Violent DNA

Nuclear

Chile's thrash metal juggernaut, NUCLEAR, delivers a fierce new EP in 2024 titled "Violent DNA", a six-track sonic assault that leaves a lasting impact on listeners with its aggressive blend of thrash and death metal influences. This release showcases the band’s penchant for speed, precision, and a deep reverence for the genre’s roots, all while pushing their sound further into chaotic, adrenaline-fueled territory. While half the EP is composed of covers, the original tracks stand out as potent examples of NUCLEAR's relentless energy and craftsmanship.
November 6, 2024

The title track, “Violent DNA,” immediately sets the tone for the EP, launching into a vicious riff attack that blurs the line between thrash and death metal. The aggressive nature of the song, marked by rapid-fire drumming and scorching guitar solos, creates an unrelenting pace. The production is sharp and clean, amplifying the intensity of each instrument. The solos are a particular highlight—fast, technical, and filled with a raw energy that complements the vicious vocals. It’s a song that showcases NUCLEAR’s ability to craft music that feels ferocious yet controlled, with enough brutality to satisfy fans of extreme metal without losing the melodic precision of thrash.

“Not Yet a Man” follows in the same aggressive vein, maintaining the EP’s breakneck speed. The track is another exercise in controlled chaos, driven by razor-sharp riffs and relentless drumming. The song structure mirrors the first, keeping the intensity high, but it’s in the execution that NUCLEAR shines. The vocal delivery is fierce, cutting through the instrumentation with a raw, visceral quality. While the track doesn’t deviate much from the formula laid out in “Violent DNA,” its consistency and sheer intensity keep the momentum going strong, with the solos once again delivering a blistering highlight that demands attention.

The standout track of the EP is undoubtedly “Psychological Infanticide.” This song represents the pinnacle of Nuclear’s songwriting on "Violent DNA". The track is constructed with a more dynamic approach, building tension with its shifting tempos and intricate guitar work. The riffs are crushing and precise, creating a foundation for the song's complex structure. What sets this track apart is its pacing—while still undeniably fast, it allows moments of breathing space, making the ferocity hit even harder when it all comes together. The solo work here is particularly impressive, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the song rather than feeling like an added flourish. Lyrically and musically, it feels more mature and well-rounded, a glimpse of the band’s true potential.

As for the covers—“Foetus Noose”, “Siege of Power”, and “Into Eternity”NUCLEAR pays homage to the death metal greats with reverence and precision. These tracks are executed flawlessly, capturing the raw energy of the originals while injecting NUCLEAR’s own thrash-driven intensity. The band’s affinity for death metal shines through in these performances, particularly in the heaviness of the guitar tone and the relentless drumming. They showcase NUCLEAR’s versatility, seamlessly blending thrash and death metal elements with technical prowess.

In conclusion, "Violent DNA" is a solid effort from NUCLEAR, showcasing their ability to straddle the line between thrash and death metal with skill and aggression. The original tracks leave a strong impression, with “Psychological Infanticide” standing as the highlight of the EP. While the covers are executed with excellence, it leaves one eager to hear more original material from the band. NUCLEAR has proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with, delivering a tight, aggressive, and memorable EP that solidifies their place in the thrash metal scene.

7 / 10

Good

Songwriting

7

Musicianship

8

Memorability

7

Production

8
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"Violent DNA" Track-listing:

1. Violent DNA
2. Not yet a Man
3. Psychological Infanticide
4. Foetus Noose (Benediction cover)
5. Siege of Power (Napalm Death cover)
6. Into Eternity (Desultory cover)

Nuclear Lineup:

Punto Sudy - Drums
Francisco Haussmann - Guitars
Sebastián Puente - Guitars
Matías Leonicio - Vocals
Roberto Barría - Bass

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