Review by Felix on March 27, 2020.

'Freewheel Burning' was the opener of Judas Priest's masterpiece "Defenders of the Faith" from January 1984. Almost 35 years later, Power from Hell play their version of this early speed/thrash classic and what can I say? Excellent selection, miserable execution. I miss the high-pitched screams and the charisma of Halford and even the music does not have this irresistible momentum of the original. That's pretty embarrassing in view of the technical possibilities of today, if I am not completely mistaken.

Let's try to forget this experiment gone wrong and have a look at their own material they feature on this well-designed vinyl (poster, lyric sheet). The delicately titled 'Hell's Gangbang' opens the gates wide to the realm of black thrash metal without chaotic sequences. Power from Hell are not known for unorthodox structures and they keep sticking to their guns. Almost primitively designed pieces with a more or less good flow and a minimum number of breaks form an EP which scores with homogeneity, integrity and power. 'Obscure Creation' has a great riff, a convincing chorus and a stormy solo, but the rebellious guitars of 'Altar of the Black Rites' also illustrate that the band has slightly increased its song-writing skills. Even though the songs stand in the tradition of the former releases, a certain new maturity shimmers through.

However, the Brazilian three-piece does not revolutionize its style, by far not. The malicious voice is still present, the vibes of early Venom are not missing and, as always, the production spreads the rotten stench of the underground. Given this situation, I regret that Blood 'n' Spikes clocks in at 21 minutes - a full album would have been great, because all of their own compositions ensure this pretty fine feeling of filthy fun that characterizes this bastard called black thrash metal. Power from Hell will never become the most exciting band of the universe, but they know their trade and I do not miss anything with the exception of the caught, bound and gagged girl that usually ornaments their artworks. But maybe she just could not bear this unworthy version of Priest's monument.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Carl on March 31, 2020.

With a band name like Putrid one can easily imagine that what's going to be offered will not be for the faint at heart, and you would be right. This is some filthy and menacing blackened death/thrash, the kind that they do so well in South America. It's evil, relentless and unmerciful and reeks of underground spirit.

And true to this tradition, Putrid comes out blazing. Obviously, the most prevalent influence is Sarcofago (of course), but you can easily add the other usual suspects to that list: Sextrash, Possessed, Holocausto, Sodom, they're all here in the vicious attack of blasting drums, roaring barked vocals and tremolo picked riffs. It's high speed menacing black/thrash with a touch of primitive death metal, delivered with raging intent. In songs like 'Gehenna' and 'Pentamorphic Maze Asylum' Putrid let some Scandinavian touches seep into the music, giving them a frosty touch in their execution. The band is at its best when going bat-shit bonkers in unrelenting vicious insanity but in the aforementioned 'Pentamorphic ...' they slow down things significantly which provides a change of pace, giving the listener some space to breathe. Due to the somewhat thin sounding production the songs lose some of their menacing power though, otherwise this album could have been up there with kindred spirits as Impiety, Goat Semen and the first Angelcorpse album. Their next full length Antichrist Above had this problem solved, finally exhibiting their primal metal of death to full potential.

This is aggressive metal that goes right for the jugular even if it's marred somewhat by the thin production. Still, the venomous approach to their craft shines through and should be satisfying to all those into raw and vicious South American black/thrash/death.

Rating: 7 out of 10