Nube Negra (meaning "black cloud" in Spanish) is the third studio album of Chilean band Demoniac (CHL). The album starts with the quartet showing off their insanely fast style of thrash metal. With energetic, blackened vocals sung in Spanish, lightning-fast guitar-work, and entertaining bass playing, Demoniac (CHL) demonstrate their technical mastery. Overall, despite super fun guitar solos, the musicianship provides nothing an experienced thrash enthusiast hasn't heard before.
That would be one's first impression, at least. As one soon discovers as the album continues, the musicianship becomes extremely diverse starting with "La Caida", in which the song transitions from a super catchy chorus to a blistering guitar solo and concludes with sombre piano playing. There are even moments that feel surprisingly progressive and experimental such as in the song "Synthèse d'accords" with its hypnotic use of an accordion and a Moog synthesizer. "Granada" continues this creative trend, producing a menacing tone with devilish rasps and a haunting combination of clarinet playing, folksy acoustic guitar-work, and chugging, electric guitar riffs. Four minutes into "Veneno", we even witness Demoniac (CHL) completely hitting the brakes, guiding the listener into a slow and melancholic atmosphere. The final track, fittingly called "El Final", returns to the high-speed style of the first few songs, concluding the album with perhaps the most impressive guitar solos I've heard this year.
So, is this an album worth your time? Absolutely! Is this an album worth $666 — the price of a digital download on the band's Bandcamp page? I guess that's up to you. (Yes, I know the insane price tag is meant as an incentive for the fans to buy from the record label's page where it's selling for only €7, but it's still funny!)
In conclusion, Demoniac (CHL) deliver some of the most entertaining thrash of 2023. They check all the genre's boxes with their rapid-fire riffs, pleasant bass lines, and hyper energetic guitar solos. Yet, what makes the Chilean quartet stand out is their willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of the well-established thrash style. Using bizarre instruments in metal music isn't anything new; many bands have employed the saxophone, for instance. Now, thanks to Demoniac (CHL), you can hear how surprisingly well clarinets and accordions work while accompanying energetic thrash. ¡Buen provecho!
