Ratos de Porão
Homem inimigo do homem

30 years of devastation and terror.

Yes, that's exactly how one can describe Ratos de Porao today, a historic Brazilian band that, starting from the very poor South American Hardcore scene, went through the near consecration alongside bands like the old Sepultura, but have always stayed true to their attitude, to the point that today they still rock the stages of social centers and very unexclusive clubs. I discovered them about three years ago (ok, late...) and, since I saw them on the stage of CSA Dordoni (a wonderful place for lovers of Italian and non-Italian thrash/HC/grind) at a festival called "Cremona a mano armata", I immediately fell in love. Powerful sounds, an imposing bass-guitar duo, skins beaten in a murderous way, and the voice of GORDO literally tearing apart everything that got caught in the sound wave of his microphone.

Since then, I have listened to everything from them, from albums to live performances to the beautiful splits (including the latest one) and I must say that on vinyl, they are truly alarming!! The album in question is their latest, from 2006. A record that has built an aura of invincibility around this group, because even if other, more significant albums like "Crucificados pelo sistema", "Brasil" and "Anarkopohbia" had already brutally announced to the world that they were here too, it was really hard to expect such a devastating, masterful, and innovative work after all these years.

It moves from Hardcore, the true love, to metal with a truly un-western imprint, more connected to their compatriots Krisiun, up to the most lacerating and fast pseudo-grind outbursts. A container full of violence and brutality, but never gratuitous or pointless; The "Ratos" are a concentrate of desperation, spite, alcohol, brawls, and the most unconditional love for music. A special mention for the enormous Joao Gordo, who after everything he's done, has a voice that... who wouldn't envy it??? (especially good old Phil Anselmo...) and another mention to Boka who hits, re-hits, twirls, and vomits violence in the remotest corner of the stage, destroying everything that ends up on his drumsticks (skins, cymbals, flies, pigeons, and more).

In conclusion, there isn't much to describe about this particular album, only that it's an exemplary work and that sets a standard, again, after thirty years. I saw them again in Pordenone a couple of months ago, and they were more violent and perfect than the last time: numerous bows and multiple hat lifts.

The best tracks are "Covardia de plantão", "Testemunhas do apocalipse", "P. M. s de sata" and "Otário involuntário"...the rest scores 9.5.

LISTEN TO IT. But first, listen to the aforementioned three albums, then the split with "Cólera" and the one with "Looking for an answer", then the two Thrash/HC cover albums "Feijoada acidente?", and then the live performances. Finally, find one of their gigs in Italy and go. Good luck.