Perth Express - s/t - 10

Labels: Crucificados
Review by: Kunal Nandi

This is an absolutely exceptional bunch of blazing metallic hardcore songs from this German band. Brutal without being bone-headed, fast without it becoming a pointless blur, and, most of all, varied without losing any of its relentless, adrenalising, fist-pumping momentum. You can spot the influences “” take a bit of Botch, a bit of Mörser, a bit of Uranus and so on “” but it has all been combined to make something quite incredible. There is some vicious playing on display, especially from the drummer, whose flair for the double-kick really rockets these devastating slabs of riffing along. So much happens so quickly without the flow being disrupted that the overall effect is quite overwhelming and utterly wonderful. Not only that, but the whole thing looks as beautiful as it sounds, with the politicised German lyrics thankfully explained in English via simple but effective silver print on black card, together with fiery streaks of pink vinyl seared through the clear record. Further proof, if it was ever needed, that as far as extreme music is concerned, Crucificados Pelo Sistema is the best label around bar none.