Free Metal Monday: Warside-Warside

Self-release/Independent
2018

Warside is a (N.W.O.B.H.M.-influenced and eighties metal inspired) heavy metal band from Brazil that is lead by Leonardo Leão. Available for fee at the following site,"Warside" looks to be the group's first demo. It is a four-track EP that could easily pass as a long-lost relic from the early eighties. Despite it's so-so artwork, "Warside" is a fun listen and a release that I would recommend to fans of old-school metal.

Damn Youth-Breathing Insanity

Cospe Fogo Produções
2018

Damn Youth is a raw thrash/crossover band from Caucaia, Ceará, Brazil that has been in existence since 2013. Fronted by Elton Luiz, Damn Youth made it's debut in 2015 with the 3-track demo "Skate in Hell". In 2016 the band released a split with Lei do Cão and the 3-track EP, "No Mercy to Nazi Sympathy". Both the split and the EP came out on cassette tape. In addition they both featured cover songs. The split saw the group cover a track by Vio-Lence while "No Mercy to Nazi Sympathy" features a cover of "Nazi Punks Fuck Off" (Dead Kennedys). In a very real way both of those bands (Vio-Lence and The Dead Kennedys) show up to play on Damn Youth's latest recording. Released on January 9th, "Breathing Insanity" might not feature any cover tunes, but the influence of vintage thrash and old school punk/hardcore runs wild on this full-length album! Available as a (name your price) digital download by clicking here, "Breathing Insanity" is what you get when you take the crazier side of the thrash metal movement (Vio-Lence, Forbidden, Exodus, Toxic Holocaust, Slayer, etc.) and mix it with crossover (D.R.I., C.O.C., Suicidal Tendencies, Cro-Mags), punk/hardcore (the aforementioned Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, Discharge, etc.), street metal (Zoetrope), and rough & real garage metal. With 13 wickedly fun tracks in all, "Breathing Insanity" has a great underground vibe going for it (even if one cannot ignore the exceptional skills of these mad musicians!). At the end of the day it is an absolute steal as a name your own price download. That said, Damn Youth might be onto something by offering it for next to nothing. If it helps spread the word about this Brazilian band then it will all be worth it. For now, why not jump aboard this bandwagon while it's still within sight?

Free Metal Monday: Oblivious-Doom

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Brazil's Oblivious expertly split the difference between doom metal and stoner sludge. Indeed it is a glorious thing to behold! Unfortunately there is only one track "Doom" and that would be the five minute plus title track. This (name your price) single was just released this month. Hopefully it is just the start of many good things to come. 

Free Metal Monday: Mad Monkees-Mad Monkees

Self-Release/Independent
2017

Mad Monkees (sic) is a (buzz-worthy!) hard and heavy rock/alternative metal band from Brazil that is lead by guitarist/vocalist Felipe Cazaux. This name-your-price album is the group's first full-length release and it showcases a talented band with a lot of clever ideas and the momentum to go far.

Madkill-Mass Destruction

Self-Release/Independent
2016

Madkill is a Brazilian thrash metal band that was initially formed in mid-2010 by guitarist and vocalist Natanael "Natan" Alves. The 5-track "Mass Destruction" is this band's only studio release to date and from what I'm been able to gather it was recorded in studio K9 with a line-up of Natan Alves (guitar/vox), Felipe Gabriel (bass) and Jhonatan Rozante (drums). As of 2016 Madkill's current drummer is Clayton Moreira and he joins Natan Alves (guitar/vox) and Felipe Gabriel (bass) in the pursuit of greatness....or at very least potential new gigs! Whatever the case might be, "Mass Destruction" (which was initially put out in 2014 and is making the rounds once more!) is a whole lot more than it initially appears to be thus making it a "interesting" release from this São Paulo-based that is said to be influenced by the eighties metal scene. The EP opens "innocently" enough with "Run to the War" which is a (rough & raw) slab of primitive thrash metal. The next cut, "Freedom and Peace", follows a similar path (even if it does feature some short but tasty speed metal licks about half way in!) and from the way in which it makes it's initial entrance so does this EP's third track,"Guardian of the Sanctity". The thing is once I pulled back the curtain on "Guardian of the Sanctity" I discovered the naked truth of Madkill's music. On it's surface "Mass Destruction" might just look and sound like a typical thrash metal recording, but just like a perfectly-constructed house it's the foundation that really matters. For Madkill that foundation is garage rock/heavy metal. And it's a solid foundation. Add to that the occasional sing-speak nature of guitarist Natan Alves and you've got a thrash metal EP with a garage rock/metal base and a pleasant punk rock aftertaste! While it seems a stretch to think that a Madkill full-length album will suddenly appear anytime soon at least there is this 20 plus minute EP to keep us rockin' and rolling!      

