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Bloody Vengeance (1986)
Sometime in late 1986, Vulcano entered the studio to record their debut album, Bloody Vengeance. With a limited budget, the band had only 24 hours to record and mix the songs. The result was somewhat sloppy and rough. Despite the poor production, the arrangements still shine through the murky fog. The musical ideas were a bit more advanced than most might give them credit for. If this had been recorded with the same budget as Morbid Visions, for example, it is entirely possible that this album would be considered legendary by many. The material here is lacking nothing. It is a real shame that the production doesn't do it justice.
There is more going on here than one might initially expect from such a primitive and poorly recorded release. Vulcano move between frantic tremolo riffing, blasting drums and memorable mid-paced thrash sections without sounding as if they are simply trying to play as fast as possible. There are moments where the band hints at something more atmospheric or even epic, though these ideas are often abandoned in favor of another violent assault. Several of the riffs are surprisingly memorable and the solos are far better than one might anticipate from an obscure Brazilian black/thrash record recorded in a single day. The title track, in particular, feels like the most developed song the band had at the time, moving at a slower pace and creating a darker atmosphere than much of the material surrounding it.
The vocal performance is one of the highlights of the album. The grammar isn't perfect, but the message is clear. Whether dealing with demons rising from below to wage war upon the church, Satanic contempt for Christianity or Cold War anxieties, the vocalist sounds completely serious about what he is delivering. At times, he comes across as far more convincing than Cronos ever did. His voice often feels bloody possessed, while the title track reveals almost a tone of anguish, adding another dimension to the dark atmosphere.
Bloody Vengeance is essential for anyone that appreciates early Sepultura and Sarcofago. Don't expect a great sound from the CD reissue, however, as the master tapes were stolen. The album was transferred directly from vinyl, which may actually add something to the atmosphere, though it certainly lacks clarity. Highlights include "Spirits of Evil" "Death Metal" and the title track. Recommended!
There is more going on here than one might initially expect from such a primitive and poorly recorded release. Vulcano move between frantic tremolo riffing, blasting drums and memorable mid-paced thrash sections without sounding as if they are simply trying to play as fast as possible. There are moments where the band hints at something more atmospheric or even epic, though these ideas are often abandoned in favor of another violent assault. Several of the riffs are surprisingly memorable and the solos are far better than one might anticipate from an obscure Brazilian black/thrash record recorded in a single day. The title track, in particular, feels like the most developed song the band had at the time, moving at a slower pace and creating a darker atmosphere than much of the material surrounding it.
The vocal performance is one of the highlights of the album. The grammar isn't perfect, but the message is clear. Whether dealing with demons rising from below to wage war upon the church, Satanic contempt for Christianity or Cold War anxieties, the vocalist sounds completely serious about what he is delivering. At times, he comes across as far more convincing than Cronos ever did. His voice often feels bloody possessed, while the title track reveals almost a tone of anguish, adding another dimension to the dark atmosphere.
Bloody Vengeance is essential for anyone that appreciates early Sepultura and Sarcofago. Don't expect a great sound from the CD reissue, however, as the master tapes were stolen. The album was transferred directly from vinyl, which may actually add something to the atmosphere, though it certainly lacks clarity. Highlights include "Spirits of Evil" "Death Metal" and the title track. Recommended!
(22 Apr. 2009)
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