NERVOSA, São Paulo, Brazil's aggressive metal band, has released "Downfall of Mankind" via Napalm Records as of June 2018. Yup, I'm another reviewer who going to start out by pointing out that NERVOSA is an all chick band. Why? I know, we don't say, "this band of all guys," well because that is common. While there are a handful of all-female bands, metal is still a male-dominated genre. And of course, the first thought will be "oh cute, look, girls that probably sound like KITTIE." LMFAO. Nope. This is some of the best and most brutal playing by females hands down. So, guys, this isn't a band to drool over, crowd around and hit on because they actually listen to and play metal. Respect. They can play their instruments well and don't have to stage a photo shoot for their promos with their boobs hanging out to get recognition.

Founded in 2010 NERVOSA released a self-produced demo in 2012 prior to being signed to Napalm Records. "Downfall of Mankind" is the bands third release. I saw a statement that guitarist Prika Amaral said about her top favorite influential albums. With a list consisting of, "SLAYER - Reign In Blood, METALLICA - Kill 'Em All, SEPULTURA - Schizophrenia, MORBID ANGEL - Altars Of Madness and all albums from TESTAMENT", this girl has done her metal homework. "Horrordome" starts out this entrancing aggression session with a howling scream, music full of blast beats and riffage that is as fast-paced as a high-speed chase. Followed by an off time slow down slide march before tearing into a sick groove that bounces with force. There is also an audible bass guitar. One thing that does lack in most metal albums. Had the track not ended, I could've blown all my energy playing it on a continuous loop.

"Bleeding" has a sick melodic lead guitar part that lets out doom-soaked cries, ensued with a triplet stomp. The vocals snarl and sharply carve out a path before unleashing a ground shaking guttural howl. Some of the tom fills and crash accents precisely strike and are timed with grace despite being bashing and ferocious. The only track I did not care for is "Selfish Battle." This track features guest appearances by Rodrigo Oliveira on drums and Arizona locals(woot-woot) FLOTSAM AND JETSAM's Michael Gilbert on guitar and providing the lead.  The reason I was turned off to it was the vocals. A definite change as she gave forth a clean power metal style. The effort was there, but, no, just, no. Stick to what you are a badass at. The best moment of "Downfall of Mankind" is "Fear violence and massacre." Yeah I know, aggressive, death, speed, thrash metal and the word "catchy' shouldn't appear in the same sentence, but c'mon, not pop song catchy. It's memorable and sticks in your mind like a post-it note with just the right amount of adhesive.

It still packs a whopping punch in the teeth and is extremely pit friendly. Just because you start a riot and have a soundtrack in mind doesn't make it any less lung puncturing, eye gouging, paper cutting across finger webbing kind of brutal. Also worth a mention is "Kill the silence" as it has a SEPULTURA "Arise" vibe going on that would make their hometown boys proud. Bottom line here, NERVOSA's release will slit your throat faster than Jack the Ripper. The audio quality is top notch on the PC speakers and it rattled the loose change in the car. While my subwoofer didn't have to work overtime to handle it, there was still a very distinct bass guitar sound and feel. Everything has been eq'd properly and nothing is muffled. This isn't about women lib or anything of the sort, however, high five ladies. You are the prime example of females holding their own without selling out with an image based on hot T&A. NERVOSA are talented, skilled, and should not be taken lightly. This is a serious brutal force through music.