Hibria-Hibria

Test Your Metal Records
2015

Formed in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul in 1996, Hibria is a heavy/speed/power metal band that is fronted by Iuri Sanson and influenced by groups as diverse as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pantera and even Deep Purple! In 1997 Hibria released it's first demo entitled "Metal Heart" and since then the group's ever-expanding catalog has grown to include one other demo, a single, a split release, a live album, a video, and a handful of full-length studio albums!! The self-titled "Hibria" is actually album number five for this Brazilian band that also features guitarists Abel Camargo & Renato Osorio, bassist Benhur Lima, and drummer Eduardo Baldo. It follows 2013's "Silent Revenge" and with 11-tracks in all it offers more than enough metallic thrills to keep your blood pumping and your heart racing! Custom-crafted and geared towards fans of (uptempo) heavy/power metal and (aggressive) technical speed metal, "Hibria" is a nice way to get your rage on without having to even step foot outside! This one is nice and heavy and it's got wicked leads, catchy choruses and everything else that you love about tried & true classic heavy metal. "Hibria" is well-worth tracking down and in case it isn't obvious enough this CD comes with my highest recommendation! 

Greensleeves-Inertial Frames

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Active since 1993, with this hour plus release offering proof positive that when it comes to high-quality progressive metal Europe and North America do not have the market cornered(!), Brazil's Greensleeves makes their triumphant return to the heavy metal scene with the Victor Schmidlin-produced album, "Inertial Frames". No strangers to the writers of Heavy Metal Time Machine (or for that matter to fans of top-tier progressive metal of the melodic persuasion!) this skilled five-piece previously appeared in these very pages thanks to their full-length debut-album, "The Elephant Truth"*. That particular album offered a unique mash-up of all things hard and heavy with the added benefit that it fell under the blanket of progressive/power metal and it was reviewed here by the one and only Metal Mark. The thing is that was way back in November of 09! Incidentally that was also the last time that fans of Greensleeves were able to wet their whistles with new studio material. So, naturally this new album is a long time coming. But, thanks to talents of guitarist Victor Schmidlin (ex-Dynahead) and his overall exceptional band-mates the long wait appears to have been well-worth it as this band has returned with a fine example of how to make a progressive metal album that is immensely technical while simultaneously hard-hitting and down-right enjoyable! Sounding for all the world like a heavier Dream Theater or possibly even Symphony X (only with a bit more attitude and more of a sense of urgent energy), "Inertial Frames" offers everything fans of the genre could ask for from well-thought out and moving passages to thunderous riffs and even some hearty take-downs that border on power metal! Unfortunately very few things in life are absolutely perfect and to be fair there are a few faults to be found with the band's sophomore album. On occasion there are ideas that don't sound as if they were thoroughly followed through but this could be attributed to the time off between albums and the fact that even the best of bands can be rusty right out of the gate. Also the mix on album number two can be a bit uneven at times with the vocals of one Gui Nogueira all but suffering as a result. Again, it's not a every-track occurrence but when it happens you notice it. For a self-produced affair though it's a minor complaint as this album certainly comes across as a labor of love from Greensleeves to their fans. And trust me when I say that the good times far outnumber the bad times on "Inertial Frames". There is way more to love about Greensleeves these days and man alive it is just so good to see that this band is still going at it after 20 or so years! For more information on this Brazilin act and to find out how to secure a copy of their new album for yourself be sure to head over to the link that follows! 
 https://www.facebook.com/greensleevesfb

