SUICIDE NATION is a Chilean Thrash Metal band formed in 2006. "Hall Of Violence" is their second full-length album and was released July 16, 2020 through Australis Records. Eight years after the release of the first record, it becomes obvious the band has matured significantly in the intervening time. Another obvious piece of this puzzle is the influences of the more hardcore thrashers like KREATOR, TESTAMENT and OVERKILL.

This record starts with a quick blast beat and dives directly into a nice brutal guitar riff. Thrash metal fans should be really happy. There is no questioning where this record is going to go. "The Everlasting Hatred", song two on the disc, starts off with a nice quick galloping riff for a few measures before leveling out into a driving rhythm that is definitely thrashy. "Rain Of Bullets" then continues the pace. There is no let up, not that you want one.

The title track comes next and is followed by "Suicide Pact". More anger and aggression. More pounding rhythms and aggressive riffs. More blast beats and quick drum fills. More thrash goodness. With a lot of lyrical angst to match the brutal music, this is a metal-heads dream. "No Hold Barred" has a drum intro. These guys start songs with a quick blast to set up the main melody, and they do it well.

From "Urban Punishment" to "Under The Gun", the rest of the album is consistent with the beginning. There are no surprises or tricks up the band's sleeves. It is just straight-forward, balls to the wall thrash metal. The attitude, the lyrics, the riffs, the rhythms.... They all match. It is not repetitive and boring. Each song feels different and fresh. This is high quality metal. These guys know how to thrash and aren't afraid to show that talent off.

SUICIDE NATION has created a really good thrash metal album. The guitars are brutal and the rhythm section is controlled chaos at a furious pace. With the vocals being almost growled, but not quite, they have a distinct Tom Araya (SLAYER) feel that is both familiar and new since his signature screams are not present. This is not saying Felix Arto is a clone or copycat. His work stands on its' own two feet. This just means the sound is familiar and comfortable, not that you will be at ease listening to this record.

The record is angry, which is okay. Thrash is not meant to be puppies and rainbows. SUICIDE NATION fits the genre very well. There is no questioning what their intent is, what their love is. And they crush it. This is a really good thrash album. I listened to it a number of times just to catch the underlying parts that aren't obvious on a single playing. The tightness of the instruments, the coordination and the overall feel of the disc is killer. Chile has produced one of the best thrash bands of the last decade.