Whipstriker – Only Filth Will Prevail (Goatprayer Records. 2016).

Whipstriker – Only Filth Will Prevail (Goatprayer Records. 2016).

A potent blend of punk filth, the sleazier side of NWOBHM and Speed Metal, the third album by the Brazilian maniacs Whipstriker is an enraged beast; an intoxicated frenzy of headbanging screeching forth from the past. Right from the start, you can feel the beer, cigarette smoke, and sweat ooze from the speakers and seep into your brain. It is a high-speed, cocaine fuelled romp through vomit-encrusted toilets, dingy bars, and long-haired crowds. The vocals are raw, Cronos-like growls, the riffs are a fast, primitive mix of Heavy Metal with hints of punk, and the drumming incorporates D-beats and more traditional metal drumming. There are a few moments at more lesser tempos, such as the fist-pumping Flames of Hate, but generally this is an energetic, raging piece of sleazy Metal, with songs being 3 minutes of vigorous, headbanging mayhem such as the first song Waiting for the Doomsday or the killer Flag of Cruelty. It is a good album, and a pretty decent representative of this type of punky Heavy/Speed Metal style. You can definitely hear the influences of Venom, Motörhead, and Warfare, especially considering the brilliant cover of Warfare’s Death Vigilance, and it is good fun to drink along to and experience live with a bunch of drunken degenerates. Admittedly, it isn’t necessarily massively original, but that does not matter too much overall, as it is a heartfelt tribute to the gods of old that does not come off in anyway as being superficial or half-assed. As said, any lack of originality is made up for by the passion that vomits forth. For those who are fans of bands like Midnight, this is a welcome addition to the collection. It can be guaranteed to get quite a few spins, especially since it is just short of 30 minutes in length, and is fairly addictive… So, expect to find yourself playing it on repeat for a while. 7/10.