*http://metalmark.blogspot.com/2009/11/greensleeves-elephant-truth.html

Mia Doi Todd-Floresta

City Zen Records
2014

Just released a few weeks back, "Floresta" is a choice collection of Brazilian covers from inspiration singer-songwriter Mia Doi Todd. Featuring this (indie folk/word music) artists' favorite moments, it is also the latest in a long line of highly-respected/well-loved albums from the always evolving Mia Doi Todd. Inspired by a 2009 tour to Brazil (as well as a life-long love of Brazil, it's culture and of course it's music!), "Floresta" finds this L.A.-native strolling about at a leisurely pace where ideals such as comfort and hospitality are but a given! This collection also goes a long ways toward further cementing this graceful singer's status as a creative (read: endless creativity from this beautiful soul!) and wonderfully imaginable artist. As bold and colorful as the country that inspired it, "Floresta" is simultaneously invigorating and relaxing and thanks to a "cast of all-native players" it ends up feeling as authentic as the woman who helped mold and shape this charming collection! For a true artist who has conquered every musical challenge that appeared before her with pride and heartfelt determination, Mia Doi Todd's latest work should stand the test of time and end up being a release that many people will no doubt turn to in times of joy and distress. "Floresta" is long-over and well-deserved vacation where the listener is able to travel far away from the ordinary and mundane in order to land in world where peace, love and understanding not only exist, but ultimately reign supreme and unchallenged. Thank you Mia Doi Todd for allowing us to pick up our bags and our burdens and journey there with you so that we too can freely share in all the peace and love that our hearts have been longing for!

Slasher-Katharsis

Self-Release/Independent
2014  

Brazilian thrash metal? Now where have I heard that phrase before? Wasn't there that one band that used to feature the brothers Max and Igor Cavalera? Whatever became of that? All kidding aside, Slasher (who hail from Itapira, Sao Paulo and shouldn't be confused with several other metal acts that hold the same moniker) prove that there is so much more to Brazil's scene then just Sepultura. Of course most of us in the metal community already knew that, but should further proof ever be needed to persuade the naysayers just point in the general direction of this aggressive band and let the metal doing the talking for you! Active since 2008 (with "Katharsis" here serving as the second full-length studio album from this fast, frenzied and fantastically fucking furious five-piece!) Slasher (who actually bring to mind bands like Testament, Slayer and Annihilator more than Sepultura!) first made it's mark with the EP "Broken Faith". That was back in the beginning of 2009 and since then the band (with a pair of singles sandwiching the 2011 debut-album, "Pray For The Dead") has shuffled the deck some line-up wise and (going by the hellfire sounds of this Tue Madse-produced album!) emerged all the stronger! With a terrifically terrifying new lead-singer added to the line-up (Paulo Skeeter) and a pair of top-tier guitarists (Lúcio Nunes and Lucas Aldigheri) that know the ends and outs of all things awesome (technical thrash, eighties thrash, modern metal and even death thrash make up the body of work known as "Katharsis") this band could and should go far! Both albums ("Pray For The Dead" and "Katharsis") can be downloaded for free at the link below, but for a band this good you really should toss a few bucks into the coffer (if for no other reason then just so that Slasher can continue on in it's attempt to rage and pummel it's way to the top of the pile!). And really, if Slasher can keep pumping out first bangin' metal like this there's no reason to think that they will remain unsigned for that much longer! 

