Reviewed: April 2018
Released: 2018, Indie
Rating 3.5/5
Reviewer: JP
It is always a nice feeling when a band from half-way around the planet takes the time to send you a personal note and asks you to check out their music. I know that self-promotion, is part of the job but it is nice to see independent bands working hard and reaching out. Kamala is one such band!
This thrash band contacted me and I was quite impressed by what I heard. I’ll admit didn’t know anything about them even though they have been around about 15 years and five albums out. Their latest is a self-released effort called EYES OF CREATION. This short, nine-track album is pretty straight to the point with classic thrash songs that are short and sweet.
The three-piece is very competent and play well-executed, high-energy thrash. There are certainly lots of competition in this field but Kamala is as good as any in recent memory in terms of quality. I especially like the relentless drumming style of Isabella Moraes. It is also her debut with the band. There are some pretty sweet guitar solos courtesy of Raphael Olmos, a highlight being the ones heard on the second cut ‘Stay With Me’, which I can guarantee you, despite the title is NOT a sappy ballad! Olmos also doubles as vocalist for this power trio and his gruff voice is solid with a good gruff style and some nice roaring parts. The track ‘Purpose Of Life’ has a brief intro with what sounds like it could be indigenous instrumentation, it’s hard to tell, and some spoken word stuff, but it sounds cool. The title track is a surprisingly melodic instrumental, a shift away from the intensity of the earlier cuts but still very enjoyable.
I can’t compare then band with their back catalogue or comment on any evolution but I do know that I like this enough that I’ll go and check some of their previous work. I’d recommend this to pretty much any thrash fan!
Videos
Track Listing:
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Internal Peace
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Stay With Me
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Open Door
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Something To Learn
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Purpose Of Life
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Believe
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Deep Breath
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Eyes Of Creation
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Wake Up
Line Up:
Raphael Olmos, Vocals, Guitar
Allan Malavasi, Bass
Isabela Moreas, Drums
