Literally a hotbed in the metal realm, Latin America has been producing some worthy domestic acts that deserve the attention bestowed upon them. Costa Rica is home to Chemicide, a thrash metal band with an EP and four albums to their credit (this scribe giving 2017’s The Act of Retaliation kudos in a Rapid Fire column on this very site), building things up in the old-fashioned, DIY way. Picking up interest through Listenable Records, Violence Prevails as the latest recording should be a momentum builder as the quartet looks to solidify a presence beyond known territories into the international landscape.
The eight original tracks keep things firmly sharp in that crossover/hardcore meets classic Teutonic/Bay Area thrash mold. Opener “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” may start off relatively slow in its riffs/tempo, but soon the aggression, gallops, and speed take over as neck strain becomes obvious, the vocals barked out in a Power Trip meets classic Sepultura matter of fact delivery. The guitar volleys in rhythms between Frankie and Sebastian sustain interest on first to subsequent playbacks – forceful with just the right amount of chaotic to melodic spirit one hopes for in this style. Experienced musicians know when to fluctuate the instrumental sections to shift tempos and atmosphere, setting the stage for the next whirlwind passage of heaviness. Destruction guitarist Martin Furia handles the mixing/mastering duties – ensuring a full sound where every instrument has its proper placement, the bass attacks equally as the guitars, and the additional narrative elements make sense next to the songs. Traversing classic crossover into contemporary output for “Systemic Decay”, you also will be blown away by the sheer intensity next to rabid word spew on “Chokehold” and be enthralled with the acoustic, classically laden touches that make “Scalped” a progressive, twisted outing when it kicks into high gear.
Digital and CD versions for Violence Prevails feature two extra covers – including the title track of Metallica’s last studio album 72 Seasons that works better to these ears thanks to Frankie’s impassioned vocal cries. Chemicide possesses the right balance of energetic thrash next to some solid hardcore/punk mechanics to elevate themselves across the globe based on their understanding of this genre, putting together a record that rocks.