http://www.slasher.com.br/en/?page_id=32

Despot-Satan in the Death Row

Self-Release/Independent
2013

With a trio of EPs due for release starting sometime later this year, "Satan in the Death Row", which was the first full-length release from one-man project Despot, is worth investigating if only so that it can serve as some sort of foundation/introduction to this Brazilian black metal project. The biography of Despot seems simple enough. Formed in 2008 by sole member Marcelo Murrer (formerly of Necrocult and Unholy Massacre Marcelo takes care of all of the music here incl. vocals and instruments), Despot hails from Belo Horizonte, Brazil (the same sinister area that brought us Sepultura and Sarcofago among others!) and while this might just have been the group's first full-length release it wasn't Despot's first foray into the studio as three demos were issued between 2009 and 2010! With "Satan in the Death Row" the oddity doesn't simply begin and end with the cover artwork (no idea about that one friends...) seeing as Despot enjoys a hearty breakfast featuring just about all kinds of meaty metal! There's hints of  German thrash (early Sodom and Destruction) as well as the music of Despot's hometown (Sepultura, Sarcofago and even Mutilator). There's (of course) the black metal influences (Celtic Frost, early Rotting Christ and Bathory) and even death metal influences such as Immolation, Angel Corpse and Morbid Angel. But then there's also influences and sounds that you just can't quite put your finger on. As the drum parts here are programmed, which is the (unfortunately) one of the chief complaints about "Satan in the Death Row", there's a slightly off-setting mechanical vibe to the material but even beyond that the music of Despot is just....different. Sole member Marcelo Murrer obviously knows what he wants by this point in time it's just that Despot (even for a eclectic black metal band) bring so much to the breakfast table to devour that there are occasions when it gets downright messy! Still, there's just something about "Satan in the Death Row" that makes you want to hear more from Murrer's project so I'll be keeping an eye out for the new EPs so that we can further explore the music and the madness that lies at the heart of Despot. Until then, should you feel adventurous and in need of some simple mind expansion that is, give this album a workout of your own. You never know, but you just might find yourself as keenly drawn in by the odd appeal of this Brazilian one-man project as I and many others have been!

http://despotband.bandcamp.com/

Nervosa-Victim of Yourself

Napalm Records
2014

Formed in 2010, with bassist/vocalist Fernanda Lira (ex-HellArise, ex-Hellgard) remaining the solo original member of this São Paulo-based thrash trio, Nervosa present their full-length debut in "Victim of Yourself". Proceeded by the 7" vinyl single "Time of Death" (self-released in August of 2012 it would be re-released by Napalm Records a mere month later!) this 12-track LP features extremely aggressive and legitimately fast thrash metal that has made fans out of fellow Brazilians' Max Cavalera (ex-Sepultura, Soulfly,Cavalera Conspiracy) and Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) as well as the one and only Bobby Blitz of Overkill! Those are some pretty solid endorsements when you think about it, but Nervosa deserves such credit given the mad skills that these three lovely ladies lay down on "Victim of Yourself"! Andreas Kisser, who issued the following statement: "Nervosa has everything to make history in metal worldwide and follow the steps of other great power trios like Motörhead, Destruction, Coroner and Krisiun!", probably sums up feeling best when it comes to a band like Nervosa and given the skilled-set of musicians that bassist Fernanda Lira (a fine heavy metal front-woman whose killer voice resonates with sheer power!) has chosen to surround herself with this power trio should go far! Besides Fernanda Lira the band Nervosa features lead guitarist Prika Amaral and drummer Pitchu Ferraz (ex-Ajna, As Mercenarias, Wander Wildner, ex-Hellsakura) and, without overstating the obvious here, this ladies-only power trio shreds as well as any/all of their male counterparts! For such insane and over-the-top (and yet technically sound!) thrash metal there is plenty of melody to go around, but when push comes to shove these fine ladies simply lay waste to everything they encounter with their BRUTAL sonic assault. Part old-school and part modern there is just too much to love about about this Brazilian trio and for fans of extreme thrash this one seems like a real no-brainer!

