Review: “Chaosmongers” by NervoChaos

Celebrating a reign of terror that has lasted 30 years, Brazilian Death Thrash masters NervoChaos have given us the gift of a fourteenth studio album in “Chaosmongers”. Recorded by Adriano Daga (Angra, Heaven’s Guardian, Torture Squad) at Estúdio Purosom before being mixed and mastered by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Obscura, Architects) at Studio Fredman, it’s an exploration of themes of chaos, transformation, the occult and human resilience masterminded by founding member and drummer Eduardo Lane. He’s joined by returning guitarist Guiller Cruz, who last appeared on 2019 album “Ablaze” and bassist Daniel Funke.

This nightmare begins with the occult ritual that is “I Am Darkness“, a cut of old school Death Thrash riffs and percussive battery that sounds very much like its rooted to the bands 1996 inception. Gang chanted moments add to the low budget horror movie on VHS atmosphere as Lane hears the call of the void in the still night air and follows it willingly, surrendering to the all consuming darkness. Influences of bands like Sepultura, Deicide and Jungle Rot run through the veins of NervoChaos and are more prevalent in the punchy “Chaosmongers“, a cut which continues the gang chant element while having some raspy dry throated harsh vocals to pull it all together. While the title track might not necessarily be a stand out, the groove laden riffage of “Embrace Chaos” is a touch of class, proving that there is plenty of life left in this project yet. What makes it work is that the record sounds timeless and could have been released at any point since 1983 without anyone batting an eyelid, however it doesn’t sound dated in any way, shape or form. There is a real nostalgic charm to the aggressive tendencies of cuts like “Echoes of the Damned” as Lane demonstrates his storytelling capabilities as if he’s looking through the eyes of someone counting their last seconds during a zombie apocalypse.

Foregoing the trappings of unnecessary excess in virtuoso solos, haunting keys or programming NervoChaos instead go hell for leather with rhythmic bombardment in the surprisingly catchy “The Devil’s Man“, a tale that feels like it belongs to the soundtrack of the classic that is Robert Kurtzman’s Wishmaster. It’s another that has instant appeal in familiarity so while you’re listening to it you almost feel like you’ve heard it before and that’s just down to how classic it sounds. Both Nordström and Daga deserve their fair share of credit for that because not only has the mix been nailed but the atmosphere and energy have been maintained so you get a heart of darkness throughout. The rampaging “In Shadows They Dwell” has a few blackened moments to it, the lyrical narrative along similar lines to the opening cut but this one packing a bit more punch with churn and burn riffage and an infectious chorus before interlude piece “Dark Fables” offers momentary respite. Returning to the blood and thunder of blunt force trauma “Lorde Dos Mortos” is a sabre tooth grin as the band expose their teeth before taking a bite out of your skull accompanied by a barrage of razor sharp riffs and pounding percussion.

There are Hardcore Punk, Speed Thrash and Cosmic Black Metal influences in the riffs and lyrical themes of “Beyond the Cosmic Ocean” as Lane transcends cultural, spiritual and existential boundaries with a tale that offers escapism of the finest order. It might not be as personal or as dark as some of the other cuts but it still packs a punch as a short sharp Death Thrash cut from veterans who know exactly what they’re doing. “In the Vast Void” has a bit more swagger to it in a similar vein to what you might hear from a band like Pissing Razors, the slick chord progressions straight out of the Groove Metal playbook and the accented vocals having no end of charm. If it wasn’t obvious “Liber 420” is an ode to smoking weed but it ain’t no Stoner Metal anthem. Instead it uses the bands usual blueprint, something which pays off handsomely. Last but by no means least a cover of “Porcos Sanguinarios” by Ratos De Porão pays tribute to the Brazilian legends by going faster and harder than pretty much anything else on the album. A fleeting guitar solo and a bass solo are both landed perfectly and it has to be said you might not need this but you’re sure as hell going to want it [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. I Am Darkness
2. Chaosmongers
3. Embrace Chaos
4. Echoes of the Damned
5. The Devil’s Man
6. In Shadows They Dwell
7. Dark Fables
8. Lorde Dos Mortos
9. Beyond the Cosmic Ocean
10. In the Vast Void
11. Liber 420
12. Porcos Sanguinarios (Ratos De Porão Cover)

“Chaosmongers” by NervoChaos is out 13th November 2026 via Black Lion Records