The Brazilian Metal scene is always full of very good surprises. But unfortunately, many Metalheads (and even Rock fans) becomes chained by models: to do things that aren't usual is to be, sometimes, ignored by many. It's easier for a clone to receive praise from the fans, but something that tries the senses has problems to become accepted. And another feature is that is easier for a Brazilian band trying to create its own path to receive international praise before on its own country (what is called 'SEPULTURA effect', because they gained international praise before being recognized on Brazil). And "Barren...", the third album from WARSHIPPER, a quartet from Sorocaba (SP), commits the sin of being outstanding.

Their approach on Death Metal (that is influenced by North American school) with some catchy Thrash Metal touches is unconventional due many different elements that can be heard on the songs, a massive set of traces from many different Metal genres. Bitter introspective parts contrasts with brutal and oppressive moments, speed turns from fast attacks to slow tempos, charming melodies arise from during the guitar solos, and even some Progressive/Avant-garde experimentations can be heard (as "Compulsive Trip" can show clearly). And be sure: a massive flow of aggressive energy flows from each song of the album. And the album can be labeled as a grotesque and complex state-of-the-art release.

To create a sound quality for such musical work, an experienced producer, used to work with the unconventional, was needed. And Rafael Augusto Lopes (the mastermind behind Avant-garde Metal project FANTTASMA) was the right choice, because the sonority is oppressive, bitter and as heavy as Hell. But the set of instrumental tunes used is excellent, allowing that the aggressiveness do not interfere on the clarity. And the artwork for the cover, created by the tattoo artist Brenda Cassimiro reinforces the grotesque (but yet refined) concept of the album.

Yes, "Barren..." has a concept behind the lyrics (try to read the first letter of each song, and it will form words. Try it!): the sterility of mankind in a social point of view, of how the society forces the different few into what the majority wants. And it leads to a bitter and melancholic view of life. But as soon as anyone becomes aware of this aspect, a new reality can be created.

And the 11 songs of the album are 11 state-of-the-art musical expressions. And for a first time on their musical work, "Barren Black" (a violent storm of weight comes from this one, with excellent subjective melodies during the guitar solos), "Axiom" (some Country/Southern Rock influences appears before it becomes a massive attack of hooking musical arrangements), "Respect!" (where Thrash Metal influences becomes more evident and create many hooks, and the voice of Fernanda Lira from CRYPTA and former NERVOSA singer creates contrasts with Renan's harsh grunts), "Embryo" (the musical weight is abusive, but this instrumental song is filled with unconventional elements and melodies), "Anagrams of Sorrow" (and the musical mold for Death Metal was thrown out for good, because the mix between Southern/Groove Metal elements with tender melodies creates new possibilities, and maybe some extreme fans could become offended by the label Country Death/Thrash Metal), "Compulsive Trip" (the Avant-garde approach becomes even more improved, with nasty touches of Progressive Rock and Groove Rock on the melodies), and "Knowing Just As I (Detachment)" (as a ten minute song, it can be faced as a compendium of everything that can be heard on the album). It's a homogeneous album, so to leave the others out of this list hurts a lot.

After hearing to "Barren...", the main idea about WARSHIPPER's work is greater than Brazil, that deserves to be heard and enjoyed throughout the world. And the quartet nor is the main driving force of extreme Metal in Brazil, surpassing all others (sorry for being so true).