I.N.R.I.

"If you are a false don't entry...because you'll be burned and died!"

What an album of pure and unadulterated chaos! Picture the scene, it's mid to late 80's Brazil, the dictatorship is over and extreme music is the new leader. Sepultura already has two records, Holocausto's debut is released, Sextrash is releasing demos, Vulcano also has two out. To say the least, the first wave of brutal thrash, or what we like to call death/thrash is burgeoning in Brazil! Most people just know Sepultura, but there is definitely much quality and truly necro and evil releases. Sarcofago is a direct result of Wagner, or as he's more commonly known as, "Antichrist" being kicked out of Sepultura and forming a new band, wanting to be even more evil. The result is one of the finest and definitely the most evil thrash metal release, I.N.R.I. 1987 was a huge year for the bridging between thrash to death, with Death debuting and many other thrash bands turning up the intensity to 100. I think Sarcofago's debut outdid Sepultura's sophomore effort. Let's delve into one of the most evil releases in thrash and metal history, Sarcofago's I.N.R.I.

This album is a 28 minute audio assault. The longest song is "Nightmare" at 5:38 and everything else is in the 1-4 minute range. This serves the aggressive, torturous style that this band displays. Every song is memorable, and creates and undoubtedly diabolical and blasphemous atmosphere. If Satan was a member of the band, it wouldn't be a big surprise. Everyone on the album is playing with the energy of a pissed off demon. So pissed off that most of the lyrics, while understandable have terrible grammar. This doesn't hurt the release one bit, it actually adds a lot of re-listen value to the music. If you haven't listened while reading along to the lyrics of this album at least once, you are a false. All of the songs except the holy "Deathrash" are about demonic rape, killing and unholiest of actions. Pure black metal. The creepiest moment on the album definitely being the intro to "Christ's Death" good lord above, it's evil. A commendable and great atmosphere building moment. The vocals are awesome as well, sometimes leaning toward black metal, sometimes taking a journey to death metal gutturals and even Tom Araya style banshee shrieks. Drumming here is quite the treat, it's fast and abrasive. If I was asked about tracks to recommend, I'd definitely say the entire album is what to listen to, as 28 minutes won't take too much time up, and you'll be left wanting more, but also you'll be satisfied. So pretty much the audio equivalent to intercourse. The production manages to be one of my favorite parts of this album! Let's discuss, because I do actually have one complaint about it

With most records in the black thrash and black metal in general, you expect absolutely raw and bad production. Here you definitely get a raw production, but it's digestible. The drums sound awesome in my opinion, definitely raw, and pretty high in the mix, and not all that well produced, but all things considered, it's what you expect from this. One problem that bugs me is that I have trouble hearing the guitars on a few tracks, like the levels differ from track to track. Like for example, on Nightmare the guitars are a bit quiet, but on I.N.R.I. they're louder. This is especially evident on solos. It's not that big of a deal but it definitely a problem that can hurt the listening experience. The bass is there, but barely. It's stripped down to it's bare role of structural support for sure. The guitar tone, besides that one minor complaint is wonderful, and is thrashy, suitable for death metal and black metal also. Truly strong production, with one minor flaw supports this record's greatness.

To conclude my thoughts on this cacophony of pure, blasphemous, evil, this album is essential listening. Definitely a pioneering release, mixing three great genres to make someting unlike anything heard before. Late 80's Brazilian metal conjured up some of the most hellish music recorded at that time. Sarcofago succeed in being the most evil band, with Sepultura not even coming close to the level of evils here. Don't get me wrong, I love Sepultura's 80's and early 90's stuff, but Sarcofago won the game of blasphemy. As for which band I like better? That remains to be seen, as this is my first listen to Sarcofago and it was thoroughly enjoyed. I think if anything I'll hold them both in a revered spot of both being Brazilian metal masters. Well one was, up until 1996 anyway. Actually that allegedly goes for Sarcofago as well, as they released an album that many have called "The Worst" not only because it being called that, but because it actually is. If you like evil metal that combines black, thrash, and death, than I.N.R.I. is for you, my friend. Give it a listen ASAP.

-Nolan