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Campo de Extermínio (1987)
Campo de Exterminio is the debut L.P. from Holocausto. Released in February 1987, on Cogumelo Records, this is one of the earliest full-lengths from the Brazilian underground metal scene. This release may be more known for the controversial artwork and lyrics, but beyond that nonsense there is a decent record here.
Musically, this is raw and necro Brazilian black/thrash. The production is fairly poor, quite a bit below Morbid Visions but slightly better than Vulcano's Bloody Vengeance. The vocals alternate between Rodrigo's deeper style and Anderson Guerrilheiro's harsher, higher-pitched approach, while the riffs move between tremolo picking and the usual thrash style. There are some slower moments as well, adding a more sinister atmosphere. Upon first listen, the entire album has quite a chaotic feeling, partially due to the sometimes sloppy musicianship, but the structure becomes more apparent with repeated listens.
The first half of the album is definitely the stronger one. Tracks like "Campo de Exterminio", "Forças Terroristas", "Scória" and especially "Regimento da Morte" contain some of the more memorable moments on the record, moving between full-speed attacks and slower, more sinister passages. The latter is reminiscent of Sepultura’s “Funeral Rites”. By the second half, Holocausto is a little less successful at holding my attention than their Brazilian peers. The material isn't bad, but songs like "III Reich" and "Guerrilheiro Suicida" come across as mediocre by comparison.
Overall, this album isn't as essential as I.N.R.I., by any means. Nonetheless, there are a few satisfactory tunes to be found here. Had the album been shortened by a couple of tracks, it would have made a stronger impression. Sometimes, less is more. At any rate, anyone into the early albums from Sepultura, Sarcófago, Vulcano and Mutilator should give this a listen.
Musically, this is raw and necro Brazilian black/thrash. The production is fairly poor, quite a bit below Morbid Visions but slightly better than Vulcano's Bloody Vengeance. The vocals alternate between Rodrigo's deeper style and Anderson Guerrilheiro's harsher, higher-pitched approach, while the riffs move between tremolo picking and the usual thrash style. There are some slower moments as well, adding a more sinister atmosphere. Upon first listen, the entire album has quite a chaotic feeling, partially due to the sometimes sloppy musicianship, but the structure becomes more apparent with repeated listens.
The first half of the album is definitely the stronger one. Tracks like "Campo de Exterminio", "Forças Terroristas", "Scória" and especially "Regimento da Morte" contain some of the more memorable moments on the record, moving between full-speed attacks and slower, more sinister passages. The latter is reminiscent of Sepultura’s “Funeral Rites”. By the second half, Holocausto is a little less successful at holding my attention than their Brazilian peers. The material isn't bad, but songs like "III Reich" and "Guerrilheiro Suicida" come across as mediocre by comparison.
Overall, this album isn't as essential as I.N.R.I., by any means. Nonetheless, there are a few satisfactory tunes to be found here. Had the album been shortened by a couple of tracks, it would have made a stronger impression. Sometimes, less is more. At any rate, anyone into the early albums from Sepultura, Sarcófago, Vulcano and Mutilator should give this a listen.
(26 Apr. 2009)
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