High Speed Venom

As I've been experiencing unnerving and weird "fangled" dreams these past four nights - okay, hijacking a hot air balloon was rather cool - it's fitting I find myself streaking back towards Nightmare's (not to be confused with the early 80s French band) bare bones, er, skulls 2004 debut High Speed Venom, released on CD under Plasma Jam Records.

Strangely enough, for longest time I thought this was the Colombians'' second release, as it sounds much sharper and pronounced than the actual sophomore from 2010, About To Explode, which, aside from a few grippers (notably "Crush Them Bones" and "Black Blood Sands") floundered somewhat by way of shoddy production, lackluster riffs and morbidly awkward vocals. In fairness, it was "possessed" of frenetic energy and unyielding enthusiasm as well as an endearing campy vibe. However, it suffered from that most dreadful curse which afflicts second albums; namely the failure to repeat/re-capture the elusive glory of a compelling, as well as successful, debut.

In any case, it's nothing to shake a fibula at as the Medellinios' next release proved once and for all Nightmare was more than just a fleeting (bad) dream. In fact, Mr. Sandman himself probably rejoiced at Nightmare's mildly auspicious beginnings way back when this nine-tracker - and subject of this review - weaved itself forth amidst the rapidly growing Latin American speed metal scene. An adequately gloomy and instrumental preamble in "Rising Evil" paves the way for the frantic and jaunty "When Hell Is Out Of Control", which showcases the bassist Sinister Storm's erratically flowing demeanor backing promising chops and fierce, innovative leads on behalf of Nightmare's ax-slinging duelists Enforcer (he's likely a fan!) and the infamous Burning Axe Ripper, who also doubles as the quartet's enigmatic and idiosyncratic high-pitched yeller. Now, I may have been a tad harsh in his regards but admittedly, at the time vocals weren't Nightmare's forte; if not for the intelligent song constructs and satisfactory instrumentation. I'd be loathe to speak highly in its regard. (Bear in mind, the quality of Axe Ripper's vocal timbre and pitch improves in spades over time i.e. 2015's apotheosis, The Will To Overpower, is competent in every way).

Disregarding the minute long intro, the songs average five minutes apiece hence some seem to drag on for too long, thus falling prey to stagnation - namely "Inner Conflict" and "The King Is Gone" - in addition to being out-shined by swifter, lunging throat-grabbers such as the nifty, attentive title track and top clutch, "Heavy Metal Outbreak", with its simple, yet catchy and confidant, main riff, snarky bridge and suave incendiary lead break, Alternatively, the extensive yet boorishly titled "Kingdom Of Fire" and "Obsessed" are definite improvements over the middle tracks, because, late placed epics, by their very nature - with their story telling aura and pace - behove most metal albums in this vein (classic examples are usual Iron Maiden endgame marathons such as "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" or "Mother Russia").

All the same, I appreciate the fact Nightmare doesn't take itself too seriously. While many "traditional" metal bands are often disdainfully viewed as anachronisms or accused of ascribing to the usual tropes, it's still comforting to know what you see is what you get. In other words, Nightmare sounds like they're having fun playing the "old style" heavy/ speed metal they love and couldn't give a rat's ass what the World thinks. "Mistress Of The Dark" is a shining example: succubus infused themes, devilish undertones, a most despondent but chill vocal delivery (Axe's Ripper's shakiness is perfectly suited to this track!), poised, inceptive riffing, pulsing bass and wound-up yet composed drumming on behalf of Witchhammer, topped by bass lead-offs and wild, haywire guitar solos. Y'all get the gist...

Although The Will To Overpower is technically the superior album, in my black book High Speed Venom's unassuming flair and quirky gregariousness makes it center piece of Nightmare's heavy metal triptych.