1 Split, 2 Vomits – 65%
Byrgan, May 28th, 2008
Brutal Distortion Side 55%
It isn’t surprising that this is Brutal Distortion’s only release. They play a basic caught-in-between style of death-thrash. The problem I find with them is they would have sounded better in one or the other style of genre. Typically, they might alternate between a wobbly version of basic thrash riffs, and then try to sway you with a brutal extreme death metal side with darker riffs and deep, growled vocals.
The vocals for this release are a major hurting point. They lack direction, overall emotion, and sound misplaced. He might do a gurgling/coughing noise at the end of a riff. And an every-now-and-again scream. However, the growls don’t match the music and lack consistency. He might just throw in a quick growl and nothing for a while and repeat the process. It is kind of distracting. The song writing is decently played death-thrash. With fast and aggressive riffs that alternate between darker and more atmospheric passages. He uses a lot of chugging sections, mixed with quick chords, and a multitude of single noted sections. They play primarily at a mid-pacing. And on slight occasion might venture to a faster alternated thrash beat. On the last track, I hear a few near identical early Sodom-like riffs emulated, mixed with his gruff and growled vocals. The drums and bass are a less stand out effort. Although, they took the time to have a mini bass solo on one of the songs. Otherwise, the bass guitar is mixed with the guitars. His drum work, due to the production, sounds a little dry and average. On the track Veneral Disease there is a repeated simplistic keyboard melody, which I wasn’t expecting. It is repeated in the beginning of the song and then towards the end. I don’t know the name of the effect. But it sounds like a less drastic higher pitched organ that mimics the main guitar riff that it plays overtop.
Brutal Distortion was a quick and basic death-thrash band that alternated between the two combined genres with a lacking skill level. This isn’t as aggressive or out of control as some other more well known extreme Brazilian bands previously were. Because at points they will have a more quick and thrashy side, and then a more atmospheric dark side. Also the vocals don’t sound like they fit the music, and sound out of place and inconsistent. The production is a faltering point as well. Because what they were trying to achieve metal wise, could have used a little more thicker riffs and a more pumping drum set and bass guitar. They basically just get the job done. Overall, there are a few decent moments here and there with an occasional catchy, headbangable riff. But the recording lacks in more areas than one.
Expulser Side 75%
Breaking into their first release, Expulser would need no introduction from Sarcofago fans alike. They play an influenced style similar, and at the same time they deliver their own niche. The album opens up with a simplistic chugged section, that sounds like a basic death metal riff. Layered overtop with a wind effect and keyboards. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But then sure enough, the blasting and out-of-control insanity begins. Expulser wasted little time trying to trick you—that you might of picked up a calm and tranquil album. Well, think again. Because the rest of the album doesn’t let up, even a smidgen, in the chaotic department.
This side of the split release has an identical low quality production value. However, the music is able to back itself up, for which the production values can’t. This is a similar affair to the Brutal Distortion side, where they play a borderline style of death-thrash. Where you can pick out a prior thrash metal influence, yet it has a distinct characteristic of verging into the death metal terrority. However, Expulser play a far more aggressive and relentless brand of bludgeoning, pumping song writing. A stand out feature of the guitarist is how he utilizes higher notes in a way that still sounds aggressive and at the same time steers from a showy technical fair. He will usually use these when they are playing at a blazing speed, and might use a more chugged or thicker sounding riff when slower or mid-paced. Some of the riffs sound like they took mid-80’s Bathory and early simplistic Sodom riffs and played them as if the skin of their fingers would tear and bleed. The vocals are where the distinct Sarcofago influence comes in. They use a dual growl and higher scream showcase. The drummer is crazy as D.D. Crazy and uses ridiculously blasted drums, suffocatingly weighted mid-sections and slower primitive chops.
When both bands on the split have the word “vomit” squeezed into a song title, your nose might wrinkle from disgust and you’ll know something is definitely ominous about the recordings. From thinking that both sides show an outrageous entity, this side fairs a better sounding and more tight and aggressive band. They sound like an adapted version of Sarcofago for comparative sense. However, they do deliver their own brand of intense death-thrash. The guitarist has a unique sense of higher placed riffs when speeding up and catchy maneuvering when slowing down. And the overall feel doesn’t leave you hanging from ill musical direction, you’ll just wish there was more than three songs to boast.
rafazardly 