Crushing Brain - Cenizas (2024)

4.5★

After bursting onto the Chilean scene back in 2008, CRUSHING BRAIN have been playing their own special brand of brutal thrash metal... but with a melodic twist! Despite being active for almost 15 years, it’s only now that we’re treated to a debut record, following a demo in 2013, a live album, and a compilation – and I must say, those 15 years were well spent. Cenizas is full of a pummeling energy that’s equally heavy as it is contagiously catchy. The vocals are a manic concoction of raspiness and high falsettos, giving each song a unique personality as they switch from English to Spanish across the album. With songs filled with insane riffage, hooks, and blistering solos, it’s hard to see why CRUSHING BRAIN couldn’t catch a break sooner. While it may not be the most original style of thrash by today’s standards, it’s nonetheless an incredibly well-executed offering from these Chilean maniacs.

FAVORITE TRACKS: “Lunar Mutilation,” “Cenizas,” “Metal Thrash”

FOR FANS OF: Destruction, Testament, Forbidden

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Originally published in Aug. '24 (Issue No. 4)