My Journey into the Brazilian #Thrash Metal Underground: circa 1988-1991.

While we’ve had hundreds of ‘Bonded by Blood’ clones over the years, how much ‘Beneath the Remains’ style thrash have you heard? Practically none.

Albums in the style of early #Sepultura.

A thread.

It turns out that the Brazil underground scene of the mid to late 80s was vibrant as hell, beyond just Sepultura. And while bands like #Sarcofago and #Vulcano have reached cult-like status, they don’t sound anything like that Schizophrenia > Beneath the Remains > Arise template.

There IS somewhat of a formula - and it’s quintessentially Brazilian.

Fast but rhythmic. ‘Tribal.’
Seamless transitions.
Groove filled tempo changes.
Harsh but intelligible vocals.
Focus on riffs, less so vocals.

I’ve hand picked 5 albums that reflect these traits.

#Attomica- Disturbing the Noise
From São Paulo
1991

Their third album, with a much more accessible production and maturity in their playing compared to the earlier stuff. Probably closer to the Arise side of the spectrum, as evidenced by the time you wrap up track 1.

#PsychicPossessor - Toxin Diffusion
From São Paulo
1988

Just bizarre & amazing. Way more raw sounding which adds to that underground feel, but still laced with mid-paced groove & style we all love. Released on Cogumelo Records which was home to many Brazilian bands of this era.

#MX - Mental Slavery
From São Paulo
1989

MX landed their first demo in 1986, debut LP in 88, and then this STELLAR release in 89. Riffs for days here, probably leaning towards death metal with a chainsaw Boss HM-2 guitar tone and some amazing bass work. See: Fake Truth.

#ExplicitHate- A View of the Other Side
From Rio de Janeiro
1988

Another Cogumelo release, and their only album. Like their peers, paying homage to early #Slayer and #Death. AVotOS is basically what happens when you throw Leprosy, Hell Awaits and Schizophrenia into a blender.

#Nephastus - Tortuous Ways
From Paraíba
1991

SPECTACULAR. As complete an homage to BtR you can get. Sadly their only album, the band came from a poor region and this sounds like a home made recording. But look past all that. This checks all the boxes, no bullshit. Truly immense!

All these bands were on the same tour circuit as Sepultura back in the day, and indeed all are listed in the Beneath the Remains liner notes which I used as my source of inspiration.

All 5 albums featured here are on Spotify, except Nephastus - it’s only on YouTube. Enjoy.

Fin.