Homo Lycanthropus

The year 1990 marked a milestone in the Chilean extreme metal scene with the release of "Homo Lycanthropus" by the band Belial. Hailing from Valparaíso, a city renowned for its immense thrash metal and punk scene in the 1980s, Belial's unique blend of influences from the aggressive punk scene and the prevailing death metal sound of the time made them stand out as a truly original force.

Belial burst onto the scene with a sound that was a striking fusion of these genres. What set them apart was their ability to seamlessly incorporate elements from the most aggressive punk music, creating a sonic landscape that was as ferocious as it was innovative. This blend of punk's raw energy with death metal's brutality made "Homo Lycanthropus" an album that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of extreme music.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this album is the unmistakable voice of their vocalist, "Corvi". His vocal style is a journey into the unknown, a visceral amalgamation of deep gutturals and piercing growls that leave a lasting impression on the listener. In tracks like "Let Them Die" and "Look at the Mutilated Bodies", Corvi pushes his voice to its absolute limits, delivering a performance that feels like it could tear through the very fabric of reality. These songs showcase the originality and sheer intensity of his vocal delivery.

Additionally, a nod must be given to the legendary drummer of the band, "Wolfy", a renowned figure in the Chilean metal scene, having made significant contributions to bands such as "Communion" and "Corpse Grinder". His thunderous drumming on "Homo Lycanthropus" serves as the backbone of the album, providing a relentless and precise foundation for Belial's sonic assault.

"Homo Lycanthropus" is an excellent and ferocious debut (considering that not even the band members have copies of the first demo "We're a Shit"). With short yet powerful songs, Belial creates a sonic whirlwind that immerses you in an auditory frenzy from the very first chord. The fusion of death metal and grindcore elements is executed flawlessly, with frenetic riffs, thundering drums, and an uncompromising attitude that keeps the listener engaged every second of the album.

In summary, "Homo Lycanthropus" by Belial is a monument in the history of Chilean extreme metal. Corvi's distinctive voice, the relentless ferocity, and the band's daring exploration of uncharted territory make this 1990 gem a lasting treasure.

If you're a fan of death metal and grindcore, this album truly deserves a prominent place in your collection.