Rex Inferi
The Damage Has Been Done

Continuing relentlessly in the search for Italian metal bands, lately I asked myself: "This time should I review Dark Quarterer, Bloody Skizz, or Rex Inferi??" After carefully listening to their records and evaluating the bands' worth, I finally chose the latter. Someone who has never heard of Rex Inferi at first glance might say: "They must surely be a Scandinavian black metal band like Darkthrone, MayheM, and Marduk". Instead, no! They are one of the first Italian metal bands that impressively contributed to the evolution of the genre!!

The EP is introduced by a brief instrumental keyboard piece by Portolano, namely "Lost In Oblivion". An album opener similar to Rollerball's "Outlast The Game". This piece has very dark, menacing, and shadowy tones. After this minute and a half of suspense, Bonassi's robust drumming kicks off the lively and fast "Destroyer". The metallic and wild riff is sharp as a razor, while Sarmori’s own voice is bright and typically N.W.O.B.H.M. The bassist’s work is incredible, as is the drummer's, which makes the track even more speed metal. Truly great power and skill!

"Warriors Of The Sea" starts with a grand solo, followed by a true hard rock school riff. The guitar work is strong and tough, while Maurizio's voice is full of energy and grit. The track has a slower rhythm than "Destroyer" but still adheres to metal standards due to its impact. In the sixth minute, the tempo accelerates with a long virtuosity by Sermoni reminiscent of Maiden's "Killers," while the ending features a terrifying crescendo that exemplarily concludes this song. Also, in "Axeman In Black", the guitarist shows off his talent, while the rhythm section of the drums is faster and more pounding. The voice is pure "metal personified in words" and the refrain is engaging and effective.

"Metal Possession" leans towards more hard rock-oriented standards and is the last piece of the Rex Inferi EP. In this track, various influences of early Black Sabbath and Maiden's "The Prisoner" can be heard. Sermoni's voice is warm and powerful, thanks to its catchy vocal lines, the instrumental inserts are, as always, fabulous.

After this impressive work by the band, the trio set out to record a new piece, the full-length "Like A Hurricane" in 1988, which proved to be another great success by Rex Inferi.