Mutilator

Released in May 1987, Immortal Force is the first L.P. from Mutilator. For one reason or another, this band seems to be less known than others in the Brazilian scene from the mid-to-late '80s. This is 38 minutes of pure barbarism. The music here is raw death/thrash with a rather cacophonous sound. The guitars have a sharp tone, though some of the riffs are difficult to hear since the drums are way too high in the mix. While this is a definite flaw, it does add somewhat to the chaotic feeling of the record.

Unlike many others in the Brazilian scene, the vocals here are less harsh and somewhat more human. The angry shouting took a little getting used to, as upon first listen I'd expected something more akin to the evil black/death sound of their countrymen. Despite this shortcoming, the material is very intense. From the sinister tremolo riffs in "Memorial Stone Without A Name" and the title track to the hellish lead guitar solo on "War Dogs" to the absolute bludgeoning of "Brigade of Hate", Mutilator is unrelenting in their total assault. There are definitely moments when the riffs hearken back to Bestial Devastation. "Paranoic Command" is another standout, ending the record with a nod to early Celtic Frost.

It’s not as utterly savage as some of the others, but Mutilator still captures the same aggressive, primal spirit. The ferocity of the music is undeniable. Immortal Force deserves to be mentioned alongside the more well-known names from the Brazilian underground.

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