Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Parabellum - Mutacion por radiacion (1988)

Parabellum are considered to be the first extreme metal band from Colombia.  They sound exactly as you would expect based on that statement alone.  This two track EP is poorly produced, badly played and lacks any semblence of structure.  Now then, let's not skip the fact that this was 1988 and Colombia was hardly a hotbed of metal releases at this time.  I can't begin to imagine the challenges this band had setting up and trying to record and distribute material.  That withstanding though, beyond the underground appeal to this there is little in the way of anything else going for it.

The vocals are the only discernable sound that come through what sounds like a thick blanket being laid over all instruments.  The occasional drum hit can be heard and the riffing when it does come through is very punky with the odd squeal of a guitar to add metal credentials where felt necessary to do so.  The chaotic playing is too much when coupled with the primitive recording equipment and the lack of production, you just can't digest anything.  Their EP from 1987 Sacrilegio is even worse by the way.

I would hazard a guess that live, these guys would have slayed.  Their sheer attitude carrying them through a live set no doubt.  There's nothing to carry them through on a recorded format though.