Collecting three digitally released demos and EPs from Brazilian crusty death/doom metal, 'Smog' is a brutally real take on human's effect on planet Earth. Okay, these topics are everywhere, but so is destruction, so take it like a man or continue living in your neon bubble where money is the priority #1.

'Egologic Noise' demo from 2013 is the first release by the band, and so it is on this compilation CD. I am not going to throw idiot jokes about electric guitars, amps and CD's plastic here, because as brutal as the truth is, still loads and loads of people need some eye-opening... well, whatever to open their eyes to the condition of this planet. Anyway, crusty 1980s & early 1990s death metal with ominous and malicious riffs is what the debut demo is about. Heavy open-string riffing and licks, and fast chainsaw tremolo picking is what listener gets. There is no much vocals, but when they happen, it is about greatly echoing throaty growl, like someone shouting through heavy smog. Pace-wise, it fluctuates from doom-ish tardiness to punky D-beating. Variety of suitable drum beats and bass (sometimes distorted) playing give sturdy backbone to it all. It offers some memorable parts for sure, but generally is cool stuff for crusty death/doom fanatics.

'Genetics of Defeat' (2016) is truckloads heavier and more low-tuned. Stockholm death metal element is a tad stronger here, especially on the opener 'Smog'. The songwriting is more varying, and also more interesting, even though no new building blocks were presented. However, they go way deeper into leaden doom here. By the way, they can keep it interesting without vocals, no matter what release. 'Human Disaster Never Ending' from 2017 drags the band to more sludgy waters (also shown on the EPs cover is a picture from the Mariana dam disaster).

So, there is variety between the three releases compiled here. I like the middle one the best, because death metal is the tastiest style on the menu for me. So there definitely is loads of styles, but not so many vibes: Get ready to be fucked! It will be interesting to see what the band manages to achieve with 2 guitar players now.

This compilation is devoid of all recording information. The artwork is a tad childish. Thankfully, the lyrics are printed in English and the band's native language. But generally, it isn't a grand good job at all. The music is very much a different story, for sure. So if you're in for some sonic hell, go on and check out this band.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
08/19/2019 18:54