Reia Cibele - Reia Cibele

Labels: Self-Released/Tomb Tree

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 10 May 2024

Tracklist:

1. Solaris

2. Ego/Cristal

3. Lótus

4. Não é, nunca foi, nunca será!

5. 31039 ORI

New Portuguese screamo/mathcore quartet Reia Cibele released their debut EP on digital platforms in May. Last month it saw a tape release via Tomb Tree, consisting of 31 copies with 20 swirl, 6 white and 5 test-dips with matching swirl cases. As of this post, only a few copies are still available. The EP was recorded by a member of fellow Portuguese band Hetta. Reia Cibele have recently played alongside Hexis and Tenue, to name a few.

It’s crazy that there’s now less than four months till 2025 rolls around. I’ve lost count of how many bands have been added to my ‘to listen to’ list and are still on it. Portugal’s Reia Cibele are one such band, having been sent my way by Tomb Tree last month, when they released this debut self-titled EP on tape. Reia Cibele plays some crazed mathcore with noise-rock elements and emoviolence. Opener ‘Solaris’ is fast and chaotic to being with, before turning groovier later on. 

‘Ego/Cristal’ starts with jarring feedback, putting you slightly on edge before Reia Cibele deliver a super heavy slice of post-hardcore with sludge-like tempos for about two-minutes. The second half is much calmer, building slowly with quiet guitar and percussion, increasing in volume as it goes, leading to dramatic treble-filled conclusion. Off-kilter, panic-laden mathcore violence at it’s best.

The next two songs on the EP are very much shorter, starting with ‘Lótus’. It magnifies the intense emoviolence that Reia Cibele inject into their debut. It’s over long before it should be and it gives way to ‘Não é, nunca foi, nunca será!’, which is even more intense. There’s a proper rawness to it at the beginning that soon gets enveloped by yet more madness.

Closer ‘31039 ORI’ pretty much ends the EP in the same way that ‘Solaris’ opened it; with a mix of sassy math-rock, gentle progressive guitar and enjoyable groove. It’s safe to say that Reia Cibele are greater than the sum of their parts. This EP sums up why it’s so important to strike while the iron is hot (when it comes to new bands). In recent years Portugal has become known for black metal (Black Cilice et al), but now there’s another musical reason to look toward South-West Europe.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally from Reia Cibele below:-

Reia Cibele - https://www.facebook.com/profile

Tape copies are (still) available from the online stores below:-

Tomb Tree - https://tombtreetapes.bandcamp.com/album/reia-cibele

ZBR USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/tapes/products/tt123 / CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/tomb-tree-tapes/tt123

Tomb Tree - https://www.facebook.com/tombtreetapes

Black Cilice - Tomb Emanations 7"

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 10 Dec 2021

Tracklist:

1. Returning From Dimensions Below

2. Vigil Of Ruins

I haven't featured anything by Iron Bonehead here for a while now, which is entirely my fault. I was going to write about a couple of early 2021 releases over the next week but before I started to plan that, I saw this new Black Cilice EP drop into my inbox. For those who know or indeed like black metal in any or all of it's forms, Black Cilice is one of the more prominent entities to come out of Portugal over the last decade plus. Since 2009, there have been numerous demos, EPs, albums and splits released and Tomb Emanations is the latest, coming two years after the previous Iron Bonehead full-length release Transfixion Of Spirits. The EP will be released in December.

Black Cilice makes great use of the 7” format here with two songs extending to over thirteen minutes. Side A features ‘Returning From Dimensions Below’, which as a title could aptly describe the band’s silence of late. Black Cilice has always been atmospheric in a harrowing way and it’s no different here. The rawness that embodied earlier releases is still very much there, but with it comes a greater sense of melody and production values. The volume of the instumentation here is ridiculous. It’s both mesmerising and unnerving at the same time, while the screams that reside amongst it all are still as torturous as ever. 

