What do you get when you mix the old Sepultura with Machine Head and a little bit of Fear Factory and Testament together. The answer comes from Chili. That would be Criminal, a rather new band from this South American country. These kinds of power thrash releases are scares nowadays and I certainly was amazed by the quality of their second release called "Cancer". The very solid rhythm section that does a great job fills up the tight and solid power thrash guitar riffs that reminded me of the early nineties. In their native country Criminal has become a very popular band but I guess it`s just a matter of time before the rest of the world will be able to see and hear the quality of this band.

I have to admit that the total doesn`t really sound that innovative but songs as "Cancer" or "Alma Muerta" are performed very well, and that`s of course one of the most important things when you are making music. The production is great and very direct what gave this release just a little bit extra aggression. So fans of bands I quoted in the first lines of this review can buy this release with their eyes closed. I`m not talking of a new sensation here, but just of a band that understands the art of writing compact metal songs. And it wouldn`t surprise me when they are playing at some of the summer festivals in 2002.