Review by Norbert on January 21, 2026.

If you happen to stumble upon material recorded by the likes of Scourge Degradator, Sulfuric Wraith, Cryptic Smog, and Poisonous Fumes, know that there's no room for subtlety. "Foul Transfixation," the debut EP from Porto-based quartet Repugnator, released last year, fully confirms this, reminding us that Portugal isn't just a land of wine, ocean, steep streets, sun-dried walls, and that distinct southern languor that makes you believe nothing bad can happen, not just melancholy and gothic moods, but also a well-developed, though still underappreciated, extreme underground. Repugnator operate in the realms of bestial black/death with a distinct war metal edge, drawing inspiration from Blasphemy, Archgoat, and Profanatica, but melding them together skillfully and convincingly.

Released by Godz Ov War Productions (CD) and Sacrifice Records and Noxious Ruin (cassettes), the material clocks in at a mere seventeen minutes, yet these four guys manage to pack a surprising amount of content into that time. Fast, aggressive passages dominate, with drums hammering without hesitation, and riffs that are raw and forceful, at times downright primitive—in the best sense of the word.

The guitars aren't limited to simple sawing – alongside the typical war metal licks, chaotic rips, and short melodies appear, momentarily breaking the listener out of the feeling of participating in the total carnage. The rhythm section does exactly what it should: the bass is massive and clear, and the drums work like a well-oiled machine, sometimes accelerated to its limits, other times deliberately held back, only to strike with redoubled force the next moment. A double vocal attack completes the destruction, adding a ritualistic, warlike character to the whole.

While "Foul Transfixation" is relentlessly aggressive, it's not just a shapeless barrage of noise. Repugnator manages to build tension and atmosphere, and beneath the grime and fury lie themes that linger longer than just a fleeting impression of "it was loud and brutal." The raw, deliberately archaic production effectively highlights the late '80s and early '90s influences without compromising the clarity of the individual instruments.

This isn't an album for everyone, and the band clearly isn't trying to force their hand. "Foul Transfixation" hits exactly where it should - to listeners who appreciate extremes without smoothing over the edges, but also without mindless chaos. As a debut, the EP is very solid and, most importantly, leaves you a little dissatisfied. And that's usually the best sign that the next move from these four incredibly (un)likable gentlemen is worth waiting for.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10