This awesome thrash/black metal trio are fairly new to us, they are named CHUPACABRA and they are from the city of Bristol, England (UK), it is safe to say that if you are into the likes of LAMB OF GOD, SLAYER, KREATOR, TESTAMENT and SODOM then look no further than this trio of talented musicians. They may be in their early stages of coming together as a band but they do have some experience from previous bands, vocalist/bassist HEATHER TAYLOR led one band called CYBERVOID and was a former member of WYTCH along with NIGE SAVAGE, who is now the rhythm guitarist and also plays drums but we can't forget ALEX BRENT who sets the bar high with his lead guitar parts in this trio.

So as the band are fairly new, they have now a three track EP titled FORTIFIED WITH ASHES as it has been released independently earlier this month, so stick your seatbelts on because this EP is set to take you on a rollercoaster ride of a time. We start with the intro track which is "Burn The Clowns" as we hear bass heavy guitar riffs with astonishing drums ploughing through the track with strength and ferocity as well. The precision and punctuation of each element, especially drums and vocals which also project very well from what I can hear, the vocals also are just so hardcore and majestic. The vocals also carry so much grit and determination to make themselves known but also share the spotlight with the other elements.

The electric guitar is so fiery and creates a lot of intensity with drums and vocals coming together as one band that can certainly pack a punch."F. T. T. D" has a lot of thumps of drums aside from melodic guitar riffs that are just spectacular. But then a slightly different guitar riff opens up a new transition into a more thrash or speed metal approach as the tempo is also flexible as to how the drums and bass guitar wants to play. Vocals literally roar so loudly and they are full of depth as well as tone, then guitars swoop in for a short interlude as drums and vocals come together one last time before we head into the next track.

"Fortified With Ashes" as we hear such energy and commitment from the previous track at the end going into what is the third and final track of this EP, such an excellent guitar riff starts the final track. But as before the drums and guitars coming together to literally kick ass and give the listener a good last impression of what the band has to offer, cymbals also add in that high end crispy tone to overall mix with everything else that is being heard. The one advantage the band have is their momentum and consistency especially guitars and drums as they are the key motivators in this band providing cutting edge thrash/black metal as good as it can get. There is even a pretty cool breakdown section for drums to throw some of their solo patterns and guitars to encourage vocals to reach a higher level.

And so that is basically the EP all covered, I very much enjoyed this release and considering the band are very new to the scene, I would say without a doubt they should go far and achieve so much as their sound overall is so well produced and the performance of each individual instrument deserves a lot of credit. Who knows what this band will do next, but I can see this band going on to release more awesome songs and perhaps they will come up with a full length album as well. I guess we will have to wait and find out for sure, but CHUPACABRA are not to be underestimated, they are here to stay and I look forward to hearing more from them.