In the past this Mexican band, Acrania, were known as Necrofilia. Far better name now, methinks... Anyways, I've read that Necrofilia's music was built from melodic death metal and thrash metal together with Mexican music (eg. Son Jarocho), and that's exactly what Acrania do too. Acrania utilize Latin instruments such as Jarana, Teponaxtle, Congas and Pailas.

Melodic death metal part of 'In Peaceful Chaos' is catchy, if nothing too original. First two minutes of 'Emotionally Unstabilized' is pure riffage, growling and rhythm section that will make your foot tap. The rhythm is simply infectious! At 2:30 minute mark some Latin percussion is introduced. Think of something like At The Gates and Overdose mixed together. Bloody energetic performance and doesn't sound forced at all. 'Sea of Infinite Answers' starts brutally, but at 2 minute mark the Latin music influences come forth again, as a easy-going part in the song. Another catchy song without much lead guitar work, solos on the other hand are good. 'The Final Shot' includes where that power metallish lead guitar work is really heard for the first time. And a fucking saxophone! And more, fucking 'La Bamba'!!! I though that "this can't work", but it does, because it's not elongate. 'Despair' is the most varying song here.

Soundwise this is really metal. Raw and heavy yet breathing. The growling is the same throughout the EP, and doesn't improve or worsen this. The able drummer gets two thumbs up, and other instrumentalists perform briskly.

I haven't heard metal and 'La Bamba' mixed before, but Latin music in metal isn't anything new. Anyways, Acrania have individuality, and it can get any band far. Sharper song writing is still required to make the band take a real gap between others, because now the songs are a bit too similar, no matter how many different styles there are mixed in them.

Rating: 6½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/11/2008 20:53