Rating: 8.5

Country: Peru

Release Date: 2007

Record Label: Displeased Records

Track list:
1. Alcoholocausto
2. Prevail the Cult
3. Ghedeom
4. Bestial Possession
5. Depravation
6. Escupe La Cruz
7. Entry to the Underworld
8. Hell Command
9. Bajo El Tridente De Fuego
10. Avern Goddess

Total playing time 33:04

Band Website: Anal Vomit

Anal Vomit - Depravation

Noizer - Guitars
Destructor - Drums
Possessor - Bass/Vokills

Of course upon first glance the silly moniker alone would be enough to dismiss these guys altogether especially when the name happens to conjure up mental images of a group of adolescent minded 20-somethings adhering to the Mortician handbook of songwriting (Can I get a couple of pots and pans here, please?). Yet thankfully this is not the case, for Anal Vomit is a trio of old school minded lads out of the primitive confines of Peru playing some of the vicious, orifice tearing blackened thrash to date. How to describe them? Well.. if both Nunslaughter and Blasphemy were two PCP injected gladiators clashing arms and teeth together to the death (w/ Sodom playing referee) in an iron cage, Anal Vomit would certainly be the maniacal spectators bathing in every bit of blood, sweat, and other bits of chunky splatter to make even the ancient Romans nod in complete reverence.

Basically, the first two songs on the disc, "Alcoholocausto" and "Prevail the Cult" give you a good idea of where these guys are at musically; blindingly fast, frenetic, uncontrolled chaos that rarely lets up (think In the Sign of Evil era Sodom, perhaps) with the average song length being anywhere between a little over two to four minutes. Just the ol' get in, get out while the coast is clear kind of scenario thus taking a cue from old D.R.I records where it was over before it even started. Of course that's a good thing for anything beyond the 4 minute mark only stretches into the tedious Marduk/Dark Funeral territory which is obviously part of the reason why I, myself could never listen to any one of their CDs from beginning to end.

However, I feel that I must point out the true standout tracks here that make this one a rare gem among gems, one of them being the third track, "Ghedeom" which showcases the guitarists natural ability to shred like a motherfucker! Sounding like a swarm of angry hornets descending on hapless victims, the riffs jerk and spasm out of control like a seizure victim only to continue to heighten greater tension which happens to recall some of the band's other South American peers like Sarcofago or even classic Slayer (think Reign in Blood era). "Depravation", the title track also sees that same state of urgency but raises it to a greater degree until at any moment you sense the drummer about to literally collapse behind his kit. It is here where he sounds like he is like a mad tribal witch doctor pounding out his own twisted logic of sorts. I also feel that I must comment on how ridiculously out of sync the musicians appear to be w/ one another; like they are all straying in different paths (think Blasphemy) but still works for added dissonance.

"Escupe La Cruz", another hellishly great song, is a great example of how dynamics is greatly emphasized for climactic effect. Starting at a slow, low-end backdrop build up (headbanging ensues!) picks up pace and explodes into cacophonous but triumphantly militant Norse inspired Black Metal worship. Together w/ the vocals being sung in Spanish, it's enough to make you conjure up images of a ritual sacrifice, dagger raised high as the last incantation is evoked before blood is finally spilled before the God's grand feast. Speaking of, it's also important to note that half the songs are written in Spanish while the rest in English making it an interesting combo to show different sides of the band's creativity I suppose.

Aside from musically, I was somewhat impressed by the vocals as well. Coming across at times between a young Jeff Becerra in his prime and whoever fronts the enigmatic Brujeria, Possessor does a good job at invoking the right diabolic aesthetic his band's music so greatly revels in. At times, snarling like a hellhound, while at other times puking his guts up in disgust, and others letting loose a howling falsetto, he proves that he's not just vocalist but an instrument for which to allow whatever demons he summons to utilize as a vessel.

Overall, one of my big picks of '07, I predict great things for these guys. Now hopefully we'll see them do a couple of tours and compete for greater world domination. ARRGGHHHH!!!

February 3rd, 2007