What a beast of an album we got here! Brazilian thrash metal saturated with death metal from Chaos Synopsis does kick some serious ass. This trio from São Paulo released this, their debut album 'Kvlt ov Dementia', back in the summer of 2009. They already have their sophomore platter out, titled 'Art of Killing', but I'll start by reviewing this, because I've been listening to this one for far longer.

'Kvlt ov Dementia' is about very rolling, berserk and headbangable stuff. Great riffs, that require some finger acrobatics, swift wrist and impetuous feelings, together with ominous lead guitar work explode into ripping death metal shredding and the other way around. Old school evil death metal action together with venomous thrash create a fantastic, gripping and aggressive songs. The bar is set very high right from the start. Forthcoming songs do not disappoint, and this is a task well done. The album is filled with both rabid and catchy songs, that manage to do their stuff remarkably well. This means, that they move listener, who surely will feel sore after this exercise in brutality. Loads of double kick drumming, groovier beats and tight fast thrashing tempos are on offer. The bass guitar work is also rather varying, and is not hidden behind other elements. The songs remind of many legendary bands, but none wholly, and I must say for Chaos Synopsis' credit, that they manage to sound characteristic enough after all. Echoes of Kreator, Sepultura, Pestilence and Vader are heard throughout the album, and that's only a small take on Chaos Synopsis' assumed influences.

The vocals are utterly brutal. Throaty, inhuman and low bellowing sounds very unhealthy for the vocalist. I cannot be nothing but insalubrious, it's just so insane. The lyrics are filled with grammatical mistakes, but still understandable. The lyrical themes include lunacy, demons, religious exploitation and the human race raping the Earth. Nasty cover artwork with clear Hellraiser influence, which fits with the majority of the lyrics, is rather eye-popping.

The band is on fire here. Any of the songs does not slack at any point, but the energy level is high. This is another element, together with catchy songwriting, that makes the album stick out from the grey mass. It's more thrash metal style than death metal performance. I'm not totally contented with the production job. The guitar tone is sharp-ish and packed with power and rough distortion. The bass sound metallic and clanking, which reminds me of 1990s thrash metal records. And Steve Harris. The drums are loud in the mix, maybe a tad too vociferous. They were probably triggered, because every hit sounds like it was done with the same level of force. On the other hand it works, as it surely elevates the energy content. Tom drums sound like huge plastic barrels or boxes. but the drummer does not use them that much. The snare drum has quite an echo to it. Generally, the production deserves a benign mention from me.

'Kvlt ov Dementia' is one of those albums, that is no good for listeners' necks. It is filled with irresistible energy, good songs and barbaric performances. It's not perfect, but it more than does its job. Get it, is thrash metal with death metal aspect is your thing.

P.S. The European edition includes a faithful rendition of Death classic 'Zombie Ritual' and one of the band's own songs, with truly Sodom-esque mood.

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/27/2013 17:05