Review by Jeger on July 23, 2024.

The international thrash/death metal coven known as Nervosa have become a veritable institution; a powerhouse despite its many lineup changes. Past members include the likes of Mia Wallace, Diva Satanica and Fernanda Lira who’ve all left their own unique black marks upon Nervosa’s celebrated discography. In 2021, Nervosa released their “Perpetual Chaos” LP, much to the enthrallment of fans and critics. Diva Satanica’s presence at the fore along with Mia Wallace’s legendary swagger behind her bass were just a couple of this album’s high water marks. Now, in the midst of post-plague global hysteria, Nervosa have returned with another scorcher of a record and of course another revamped lineup. On September 29, Nervosa, through their continued pact with Napalm Records, released “Jailbreak”.

No sweat and no regrets as usual with Nervosa. With “Jailbreak”, Nervosa have brought to the threshold another hit-the-ground-running type of LP. And the riffs are as sweet as ever. Taken back by the heavy metal-inspired, Motörhead and Judas Priest-worshipping title, initially, I didn’t know what to expect. But part way in, I realized that it’s just business as usual - Legion of the Damned level savagery throughout every moment of every cut, but this time around, these brutal passages are set off by the sharp glare of olden steel: early thrash era-heralding riffs and a martial approach to percussion where steadiness and the bonding together of all other phases is the MO. The old-school way, the “Master of Puppets” and “Peace Sells” way of creating thrash metal utilized here. On the death metal side of things, expect an epically composed and dynamic offering that channels the comprehensiveness of legendary death metal records like Carcass’s “Heartwork” or Bolt Thrower’s “The IVth Crusade”, but without much in the way of technicality, fucking headbangers the whole way through. Hearty chugs, screaming leads and heart-pounding tempos to see you off onto your grande breakaway from all the street-level thrash metal that’s become so popular. From “Endless Ambition” with its Death Angel-like lethality in riffing, to the heavy iron of the triumphant titular cut, all the way through to the true-grit closer, Nail the Coffin” with its many soaring leads, a le package totale metal experience.

Diva Satanica and Mia Wallace’s presences on the previous record were heavily felt, heard and seen. Talk about swagger and aggression. There was a much darker feel to Nervosa’s last effort; a shadowy sort of sinister that’s definitely missing from “Jailbreak”. It’s more about adrenaline now and less about the darker stuff. Metal to initiate a beer binge and rev up the circle pits. Ah yes, the old-school approach indeed: fundamentally sound, thoughtfully composed and with no compromise. Everything right where it should be in this rhythm & riff-dominated weapon of an extreme metal album.

The future remains uncertain as usual for Nervosa, but as of now, cohesion and adaptivity have never been made to look so easy to accomplish. One of extreme metal’s most consistent and reliable outfits as always. “Jailbreak” won’t go down as this band’s greatest achievement, nor do I think it will tantalize many critics into bestowing upon it a perfect rating. It’s the spirit of “Jailbreak” that really shines - the ageless spirit of rebellion that’s been the driving force behind every genuine metal band since the Golden Age of Black Sabbath. Nervosa’s black heart is simply in the right place, and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10