Year: 2021
Total Time: 42:04
Label: Metal Blade

CRIMINAL from Chile were created in 1991 through the ashes of a historical and cult band of the underground, PENTAGRAM (later they changed their name to PENTAGRAM CHILE), whose song NAPALM DEATH had covered in had their EP “Leaders Not Followers”. CRIMINAL have released nine albums including this year’s “Sacrificio”. The band’s mastermind, Anton Reisenegger, participates also in BRUJERIA and LOCK UP.

With the new album, CRIMINAL deliver us twelve Death/Thrash Metal compositions with Latin American aesthetics and old school feeling. The positive thing about their new release is the fact that they’ve added some new elements that raise the quality of the songs, increasing the listener’s interest. There are parts where a careful listening reveals influences from SEPULTURA’s Chaos A.D., while in “The Whale”, “Dark Horse” and “Hunter and the Prey” they have added some innovative elements of extreme metal, industrial Death/ Grind Metal, found in NAPALM DEATH’s latest albums. The aggressive nature of the compositions is accompanied by the corresponding lyrics which are denouncing the Chilean government, being supportive to the people who are demonstrating and clashing with the forces of state against corruption.

Unfortunately, CRIMINAL have not received the recognition and acceptance they deserve, something that I hope will change with “Sacrificio”, which is one of the best moments in their discography. So, if you want to hear an aggressive album that combines Death, Thrash Metal, Hardcore and elements from PANTERA and FEAR FACTORY, the veterans CRIMINAL proudly offered it!

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: CRIMINAL – Facebook Page