I’ll be the first to admit I’m poorly-versed in all things hardcore or thrash, but “Declive”, the first album by FUTURO PRIMITIVO, still managed to keep even my untrained ear at attention. Per the band, FUTURO PRIMITIVO was born from a musical reunion between former members of Spanish groove metal/deathcore band VORTICE. For having three members in common, FUTURO PRIMITIVO manages not to sound like a clone of their predecessor, although the similarities are clear and if you enjoy the former, you’ll dig the latter. Some of their listed influences, such as SOZIEDAD ALKOHOLIKA and BRUJERIA, are powerfully clear, but if we’re being honest, their unabashed love for SEPULTURA is the one that shines the brightest. If you’re into SEPULTURA, you’re going to be into what FUTURO PRIMITIVO is serving up.

We’re working with ten short-but-sweet songs here. The longest track doesn't break three and a half minutes long and the other nine are less than three. The whole album just passes the twenty-three minute mark, but it's definitely not lacking in intensity. We begin with the perfect opener for this album in “Un Macabro Oasis”, which, of course, translates to “A Macabre Oasis.” This song wastes no time and jumps right in with brutal drums, thrashy guitars and pissed-off vocals. This is followed by a plethora of badass drum fills in “La Merma” (“The Decrease.”)“Espurio” (“Spurious”) features an uncomfortable, ascending lead, chuggy riffs, and momentary clean vocals among the growls, while “Contra Golpe” (which I believe translates to “Blow Against”) and “Las Garras del Engano” (“The Claws of Deception”) have breakdowns that will absolutely please the hardcore fans. I personally really like the bendy guitars of “Tu Causa” (“Your Cause.”)  The urgent drums and defiant vocals of “No Olvides sus Rostros” (Don’t Forget Their Faces”) give way to the album’s finale, “Hacerles Frente” (“Face Them”), which is possibly my favorite track on the album with its groovy breakdown and high screams. 

If I had to choose a single word to describe “Declive”, it would be “belligerent.” Each song’s attitude matches its warlike title. It’s loud, it’s energetic, and it’s unapologetically in-your-face, like both thrash and hardcore should be. I would personally like to hear a bit more variation in the riffs, but the guitar tone throughout is way cool, thrashy with a nasty, blackened twinge. The production is excellent, with every note and beat shining through. Clearly, a lot of love went into this album. While out of my wheelhouse, I did enjoy my time with “Declive” and would suggest any fan of thrash, extreme metal, or hardcore give it a shot; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.