Andralls
Inner Trauma
8.3
As I write this there are about 100 albums in the to-be-reviewed queue at MetalReview. I alone have a stack of about fifteen albums sitting on my desk. So with all this work to do, why am I taking the time to review an album that not only came out eight months ago, but also wasn’t sent to us for review in the first place? Because Andralls’ Inner Trauma hasn’t received much coverage or attention in the US; and that’s a shame, as this album simply screams for some playlist monopolization. So pardon the abbreviated review, and just be glad someone has pointed you to this languishing gem.
Inner Trauma is the third studio effort from São Paulo, Brazil’s Andralls, whose dictum is “fasthrash”. Given that information alone, you’re probably already expecting some Sepultura references, and you’re entirely correct. Inner Trauma is a relentless thrash beast that channels the spirits of early Sepultura and American thrash work from the vintage-era output of Slayer, as well as bands Dark Angel and Exodus. Not content to exist as merely a nostalgic tribute to that classic time, Andralls’ has recaptured the zeitgeist of the verve and vitality of the real McCoys. What they lack in originality, they make up for with enthusiasm, dedication and quality.
After the brief, building, near instrumental opener “Unexpected” muscles its way into the blast off crescendo of “Fear Is My Ally”, the band barely takes its foot off the pedal. Having little use for subtlety or dynamics, Andralls' one-speed-fits-all attack levels everything in its direct path. Frontman/guitarist Alex Coelho’s gruff vocals compare favorably to Max Cavalera, and his guitar partnership with Di Lallo deals out an endless supply of fret burning leads and neck punishing riff work, both in the spirit of classic partnerships like Hannemann/King. It’s difficult to pick out notable tracks in an album with such consistent quality and approach, but “Fear Is My Ally”, “Developed Underground”, and the slightly slower tandem of “Down the Jokers” and “Awake and Dead” are worthy of attention.
There is no shortage of bands paying homage to the roots of thrash, but precious few of them succeed in tapping into the primal hunger and aggressiveness that was the lifeblood of those classic albums. Andralls aren’t recreating the wheel, but they are reanimating it. Find this album.
