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November 19, 2008 |
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01. Unexpected
02. Fear Is My Ally
03. Down The Jokers
04. Hidden Enemies
05. The Age Of Rage
06. Awake And Dead
07. Developed Underground
08. Unconscious Choice
09. Non-Shooting War
10. Subhuman Worms
11. Heads Or Tails?
12. Mercy Mass
13. Panic Syndrome
14. Terror Fetus (Bonus Track)
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SEPULTURA, KRISIUN, ADAGIO, SARCOFAGO, ANGRA...Add ANDRALLS to the list of quality metal bands calling Brazil home! Formed in 1998, ANDRALLS (Alex Coelho - Guitar and Vocals, Denis Di Lallo - Guitar, Eddie C. – Bass, and Alexandre Brito – Drums) recently released their third full-length release. The band refers to their brand of metal as "Fasthrash", so you immediately get an idea of what to expect. ANDRALLS have a strong following in their native Brazil and have supported the likes of EXODUS, JUDAS PRIEST, and MALEVOLENT CREATION there.
"Inner Trauma" clocks in at 46 minutes of relentless metallic attack, opening with a brief intro followed by a barrage of 13 songs about war and world turmoil. With aggressive riffs, relentless drumming, and frenzied fretwork, I cannot think of any other band currently mastering the 80's thrash sound like ANDRALLS. Sure, other thrash bands have recently made admirable attempts to return to their roots, but this band has yet to stray. Powerful drumming and a big double-bass sound are highlighted in "Down The Jokers" and "Non-Shooting War". Swift fretwork is showcased on "Fear Is My Ally", "Unconscious Choice" with its solo-intro, and "Awake And Dead" with its guitar-only parts and stop-start drumming.
The SEPULTURA influence is undeniable, mostly due to the two Alex's guttural bark, which mimics early Max Cavalera. The guitar tone could very well have been copied to imitate that of the "Chaos A.D." recording sessions. However, today ANDRALLS are more than a few rungs above SEPULTURA on the thrash ladder. There are also some SLAYER influences, most noticeably in the frenzied guitar solos that are often suggestive of the King/Hanneman team. In addition, there are a few occasions when BIOHAZARD-style chants can be heard ("Subhuman Worms" and "Developed Underground").
This is the in-your-face, riff-based thrash I grew up on, and love to this day. The production is outstanding and nicely balances all instruments with the lead and backing vocals. The bass drums hit hard and tight, and the guitars follow with a smack of their own. A suggestion: Play on 10!
ANDRALLS are an incredible band deserving of greater recognition, and with proper promotion and exposure, ANDRALLS' stock in the Brazilian (and world) metal market will continue to climb. There's a new leader in Brazilian thrash! Seek out this band and album before you feel embarrassed to say you've never heard of them.
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