Electric Age-Electric Age

Divebomb Records
2013

Last October Divebomb Records, which is a division of Tribunal Records, announced the arrival of a new series called "Divebomb Bootcamp". Initially the Bootcamp series was set-up so that it could "pay homage to seminal record label, Combat Records, and the vinyl 12" releases they originally issued back in the late 80's bearing the same moniker". Translated that means that the series would be used to highlight long thought lost gems of the hard rock and heavy metal underground. We're talking about unreleased albums, lost-sessions and demo recordings from misc. bands. These releases would be strictly-limited to a mere 500 copies and they would include a smorgasbord of cool extras like brand new artwork, full-color booklets with previously unavailable pictures and even new interviews with the bands! All of which is fine by me. Especially seeing as there are more then enough (extremely worthy) "lost" recordings floating around out there to keep a series like this going strong for years and years to come! But, here's the thing. While Divebomb Records might have started off with the notion that they would just unearth lost gems, which again is a damn fine idea all around, somewhere along the way a new idea popped into their heads. Why not use this series as a way to (also) highlight new and exciting, up-and-coming bands that might not otherwise get a chance to step up and shine in the spotlight? Solid idea right? All of which brings us to the aptly-titled Electric Age and this recently released six-track EP. Despite calling Brazil home, and (overall) being from the wrong-time period, this young outfit sounds remarkable British in their approach to seventies rock. Yes, I said seventies rock. Probably the only thing that would give this one away (in regards to it being from the here and now and not the late seventies) would be the more modern production. Otherwise this limited edition CD (we're talking about only 500 copies boys and girls with this sweet EP so you might not want to drag your feet on snagging this one up!) sounds as if it was ripped straight out time and dropped right into the laps of those of us who long for a time when rock and roll was still real and not so "artificial". Lead by the rustic vocals of (rock star in the making) Junior Rodrigues, whose soulful and heartfelt voice sets the stage for what is to come early on with Rainbow meets Uriah Heap rocker "Rise", Electric Age rolls through their Divebomb Records' debut-release with the cruise control set firmly on ROCK! And rock this band does! Cuts like the Rainbow-flavored "Dreamer" and the UFO-inspired "All Night Long" offer up hope real rock and roll is still more then ready and willing to kick down the doors of the establishment and give modern radio rock the old heave-ho that it rightly deserves! Sure, "All Night Long" might also have a bit of (early) G 'N R going for it, but at the end of the day this is a band that is more rooted in the likes of  Rainbow, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Blue Öyster Cult (bits and pieces of "Echoes Of Insanity" show a clear love for the more straight-ahead rock style of late eighties B.Ö.C and, yes, it is awesome!) and even Sweet (see "Good Times Are Coming") then late eighties/early nineties hard rock! In fact when you hear a track like "Snake Eater" it's not too surprising to find out that the band began life as a Deep Purple tribute act. Besides being custom-crafted arena rockers, meaning AOR lovers should stand up and take notice, both "Snake Eater" and it's follow-up number, "Echoes Of Insanity", sound as if they could be long-lost Deep Purple numbers! A lot of that goes back to the skillful playing of guitarist Luiz Felipe Cardim whose rock riffs make a release like "Electric Age" sizzle! Together with Junior Rodrigues (and let's not forget the lethal rhythm section of bassist Otavio Cintra and drummer Nico "The Boss") guitarist Luiz Felipe Cardim cuts a clear a clear path through the mess that passes for rock and roll these days. The fact is if numbers like "Snake Eater", "Echoes Of Insanity", "All Night Long" and "Dreamer" don't make you believe in the healing powers of rock and roll again then you might want to check your pulse as you're probably dead! This EP, with it's full-color, 12 page booklet(!) serving as nothing short of a spicy addition, is a must for those who love real rock and roll especially the classics!


http://tribunalrecords.bigcartel.com/product/electric-age-electric-age 

Blackchest-The Lung of Stone

Attitude-Headbanger's House
2013

If it isn't at all obvious enough by this EP's album art then let me make things a bit more clear. You can file this one under "pirate metal". Or at least theme-wise. Formed in 2005, and lead by guitarist/vocalist Jack Oliver (aka Calleb Oliveira?), this four-piece heavy/power metal act hails from Itabuna, Bahia (Brazil) with "The Lung of Stone" serving as their official debut release. Now, before we get too far into the role of that piracy plays in a band like Blackchest I do have to wonder if I predestined to land this EP. After all, look at the EP's sticker below:

