distinctive folk/melodic death metal bands in the Spanish underground. The album explores themes of memory, identity, rural struggle, and cultural resilience, supported by dynamic songwriting and a refined balance between metal intensity and folk authenticity.
Curial’s lineup includes musicians active in other notable Spanish folk and power metal projects, such as Celtibeerian and Sylvania, contributing to the band’s strong instrumental versatility. Their use of hurdy‑gurdy, dulzaina, and traditional melodic structures sets them apart within the Iberian extreme metal landscape, making them a unique voice for Valencian cultural expression.
Sergio Garay – Clean Vocals, Dulzaina, Lute (2018–present; also in Celtibeerian, Sylvania)
Rubén Tomàs – Guitars, Harsh Vocals
José Nájar – Hurdy‑Gurdy, Backing Vocals (also in Aasymar)
Josep Andreu Raya – Bass
Pablo Albelda – Drums (2018–present)
Kike Ripoll – Guitars (2021–present)
Past members:
Javier MartĂnez – Bass
Emilio Perales – Lead Guitars
Jaime Pérez – Harsh Vocals
Irene Mateu – Wind Instruments, Clean Vocals
Xavi Estarelles – Dulzaina (2021–?)
The First and the Last – EP (2019)
The Bat – Single (2020)
Memòria de la nit – Memoria da noite – Single (2021)
Al paĂs de l’olivera – Single (2021)
Terra oblidada – Single (2023)
La cercavila – Single (2024)
Veus sense nom – Full‑length (2025)