Here's some great thrashy hardcore from S?o Paulo, Brazil. These guys have appeared on numerous compilations in recent years, but I believe this is their most recent full-length release (from way back in 1999). Their style is relatively fast with a nice dose of classic crossover and a little bit of a punk vibe at times as well. The vocals are straight yells and gruff shouts with killer vocal patterns that work out nicely with the music. "Atitude" is much heavier than some of the other tracks, even throwing in some forceful gang vocals and dissonant lead lines/harmonics. And "Destr?i" is another slower track with some nice groove laden breaks mixed in with the speedier chord progressions. But the real winners are the ragers like "Nascer, Crescer, Sofrer e Morrer": Total energy, catchy as hell, a raging pace... this is just an awesome song. Crossover hardcore at its best. I really like the recording. The drums are totally natural, the guitars are thick without being overly heavy, the bass presence is there, and the vocals are really clear. I'd maybe turn up the bass a bit (the distortion would blend nicely with the guitars), but that's about all. There are a couple of tracks that have a totally different sound that's a lot thinner and relatively ineffective, but those tracks are few, so it's cool. The CD comes in a slim cardboard slipcase and the cover shows one of the band members' heavily tattooed chest - completely covered in rather intense imagery that makes a stern political commentary. Inside is a xeroxed insert with a few small band photos and all of the lyrics. The lyrics are in Portuguese with English translations provided, and the content is overtly political, dealing with corruption, greed, revolution, the menace of war, as well as opposition to capitalism, racism, etc. ""Shopping centers in town, Money that nobody has, slums everywhere, Hunger - hard to feed, Unsold dreams, Given away illusions, Pretty people, but only outside, Throw the capitalism away, This is nothing but alienation, You're not a trademark, Learn to live." I really like the message of the lyrics here, and it definitely seems like an important focus for the band. This is good stuff. I'd definitely recommend checking this one out if you're into finding out about cool bands from outside the US that really should be getting more exposure.
[Stun]
Running time - 33:26, Tracks: 17
[Notable tracks: Crian?a Soldado, Nascer, Crescer, Sofrer e Morrer, Bandeira Negra, Destr?i, Terra Esquecida]
F.D.S. - http://www.fdshc.com