That's right, this came from my record store! OK, not really. But, that still made me smile when I unearthed it from a bundle of promo material (to which I say a must hearty thank you to my friend Glenn!). So, what are we to make of Brazil's Blackchest then? I mean, other then the fact that Brazil seems like a strange place to find a band of metalheads doing the old "Hoist the Jolly Roger!"! Well, despite the (obvious) temptation to label this bunch "Brazil's answer to Running Wild" this is one four-piece that (musically) has more in common with the eighties power metal scene! Back in the day (when bands by the dozens were popping up everything trying to be the next Metallica or Megadeth) a band like Blackchest would have found plenty of love from the metal community thanks to their earnest love and respect from straight, to the point, heavy-handed power metal. More then anything that is the most striking feature about this bunch from Brazil. There's clearly a distinct love for old-school power metal and, to a lesser extent, thrash. Rounded out by guitarist Mauricio Sousa (also of the Brazilian death metal band Escarnium), bassit André Costa and drummer Fábio Loureiro this is the sound of a band that, while technically still in the formative years, shows a lot of potential for long-term success. The only downside to this 4-track EP, which was co-released by Recht Records back in November of 2013,is the somewhat uneven mix. On occasion the vocals sound as if they were not mixed properly, but with a proper budget and a well-schooled production team this is an outfit that could easily make a bit of noise in the power metal scene especially since they have a niche that isn't that worn-out yet. Blackchest is another new band that I'll be keeping an eye out for as I have a sneaking suspicion that this bunch could be sitting on hidden gold!

Hibria-Silent Revenge

AFM Records
2013

Looking for modern power metal? If so Brazilian Metal band Hibria should suite your tastes. Founded in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Brazil back in 1996, with their 2004 debut album, "Defying The Rules", receiving (well-deserved) high-praise from both the public and the press (including here at Heavy Metal Time Machine),  Hibria's latest release is the very definition of modern power metal. Lead by a talented front-man in Iuri Sanson (no complaints when it comes to his set of lungs) the band has become well-loved in their native country as well as in Japan where they take their dedication to bands seriously. It's easy enough to understand why this sort of band would inspire that kind of blind allegiance as power metal like this remains highly respected outside of the states. You'd think that a band like this would also be embraced by Europe, but maybe it's simply a case of there being way too many good native bands there that a band from Brazil just can't break on through. Either way this band who, in addition to their lead vocalist, is down to just one other original member in guitarist Abel Camargo offer up technically sound modern power metal that is just fine and dandy. Why then does it strike me as being somewhat blah? There is the truth of the matter (that I'm not a big fan of European-style power metal), but this band, while you'd think they would be making waves in Europe, are more traditional power metal then the usual likes you'd expect to see signed up to AFM Records. But, the band has what I'd describe as more skill then style. Or at least on this album. While I did not review their debut album personally (that was all Metal Mark) I've heard it and it sure seems as if something happened to the band between album number one and this release, album number four. It's like the independent spirit is gone for these guys and it's been replaced with a modern sound and a modern production that on one hand is improved, but on the other hand it's all flash and no substance.  Fans of modern power metal could do much worse then this release, but if you're looking for more of an urgent and hungry sound then I'd hunt down their debut.

