Review by Felix on December 27, 2022.

Sometimes it is just great to get back to the basics (“We want to drink beer”). Sometimes it cannot be generic enough (“We hate the society”). Sometimes lyrics are good, not because they are high-sophisticated, but they translate the music into words (“We want to be free”). In a nutshell, sometimes it is wonderful to listen to an album like In Punk We Thrash.

I admit that my first contact with the band via YouTube left an ambivalent impression. Music-wise, I liked their song, the title track, immediately. A great riff, a lot of energy and a primitive yet catchy chorus results exactly in what the song wants to be: a punk-influenced thrasher. But why was the singer, a kind of Mexican Mike Muir, waving a knife dummy around? Anyway, he was shouting words like “Mosh or die, pogo till death” while the lead guitarist looked like the grandson of Dee Dee Ramone. The more I listened the song, the more I enjoyed this straight neckbreaker and my inner voice told me I have to buy the album.

Now I am sitting here in my room and listen to the gold vinyl of In Punk We Thrash. This edition holds only twelve songs, M-A lists 13, 'Hasta El Infierno' is missing. Shit, but on the other hand: punk albums have to be short. And yes, there is more punk than thrash on this output. It’s not only the artwork, the pretty infantile painting on the back of the lyric sheet or the outfit of the musicians. The raw simplicity of songs like 'Hasta La Muerte' builds a bridge to bands like English Dogs (before they got lost where legend began…) or Broken Bones. Acidez do not know any kind of stop sign and so it is no surprise that 'Hasta La Muerte' is sandwiched by two equally straight and furious pieces, the instrumental intro (does this speedy opening send greetings to Nuclear Assault’s “L.S.D.”?) and the title track that scores with its irresistible drive. By the way, especially this song brings the high quality of the production to light. The bass guitar is a precious factor, everything is transparent but not sterile and no component lacks impact. Even in its wildest parts, for example during the dominant high speed sections of the friendly titled 'No Hay Perdón Al Enemigo', the production shines with clarity.

But does it make sense to highlight single songs? The entire A side is filled to the max with fantastic material. I am a little surprised by the lyrical excursion into black metal in 'Satanic Conspiracy', because the socio-critical lyrics are more fitting from my point of view. However, this is no big deal and you should not take my petty complaints too seriously. Of higher relevance is that the B side continues seamlessly from the previous material. 'El Punk Salvó Mi Vida' is another fast-paced soundtrack for the next mosh pit and, according to its title, it houses the most punk-like riffing of the album. Anyway, it’s not just the guitar work which makes this vinyl to such a superb release. Lead vocalist Tupa does not possess the most charismatic voice I have ever heard, but he expresses the necessary dose of anger, defiance and rebellion. So he qualifies for thrashing headbangers, nasty punk bombs and beery Motörhead worship ('Wasted On The Road', no highlight, but still okay).

Punk or thrash metal purists will probably moan about the here presented mix, but their narrow-mindedness is not the Mexicans' or my problem. Not only the villainous riffing of 'Anti-autoridad' is just too cool to be ignored and the bass guitarist gets insane one more time. I enjoy the connection of punk aesthetics with thrashing guitar sounds as well as the constantly high energy level of the dirty dozen of songs. And I am sure that 'Nos Quieren Controlar' has a real background, but the other side will never win as long as the alarming six strings of this song can be heard. Given this situation, I recommend the following: Drink beer! Hate society! Make party! Listen to In Punk We Thrash!

Rating: 8.7 out of 10