Review Summary: There’s nothing like finding a true gem.
Music was thriving during the old school death metal period. Several bands during that time were experimenting and truly using their creative abilities in a genre that was fresh and new. Undercroft, from Chile, conceived during the azimuth of old school death metal; which was 1991. This death metal quartet was most likely able to hear the best the genre had to offer, supplanting the best theories in their own formula whilst breathing fresh air into realms untrodden.
Although beginning in 1991, Undercroft released their first LP entitled “Twisted Souls” after two solid demos. This album is full of unique riffs and drum patterns that perfectly fit its counterparts. Encased in about 45 minutes of solid death metal, headed by vocalist/bassist Alvaro Lillo, Undercroft manages to write a never ending display of solid riff after solid riff. With so many riffs, it’s nothing short of amazing how these Chileans can remain so consistent in their methods of execution. Every single track off “Twisted Souls” seems to begin with innovative and creative riffs that are catchy, heavy, and fresh; “Wake Up From Your Dreams” starts with a unique hammer on pull off passage, while “Open Your Eyes to Pain” slowly progresses off a tremolo/chug patterned riff that eventually grows in immense technicality.
What really gets me is the amazing drum patterns that Pablo Cortes lays over every riff. This guy’s creativity level is simply awe inspiring; leaving me to wonder if he has any type of jazz background experience. The level of time he must have put into this album has to be immense. You can’t just start playing with a band and come up with what Pablo does instantly. It would take months to figure out all his endless patterns and stops. You can tell Pablo really wanted to raise the bar in death metal drumming. His style is one that is heavy but very expressive; on tracks like “They Kill For Me” and “Lords of Terror” Pablo can be seen working the ride and high hat like no other. His rhythm is so tasty like the hot Latinas that come from his country. I actually envision Pablo being in a production room with tons of nude Chilean model pictures surrounded his turn. The double bass kicks that back up the solo found on “Lord of Terror” instantly reminded me of some hot as-s dancer waving her child-bearing hips in sexual seduction, but that’s just me, but maybe you’ll feel it too.
With a solid run time, releasing spews of creative riffs and amazing innovation, “Twisted Souls” is a true gem that needs to be heard by every death metal fan. Whether you’re looking for good music that came out of South America, solid death metal or even unique and sometimes obscure approaches, this is the album to check out.