Panndora-Behind the Crime

Self-Release/Independent
2012

It was some months ago that I followed up on a suggestion that I needed to track down this 3-track EP. As a fan of female-fronted heavy metal/all women metal bands this one held the promise of being right up my alley. Panndora's "Behind the Crime" actually follows in the footsteps of the band's second full-length album,  "Heretic's Box" which I do plan to cover down the road a bit. With that said I've got to admit to the fact that I had half-forgot about asking for this promo material when I got a message that it was on it's way. Panndora were nice enough to send me their "Heretic's Box" as a bonus so I thank them for that in advance. As the group hails from Maringá, Paraná (Brazil) the bulk of material (in regards to info about the band) is not in English, but that doesn't really have any effect on the group in general so no biggie. This all-ladies heavy metal act was formed in 2000 and, per the Metal Archives, were initially known as Wind Of Fate. This 3 track EP was recorded at Refrão Studio and Burn Studio (Maringá-PR) in 2012 with one of the tracks, "Cold Eyes", getting the royal music video treatment at the start of 2013. Said video is linked below. So, you might be asking yourself "Self, what makes Panndora tick?" and the answer to that is STRAIGHT-UP ASS-KICKING METAL! The influences range from the obvious/big name bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Kiss, Twisted Sister and AC/DC to the more subtle/not so-much big name groups like Doro/Warlock, Acid, Warlord, Running Wild, Vixen, Grim Reaper, Quiet Riot, Wasp and Grave Digger. Some folks have always drawn connections to the sound of Sacred Blade which I wouldn't deny, but I'd add on the likes of Omen, Exxplorer, Leatherwolf, Sacred Rite and Lizzy Borden. In other words these 4 ladies flat-out slay the metal dragon! If there's a downside to be had it's the short length. It leaves you primed and ready for more, but you're left longing. Thankfully I still have the other album to dig into so I won't fall into that trap myself. As these lovely metal maidens are from Brazil mainstream success will be a challenge for them, but others have done it before and, with the right label and promotional department behind them, Panndora could very easily break out to! For more information be sure to check out their Facebook page and the band's own site.
http://panndora.net/
https://www.facebook.com/panndoraband
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=43tKKZXCgtM (video of "Cold Eyes")

Axecuter-Metal Is Invincible

Infernö Records
2013

While the cover of "Metal Is Invincible" might not inspire a lot of confidence out of curious metal fans (even though cheesy album art and heavy metal music have always made for good bedfellows-just look at Exciter!) there is a lot to appreciate out of Axecuter's full-length debut-album. Perhapes I'm getting a bit too far ahead of myself though. Who (or what) are Axecuter you might be asking. Well, the band hails from Curitiba, Paraná (Brazil) and, having formed in 2010, released their first demo, "Bangers Prevail", in 2011. The group followed up the 3-track demo with a 2-track EP called "Innocence Is Our Excuse". From there the band would move on to the meat of the matter, 2013's new album "Metal Is Invincible", and everything would be right with the world. Or is it? The album opens with the title track and, as "Metal Is Invincible" comes thrashing out of the gates like a blood-thirsty mutant zombie (you'll have to pardon me as the kids and I watched "Quarantine" last night!), things quickly accelerate into "Fist Banging Mania" territory! With 9-tracks total (one of which is the instrumental, "Destructive Blitzkrieg" and another is a choice cover, "Heavy Metal to the World", originally done by Manilla Road) this is a no-frills, plenty of thrills speed/thrash assault through and through! Speaking of that cover (which again, is just choice!) the band managed to rope in Mark "The Shark" Shelton as a guest! Of course all that does is make it even more insane! The band is lead by vocalist/guitarist Danmented (Daniel Azevedo) who, in addition to also playing with Imperious Malevolence, has previous played in Subversive, Offal, Dementia and Infernal. His lead guitar work is solid while his lead vocals are off the chart! They have an almost Cronos quality about them which works rather well considering the overall sound of this disc. The band is rounded out by drummer Baphometal and bass player T. Basstard (Tersis Zonato) who, aside from laying down some meaty bass riffs here, has played in a black metal band (Lutemkrat) and a death metal band (Offal). Together the three of them unashamedly take inspiration from the likes of Venom, Warfare, Raven, Exciter, Tank, Razor, Hydra Vein, Motörhead, Sodom, Killer, Warrant (the original German one and not those wanker "Down Boys"!) and the NWOBHM act Avenger. Another sloppy & raw speed/thrash act you say? You got it! And frankly it's fun. No, it's not brilliant (nor is it meant to be) overly technical thrash. Instead this is the kind of thrash that works best in hold-in-the wall joints where the bear is cheap and the women....well, you know the score! If you can't see beyond the goofy album art then I feel sorry for you. For within tracks like "No God, No Devil (Worship Metal!)" and "Keep on Sinning" are thrash riffs custom made for the pit and stage diving. In a world where metal gets rather boring sometimes it' good to have garage thrash on hand to brighten your day!