Okay, can someone just head down to South America and hand them the Thrash Metal crown? The rest of the world can just give up. South America by this point owns the genre. Or at least it feels that way when bands like VALVERA keep surging forward with albums that not only deliver impeccable Thrash, musically speaking, but also call out socio-politically relevant issues. On August 28, 2020, VALVERA add their third full-length album, "Cycle Of Disaster," to their growing catalogue.

VALVERA is a foursome hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. They formed ten years ago in 2010. They've had a few lineup changes, as is the case with almost every band on the planet, switching up drummers and, more recently, have brought on board a new bassist, Gabriel Prado, just this year. Although I can't say that VALVERA has elevated the Thrash Metal scene to new innovative levels, they have certainly established themselves as a mainstay by cranking out consistently impressive albums. As they say, it takes three data points to make a trend. This being their third stellar album, I think it's safe to say VALVERA has arrived. It is masterfully produced, exceptionally well-written, and explosively delivered. And they have something to say. What more could you ask for?

I am no expert of South American socio-political issues and events, but I do like the coffee and I have one or two social media accounts which, by today's standards, qualifies me for a PhD. From my limited knowledge of Brazil, in 1987 there was a radioactive accident in Goiânia that has been cited as "one of the world's worst radioactive incidents." If you don't recall the event, "Glow Of Death" offers a visceral recap. Another grim history lesson is "The Damn Colony" which addresses the Hospital Colônia de Barbacena, a psychiatric hospital that was ground zero for about 80 years (1903 - 1980) of social cleansing. The trains that carried patients there came to be known as "crazy trains." Yeah, not just a great song by Ozzy.
Politics and history aside, "Cycle Of Disaster" is a motherlode of bellicose riffs, crushing bass lines, and drumming that punches so hard it feels personal. Glauber Barreto's vocals are strong and confident as ever, and his guitar work is so well synched with Rodrigo Torres's that they sound like they've been playing together for a decade . . . wait.

Keeping in mind this entire album is excellent, my favorite tracks are "Nothing Left To Burn," "Glow Of Death," and "Born On A Dead Planet." With nine tracks spanning over forty minutes, you can pretty much set the needle down anywhere on this album and you're going to strike gold/oil/fill-in-the-blank treasured commodity. As with most albums of this caliber, there really aren't any bad tracks.

South America, and Brazil in particular, has dominated the Thrash Metal scene since its inception in the 1980's. It should be no surprise that such a politically stressed region of the world would be fertile ground for this aggressive, issues-focused music. It should also be no surprise that so many quality Thrash Metal bands surface here. VALVERA is fast rising to be counted amongst the best of them. If you're into Thrash Metal, old school or even a more modern ilk, you'll appreciate "Cycle Of Disaster."