I have been a big fan of Brazil’s death/thrash all female band Nervosa since their 2014 Victim of Yourself debut album.  I reviewed that album and interviewed the guitarist Prika Amaral and then vocalist/bassist Fernanda Lira.  Both were super cool and totally into the old school death and thrash metal bands and really loved paying homage to them in their brand of extreme metal.

Their follow-up albums Agony and Downfall of Mankind were also incredible; however last year Prika was left holding the bag as Fernanda and drummer, Luana Dametto departed to join a new group called Crypta, another female death/thrash band, who are working on a debut album.  Rumors swirled that Nervosa were no more, however Prika gave everyone the middle finger and said that isn’t so.  The 3-piece became a 4-piece; enter: Mia Wallace on bass, Eleni Nota on drums and Diva Satanica on vocals.

This has culminated with the fourth album – Perpetual Chaos and easily an early favorite to make my end of best of list for 2021.  13 songs of death thrashing madness.  A few items first, Fernanda had an outstanding voice with a wide variety of ranges.  Diva, is a little more guttural and raspy – both have similar styles though.  The drumming on this album is fantastic as is the bass guitar.  Prika, keeping things together, knows how to write guitar riffs and her riffs are amazing on this.

“Venomous” starts with an awesome isolated guitar riff before going into a sound, which more so on this album, then past efforts, calls to mid-late 80’s death thrash metal, with a heavy dose of German thrash influence on this – more on that later on.  The song gallops with some wonderful drum rolls and fills and monster screams and growls.  I love how Diva pronounces Venomous in the chorus.  Original and different.  Excellent double bass and some nice guttural sections to rip your head right off.

“People of the Abyss” immediately starts with the Holy Shit moment.  Super-fast then gets into the blast beats, which are smooth and tight.  About mid-way through, some nice guitar soloing and double bass action.  The song gets into a more classic fast gallop towards the end with nice isolated vocals to end the song.  The title track has an outstanding opening growl and right into the rumbling heaviness.  Excellent catchy guitar driven riff-oriented track, as well as chorus to compliment one another.  Some Slayer riffing going on during this track especially towards the end.  Calls to mind the guitar sound on South of Heaven.  Once live shows start happening this will be needed to be included in their setlist as it’s a pit-inducing maddening song.

Back to that heavy influence –  “Genocidal Command” features the legendary Schmier from Germany’s Destruction.  The opening guitar riff actually is a beautiful homage to “Invincible Force” off Destruction’s best album – their debut Infernal Overkill.  Schmier doing the same opening scream as well and contributing some other vocals to the song.  This song rules, through and through with the catchy chorus, guitar solos and well inserted blast beats.

If you enjoyed Nervosa’s prior material then Perpetual Chaos will bring a smile to your face and with the new members, do not worry if there is a drop-off in the songs or talent- there is an increase, if anything in those areas.  The production is excellent and will punch you in the gut over and over again.  The album cover is classic and has 1987 written all over it.  The blue background is very eye-catching.  Get this album now.  Buy or Rot in Hell!!

[Visit the band's website]

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