Reviews

Fuerza Ingobernable

Alambrada Rios de Sangre LP

The successor of Muerte Preventiva, Rios de Sangre serves up a relentless barrage of fiery riffs, driving rhythms, and socially-charged lyrics that resonate deeply with both the pulse of Bogota and the broader struggles of the heart. From the opening track, we are thrust into a whirlwind of fast hardcore à la VOID or KORO, expertly layered with both frenetic urgency and poignant storytelling. Each track reflects a powerful blend of breakneck speed and relentless power, showcasing the band’s charisma for crafting anthems. ALAMBRADA aren’t timid when it comes to confronting political and social issues head-on, articulating the frustrations and aspirations of a generation longing for change. From the busy punk aficionados from Rat Trap, with killer projects like MURO, UNIDAD IDEOLÒGICA, and ATAQUE ZERO, the question remains: how do these guys have time to make such great bands?

Muro Nuevo Dogma LP

MURO is among the most revered hardcore punk bands on the planet. Nuevo Dogma, their highly anticipated third album, is a clear demonstration of why this is the case. Picking up where their devastating 2020 full-length Pacificar left off, Bogota’s finest crank up the heat for these ten scorching tracks. MURO adeptly melds influences from a broad swath of punk subspecies—UK82, Burning Spirits, Italian hardcore—but the sound they’ve developed is all their own. Impelled by anger and passion, these songs are imbued with a visceral fervor rarely captured in a recording studio. Infectious double-picked riffs, thunderous bass, primal drumming, vocals barked with seething anguish…and it goes well beyond the music. The art that adorns the album cover, booklet, and massive posters (yes, posters plural!) conveys a solicitude, a level of detail and commitment to DIY that has become uncommon in 2024. Nuevo Dogma has not been made available for online listening, so you’ll have to buy the record if you want to hear the songs. It’s absolutely worth the effort of procurement. This is easily one of the top releases of the year and an instant classic.