Side B’s ‘Vigil Of Ruins’ appears more transcendent to begin with, which is probably a relief after the onslaught that it follows; however, that feeling is soon banished by yet more intense black metal. Intense is definitely the right descriptor here, as Black Cilice continues along a path of self-destruction that extends to those that listen to it. There are moments of subtle groove and control within the song but those moments are still overridden by constant dissonance and percussive madness. That’s not to say that the EP is unlistenable though, because the latter passages of ‘Vigil Of Ruins’ are amongst the best you’ll hear in the raw black metal sub-genre. 

It’s not often that this form of black metal can be called invigorating but there’s just something about Tomb Emanations that stirs up the blood. On it’s own this EP will garner many repeat listens, but if it’s a sign of things to come from a future full-length, then rest assured that it’s going to very good.

Prior to the EP release you can stream it's opening song via Soundcloud here:-

Further news regarding the release including pre-order info can be found via the links below (as it's released):-

Black Cilice - https://www.facebook.com/Black-cilice

Iron Bonehead Productions - https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions

Satanize - Baphomet Altar Worship

Labels: Helter Skelter Productions/Regain Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 20 Jan 2021

Tracklist:

1. Baphomet Altar Worship

2. Council Of Nuclear Holocaust

3. Conjuration Of Southern Elitism

4. Chariots Of Nocturnal Wrath

5. Shrine Of Antichrist

6. Merciless Profanation

7. Barbarity Enthroned

8. Luciferian Thrones Of Devastation

9. Cavernous Onslaught

They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Well to me it's silence that does that. I'm poking fun at myself here, because after a few days of "silence" I feel compelled to write again and this time I'm visiting the dark satanic realm of Portuguese black metal band Satanize. The band, in it's various forms, has been delivering black metal since 2001 and has been one of a clutch of bands to have dragged Portugal up to the higher peaks of modern day genre proponents, alongside Black Cilice, Dolentia, Vetala and Mons Veneris to name a few. Baphomet Altar Worship is the band's latest offering, having been released in January via Helter Skelter Productions with distribution via Regain Records.

To be totally honest, I’ve sat down on more than one occasion this week with the intention of writing this review and then I’ve been hit with writer’s block. It happens, especially when I’ve been trying to push myself to write more. I’m surrounded by music when I’m not working, yet I’ve found myself preferring silence recently. Portugal’s Satanize are my chaperones for this evening though and their black metal is billed as the blackest, in some quarters. 

Beginning with the title-track ‘Baphomet Altar Worship’, their sound is definitely raw and barbaric, with faster tempos, scathing vocals and instrumentation that nestles deeper in the mix, providing a sinister backdrop to it all. This isn’t war metal or whatever you want to call it. It’s just balls-to-the-wall black metal that takes no prisoners. ‘Council Of Nuclear Holocaust’ continues where the album’s opener left off with a constant battery of epic proportions. I’ve not witnessed black metal this relentless for years. It’s almost grinding in it’s intensity.

The pauses between songs almost seem pointless as ‘Conjuration Of Southern Elitism’ hits the speakers. I guess I’m used to black metal being a bit more atmospheric and introspective. Maybe that’s where I’ve been going wrong because this is neither of those things and just keeps steamrolling on with total abandon. Given that Satanize released a split with Black Cilice you might be expecting something more depressive, but that’s just not their style, as ‘Chariots Of Nocturnal Wrath’ demonstrates. There’s simply no let up in their approach or delivery. 

There are trace elements of death metal within the band’s sound, especially within the guitars. After the sampled intro of ’Shrine Of Antichrist’, Satanize hit top gear once again with obscenely fast percussion guitars work that encompasses that aforementioned death metal influence, mixing it with precise and anti-human black metal sentiment, which is more than matched by the vocals once again. It’s a great way to drag listeners into the album’s second half. 

