When I think of the year 1983, nothing really comes to mind as super important (now keep in mind I was just a small child and plus even now I can’t remember what I did five minutes ago). Well, little did I know that a whole bunch of stuff occurred in that infamous year. Vanessa Williams became the first African-American Miss America, the final episode of M.A.S.H aired, both Karen Carpenter and Dennis Wilson (Beach Boys) died, “crack” cocaine was developed, the “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign began (yeah, that has worked out well), and my personal favorite…the first Hooters restaurant opened in Clearwater, Florida (it’s the gift that keeps on giving). Little did we know that in São Paulo, Brazil an little band was born by the name of Korzus. Twenty seven years and numerous albums later, these “still-alive-and-kicking” vets are set to release their newest wave of thrash titled Discipline Of Hate.

Discipline Of Hate opens with its title track, really setting the tone for the album. Very disturbing and eerie background noises are intertwined with dark keys and sounds straight from Hell’s fiery gates. Then you are mangled with ripping guitars, pulsating bass and blistering drums. Vocally, Marcello Pompeu has your stereotypical run-of-the-mill yell that you’ve heard and that some have likely grown tired of over the many, many years. I will say that having been with the band since 1988, Pompeu’s voice is still lethal and as strong as an ox. Musically, Korzus is a straight up, no holds barred, thrash act that mixes the styles of bands like Slayer and Carnal Forge very nicely. With that being said, if you’re not into those kinds of bands you might want to run away like your head has caught on fire. For any and everyone else, grab your horns and come with me.

Korzus’ take-no-prisoners style is punishing and evident on tracks like “Truth”, “My Enemy”, “Never Die”, “Last Memories” and “You Reap What You Sow.” “Truth” is the first video off the album and it features brutal bounce, loads of pinch harmonics and plenty of gang vocals. “My Enemy” comes out blasting your eardrums with Antônio Araújo and Heros Trench’s shredding six string action, Pompeu’s vocal blast and Rodrigo Oliveira’s god-like drumming. This song packs some serious punch and will totally rip your face off. “Never Die” starts off like a Machine Head song with violent riffing and tribal drums that would make Dave McClain (Machine Head) jealous. With driving axes that annihilate your senses and raucous yells that permeate the air, this track is a skin peeler from beginning to end. “Last Memories” begins with a creepy voice over that leads into more flesh destroying axe work (with Machine Head style harmonics), pounding bass and absolutely visceral drumming. “You Reap What You Sow” is an air destroying, fist thrower that incorporates soaring melodies, big grooves and vocal work similar to Jens C. Mortensen and his former band Slapdash.

When it comes to drawbacks, one thing that has always plagued thrash metal (in my opinion) is that a lot of the songs, both musically and vocally, can sound the same. Discipline Of Hate, not so much musically, but vocally definitely falls into that category. With Pompeu’s rather bland (albeit strong) vocal attack, quite a few of the songs feel similar and all too familiar. For some people, this is understood and will not be a problem at all; but I personally enjoy more inflection in my vocals. This all comes down to personal preference, so honestly there is no wrong or right. It’s really up to the listener and their own feelings.

In the end, I found Discipline Of Hate a rock solid and scorching thrash-fest from these Brazilian beasts. Most bands that have been around this long just try to recapture the “glory days” with an old, tired and out-dated sound (unfortunately the vocals do fall into this category) that most people would find dull, lifeless and boring…but not Korzus. And while these guys have stayed true to their roots, they’ve still managed to incorporate a ton of newer elements so that fans unfamiliar with this genre can feel at home while still embracing something new.

3.5/5