To say I’m a fan of Extreme Metal coming out of Brazil would be a bit of a stretch, but I’ll happily make an exception for Feitiço Oculto, a Black/Speed Metal four piece out of São Paulo whose new EP ‘Condenados da terra’ not only has a great sound but also tackles some interesting subjects such as societal issues, racial tensions and the class structure. The gritty nature of the cover art has been designed superbly and fits the feel of the EP remarkably well.
Opening with ‘Metal & luta de classes’, (Metal & Class Struggle) Feitiço Oculto are quick to offer up a cavernous, dramatic sounding take on the Black/Speed genre, utilising a simple but punishing drum style, pummelling bass lines and filthy sounding riffs, whilst vocalist Pedro Coven lets loose with grimy, sinister growls. This track is very much in the vein of Venom’s ‘Countess Bathory’ with its catchy rhythms and chorus section, but also have some very steel laden guitar leads too.
‘Pele negra, máscaras brancas’ (Black Skin, White Masks) is a rambunctious fast paced bout of abyss dwelling savagery, drenched in reverb and with a seriously driven yet catchy sound, qualities that carry over into ‘Vernáculo Maldito’ (Cursed Vernacular) which has an added layer of deeply satisfying groove woven into the vicious riffs. The end comes with the superbly grim sounding ‘Desgraça do dia’ (Misfortune of the Day) which continues the ravaging pace and barbaric sounds right til the very end. A wonderful demo from start to finish!