‘Merciless Profanation’ is a very apt title as Satanize show no mercy with their full-on approach to black metal. The only other band I’ve heard in recent times that comes close to this is India’s Heathen Beast and if you’re familiar with that band, you’ll hopefully know what I mean. Satanize though have nailed their song-writing to the extent that distilling things into a three to four-minute song leaves both the feeling of fulfilment and the longing for more within the listener.

There’s almost a martial, hypnotic stance from the band on ‘Barbarity Enthroned’, as they lay waste to all and sundry with even more urgency than before. It’s oddly infectious, albeit only for fans of the more extreme end of the metal spectrum. There’s variation within the songs here, but it’s subtle. Penultimate song ‘Luciferian Thrones Of Devastation’ begins with the most scathing screams on the record and what ensues is equally as horrid. It just drives itself forward at ridiculous pace, not flinching or stopping for breath and in doing so it leaves an indelible mark on your psyche. 

Album closer ‘Cavernous Onslaught’ puts it best though with bass that rumbles deeper than ever, razor-sharp riffage, icy blasts, metallic cymbal mayhem and truly possessed lower-register screams that seem distorted at times due to the abandon with which they’re delivered. The closing bars of feedback almost act as respite from Satanize and their utterly hellish extremity. If you want music that truly tests you and leaves you both broken, and cleansed, then this album if for you. Totally devastating. 

You can witness that madness for yourself by streaming and/or purchasing Baphomet Altar Worship for yourself on all formats here:-

Satanize doesn't have a social media presence as far as I can tell.

Helter Skelter Productions - https://www.facebook.com/helterskelterproductions

Regain Records - https://www.facebook.com/regainrecords.se

Toxik Attack - Assessinos Em Serie

Labels: Hellprod Records

Formats: CD/Digital

Release Date: 31 Jan 2019

Tracklist: 

1. Thrash Maldicao

2. Seita Do Punhal

3. Loucos Pelo Old School

4. Prazer De Matar

5. Assessinos Em Serie

6. O Sanguinario

7. Morte Toxica

8. Detidos Pelo Metal

9. Pentagrama De Sangue

I'm keeping it heavy tonight with Portuguese thrash metal band Toxik Attack and their debut album "Assessinos Em Serie". This speed metal loving quintet from Braga released their album with the help of Hellprod Records at the end of January, following their previous 2014 demo "Brutal Attack" and their 2016 EP "Thrash On Command". Much like death metallers Ravenous Death last night, Toxik Attack worships at the alter of the old school. So much so in fact, that they're due to support Agent Steel in Lisbon in May. 

That cover art tells you all you need to know about Toxik Attack’s thrash antics and they waste no time in showing off their musical chops. Opener Thrash Maldicao is pure madness with the kind of semi-clean/theatrical growls that Death Angel would be proud of. The instrumentation is solid as well with precise drumming and riffs inspired by the best in the business.

While their music is considered extreme, it’s not super heavy. Seita Do Punhal illustrates that with the help of a madcap vocal delivery that sometimes crosses over into glam territory. When they gallop though they gallop well and with plenty of groove. It’s really cool to hear metal like this presented in Portuguese, not that I can translate it. Loucos Pelo Old School just continues to up the quality stakes on “Assessinos Em Serie” as Toxik Attack rip through just over four-minutes of good old thrash that really does nod to the old school. 

From here they up the urgency levels on Prazer De Matar and with it the energy levels (as if they weren’t energetic enough already!), with the help of belting drums, gang vocals and increased tempos. It’s over all too quickly and it leads immediately into the title-track, which is equally as good. Toxik Attack have a bit more bite when they’re really going for it but this song is their calling card and it’s progressive touch is great.

The high-pitched screams at the start of O Sanguinario do bring to mind Tom Araya and his vocal delivery, but that’s where there similarities to Slayer end for me. Yes their riffs are inspired by the thrash legends in places but I think Toxik Attack do have their own take on the sub-genre and are confident enough to let it show through. Morte Toxica is one of their more melodic songs, especially in the vocal department while the theatrics aren’t forgotten about either. The further you get into “Assesinos Em Serie” the more entertaining it becomes. It’s definitely one for both true speed/thrash fans and for those who want an introduction to the sub-genre’s modern exponents.

