Vulcano – Bloody Vengeance [1986]

Vulcano may not be as well known as their Brazilian comrades Sepultura, but they may be just as, or even more, important to the evolution of extreme metal, having often been cited as the first band from Brazil to play a style of black/death metal in the 80’s. Having started in ’81, you could actually say that Vulcano would have influenced their peers and possibly inspired them to pick up their guitars in the first place. After having released a few obscure traditional metal demos and a live album they unleashed their debut full length, the legendary “Bloody Vengeance” upon the world.

Recorded in a mere 24 hours, the production isn’t the best, but it fits the evil and chaotic sound nicely. Once you’ve heard the opening track “Dominios of Death”, you’ll see what I mean and you’ll either be flailing about like a mad man or reaching for the stop button. The music itself is a blend of Venom-esque speed metal and chaotic early Brazillian death/thrash metal; it’s nasty, rough, raw and evil. Songs like “Spirits of Evil”, “Ready to Explode”, “Holocaust”, “Death Metal” and the slower closing title track provide a fine example of primitive extreme metal and the foundation of the early Brazilian scene.

There’s not much else that can really be said about a full length album that clocks in around the 23 minute mark, but “Bloody Vengeance” is an untouchable and undeniable classic of South American evil and a must own for any serious fan of black, death or thrash metal.

Highlights:

Dominions of Death

Spirits of Evil

Death Metal  

Final Rating:
 Masterpiece 9.0/10