"The Youngest Thrash Metal Band from Cuba." That is from the band's official Facebook page. Do you remember how Death Angel, Kreator, and from newer bands Nuclear Omnicide, ripped the shit out of listener on their first releases?! It was about pure energy, intensity and fervour! So, how do these youngsters hold a candle compared to some bonafide thrash metal maniacs?

First: Forget originality. This album is about thrash metal and how it was made to sound in the 1980's. No modern traits needed, you know?! Really, they are not needed, if a band playing it old school way do nail it. Infector do fucking nail it. This does not sound half-baked wannabe thrashing, this sounds like the real thing. So now you want a proof of it, right? Well, go and spin 'Deranged' or 'Fallout of Mankind' right now.

Okay, how was it, then? Yeah, proven correct. To tell the truth, I could have named any of the songs there. 'Blind Faith' has those evil Slayer chord progressions, 'Chernobil' conta(m)in(ate)s that rabid Destruction touch, old Sepultura's South American madness can be heard on 'Deranged'. Okay, even though the album starts off with somewhat modern style post-thrash intro, but fuck that, soon it's gonna be like in 1980's! Well, almost, as pizza thrash moments happen when loud yet quite hilarious gang vocals are blazed, and with the miss-leading cartoon-ish cover art. Still, this tastes pretty old school, believe me. And definitely more so than newer albums from old bands mentioned here.

The main vocals are rabid and beastly distorted bark/rattle with power. Could be vocals for a death metal band, too. The lyrical themes are nuclear (war) threat (1980's strikes back), religions, destroying posers and mental states. Them gang vocals are clean shouting, that would fit something more like Suicidal Tendencies. The guitars are sharp, and sound a bit similar to Sepultura's 1989 classic album 'Beneath the Remains'. By the way, the prouction job sounds ancient! And clear-ish, dry (not in a bad way) and above all, poignant. Anyway, solos can be insane fret-board runs or contain some melodiousness. The rhythm section provide heavy and rigorous enough basis for other instruments.

If you enjoy newer thrashers like Nuclear Omnicide and Deathraiser, Infector could well be your new cool discovery. Infector might not be quite as intense and violent, but not far back. Definitely a thrash metal band to keep your eyes and ears on, so why not try this and have a fucking circle pit in your den.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/21/2020 18:58