Detësto – 2020 Studio Trax

Five blistering tracks of powerhouse d-beat from Campinas, Brazil. This promo delivers exactly what you’d expect from a band steeped in the raw punk and crust traditions of their region.

I was particularly excited for this release, partly due to the stunning artwork by legendary Japanese illustrator Sugi, whose bestial designs are always a treat, and partly because Brazil’s tradition of dis-core worship is as enduring as it is ferocious. So, what’s on offer here?

These five tracks hurtle by in a blur of aggression and tight execution. While the sound leans on the familiar, with reverb-drenched vocals, pounding Besthöven-style d-beats, and razor-sharp riffs, it still packs a punch. The tempo stays consistently raw and fast throughout, capturing the essence of old-school raw punk, though the heavier, metallic undertones bring to mind Doom and Extreme Noise Terror rather than purely Scandinavian käng punk.

It’s a solid, raging effort that should easily win over disrockers and crust enthusiasts alike. However, in the sprawling sea of d-beat and crust releases, it doesn’t break much new ground. That said, the upcoming seven-inch is one to watch out for—if not for the music, then certainly for Sugi’s jaw-dropping artwork.