Since the end of the 90's, Thrash Metal came back to evidence after years of silence deep in the underground. The greater names tried experimental ways to seek for reach a broader public (because the end of the golden age for the genre in the second half of the 80's was gone with the arrival of Grunge Rock and Alternative Rock commercial success), and the smaller ones cease their activities. Today, the genre produces good releases and bands, as the Chilean quartet METALRIFF. Their musical potential can be heard on "Under My Skin", their latest release.

Their music can be labeled as a classic form of Thrash Metal, built having TESTAMENT, ANTHRAX and METALLICA as their fundamental corner stones. Their music is filled with many hooking melodies (especially during the choruses), keeping the classic aggressiveness and good technical level. It's far from being anything new at all, and they're not trying to recreate Thrash Metal, but their musical work is really very good and has a hooking appeal. On the production, it seems that they tried to build something that could sound classic and full of energy, but taking advantage of modern recording technologies. It has a clean and defined outfit, in a way that anyone who comes to hear "Under My Skin" will understand easily what the quartet has to offer. Gonzalo Cordovez did a great job on the recording, mixing and mastering of the album.

On the eight songs, a great potential to make something even better sounds clear to the ears. But for now, the mastodonic weight of "Blood & War" (very good guitar riffs, indeed) and of "Under My Skin" (this one show some Hardcore influences in many moments), the technical catchy approach of "From Saint to Demon", the massive aggressiveness of "From the Ashes" (very good work from bass guitar and drums on the technical aspect, indeed), and the insane energetic approach of "Don't Be Afraid to Die" are their finest moments.

Once more: METALRIFF has to mature some more to become great, but "Under My Skin" shows a band that has a lot to offer, and that they are on the right path.