Review by Greg on April 21, 2024.

I've got no preconceptions regarding vocals performed in Spanish language, but for some strange circumstances, in thrash records I find them usually coupled with subpar performances. In this desolate landscape, I always maintained that Dekapited's Ignacio Norambuena was one of the very few exceptions to the rule, so if you ever felt this same issue, look no further than this Chilean act... their sound, heavily inspired by South American giants, promises serious business as well. Their first EP Contra iglesia y estado (transl. 'Against Church and State', 2011) welcomes you right from its friendly title and bleak b/w cover. It's not gonna be a tranquil walk in the park.

The band must have thought they improved a lot over the course of 4 years, since on their debut full-length Nacidos del odio none of these songs is featured. Yet, some of them deserved a chance, at the very least because said LP didn't reach half an hour of total running time. Moreover, the title-track and opener is by far the highlight, and a legitimate banger despite the absence of a de facto chorus. It just needed a more elaborated solo (as other songs on this very EP have), since that wannabe-melodic progression doesn't work so well, and most of all just doesn't fit with the surrounding brutality. 'Exhumación' is also very aggressive, and the omnipresent gang shouts play their part, but there isn't a single song not matching that description, to be fair (well, apart from the instrumental/battle ambient intro, I guess). As long as we're talking of an EP, a collection of short, full-throttle blasters can be acceptable, they'll probably need to work on the songwriting to create something more memorable or diverse, 'Hipocresía' delivering the only actual refrain of the release.

Dekapited clearly (and thankfully) took inspiration from the better part of their subcontinent, and Norambuena's vocals are on par, even if not particularly unique, with some well-placed shrieks accenting the strong anti-religious message of the band. Even the sound is powerful, yet unpolished, and more balanced than the LP. I've got really few other things to ask a minor release like Contra iglesia y estado.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10