And the Brazilian Black Metal kings are back for one more release. Yes, PATRIA, from Rio Grande do Sul, just released their new album "Individualism", on their new label, Indie Recordings. And dear nephews and nieces, this album is something between the excellent and the perfection.

The band still does music the same way before, but as always, they surprise us all with a different approach on their music. PATRIA's still furious and harsh, but some elegance entered their songs, a refinement, in the middle of their chaotic mix between their high-pitched harsh vocals, extremely strong and aggressive guitar riffs and solid rhythmic basis is better than before. And it turned their music more tasty for us all. Sometimes fast, other times more slower and morbid, they evolves in a very gently form, for their veteran fans have nothing to complain, and can gather new ones.

The production from the album is excellent, with Leandro Debenetti taking care of recording and mixing on Carlos Barbosa (the city from where PATRIA comes from), but the mastering as done by Øystein G. Brun (mastermind from BORKNAGAR and CRONIAN) at Silver Soundscapes studios, at Garnes / Hordaland (Norway). And this team really brought something new for the band's sound, for its sounding clearly, but keeping their old elements intact. And the art, done again by Costin Chioreanu (the same artist from "Nihiul Est Monastica"). And the album have some especial guests with Abyssius (drummer from THORNS OF EVIL and PATRIA live member) on "Your Rotten Heart Dies Now" and Fabiano Penna (musical producer and former guitarist from THE ORDHER and REBAELLIUN, to name a few of his work) on the darkened instrumental "Requiem for the Ego".

The whole album is fine, but you can start with "Blodstorm Prophecy" (the vocals shows an excellent dynamics on this track), "Uncrowned God of Light" (these guitars are the reason to call Mantus the Black Metal guitar master here in Brazil), "Orphan of Empitness" and the bitter "Catharsis". But check all the songs, dears!

Mantus and Triumphsword always do great songs, and PATRIA is one step ahead on Black Metal with this album. Buy it, for MP3 or illegal downloads are for sissies.