Things get silly on penultimate song Detidos Pelo Metal, where piercing high-pitched screams rule the song as it flies by in the blink of an eye. Album closer Pentagrama De Sangue is Toxik Attack’s attempt at a thrash balled, complete with dramatic organ and male-voice choir, but it doesn’t stay that way for too long, as it’s their final chance to rip into some grooving and neck-snapping thrash goodness. This album is great. It’s not too lengthy and Toxik Attack manages to retain both momentum and your attention throughout. It looks like thrash metal is alive and well in Portugal! Obrigado!

You can stream the album and grab it on cd or digitally below via Hellprod Records -

Toxik Attack - https://www.facebook.com/toxikattack.pt/

Hellprod Records - https://www.facebook.com/helldprod/

Dokuga/Systemik Violence - Make Punk Raw Again Split 7"

Labels: Raw 'N' Roll Rex

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 15th Nov 2017

Tracklist:

1. Dokuga - Meio Morto

2. Dokuga - Refluxo Moral

3. Dokuga - Nothing Left To Feel

4. Systemik Violence - F For Fake

5. Systemik Violence - Dead Cop

6. Systemik Violence - Retarded Metalhead

The first edition of my new monthly newsletter went out on Wednesday evening. It featured some news that I haven't published anywhere else yet and I plan to release more news as things develop, so it'd be great to see more subscribers coming on board.  I also mentioned what was coming up review-wise (or at least part of what's coming) and it included this split 7" from two Portuguese raw crust punk bands. Released in November last year via Raw 'N' Roll Rex (also from Portugal), it features three songs from both Dokuga and Systemik Violence. Dokuga has been around since 2008 and has previously released a demo, another spit and a full-length, which was released in 2015. Systemik Violence themselves have released a 7", a split and a full-length, which came shortly after this split. I'm not too sure when they formed but it doesn't matter. Both bands play raw and intense crust-punk/dbeat with an emphasis on chaos and protest. 

There’s something about piercing feedback at the start of a record and it’s exactly what Dokuga starts with in split opener Meio Morto. What they follow with is driving, hardcore-fuelled crust punk with blistering intensity. Catchy as hell and musically tight. They actually blow away any notions of this being a lo-fi release thanks to volume and energy that they put into the music. Refluxo Moral is just a solid punk song with harsh vocals. No pretence or wizardry, just good old pure rock fury. Nothing Left To Feel is like old school youth crew and dbeat if both sub-genres got into a fight and ended up trying to outdo each other. 

Systemik Violence are not shy about their love of Japanese crust punk bands like GISM et al and F For Fake shows just how much they revere those bands. Their sound is raw and mayhemic, but with the same rock ’n’ roll vibes as Dokuga. Screeching solos, crashing cymbals and rabid vocals all around. Dead Cop is probably how Soulfully would sound if they ventured back into early Sepultura territory and just listened to Dead Kennedy’s. Their tongue-in-cheek closer Retarded Metalhead is probably the most metal song on their side of the split and it rounds things out in disgustingly great fashion. 

This split isn’t long and it doesn’t need to be, as both Dokuga and Systemik Violence go straight for the jugular and don’t miss. For a long time I thought that the only band Portugal was known for was Moonspell, but it seems I was wrong and their punk scene is well and truly thriving. This is great!

You can stream Dokuga's Meio Morto and Dead Cop by Systemik Violence below:-

It's also available to purchase above digitally and on 7". 

Dokuga - https://www.facebook.com/dokugapunx/

Systemik Violence - https://www.facebook.com/systemikviolence/

Raw 'N' Roll Rex - https://www.facebook.com/rawnrollrex/