Venomous Unveils New EP, Tribus

Brazilian melodic death metal quintet Venomous, hailing from São Paulo, has recently released their latest EP, Tribus. This record follows their two previous full-length albums, Defiant (2018) and The Black Embrace (2019), showcasing the band’s evolution and refined sound.

Crafted in Isolation

Tribus was entirely composed during the isolation of 2020 and 2021, deviating from the traditional collaborative process in shared studio spaces. This solitary creation imbues the album with a poignant sense of longing for unity, which becomes a thematic cornerstone throughout the tracks.

A Cohesive Journey Through Unity

This theme is especially evident in the EP’s closing track and single, Unity, which encapsulates the album’s emotional essence.

Track Highlights

Eerie Land
The EP opens with Eerie Land, featuring a haunting, syncopated piano intro that seamlessly transitions into heavy riffing and a thunderous rhythm section. The track strikes a balance between heaviness and nostalgia, elevated by Tigas Pereira’s powerful vocal delivery—effortlessly blending harsh and clean styles. Renato Castro’s bass work shines with intricate runs that stand out in the mix, complementing the track’s progressive structure.

Trinity
Trinity introduces a djent-inspired edge in the guitar work before plunging into melodic death/thrash territory. With pulverizing drumming by Lucas Prado and blistering guitar shredding, the song channels the energy of ’90s progressive thrash and melodic death metal. Influences from bands like In Flames, Death, and Brazil’s own Sepultura are palpable.

Duality
This track incorporates elements of alternative rock and post-hardcore, resulting in a more accessible, straightforward composition. The dynamic contrast between its thrashy verses and uplifting chorus embodies the concept of duality, further enhanced by synth work that adds a mysterious, sci-fi atmosphere. Certain sections evoke the experimental spirit of Alaska-era Between the Buried and Me, with tasteful soloing throughout.

Unity
Closing the EP, Unity delivers a modern and melodic experience. Drawing inspiration from progressive metal acts such as Caligula’s Horse and Leprous, it features softer sections interwoven with striking melodies and hard-hitting moments. The track concludes with a serene piano coda by Felipe Abbamonte, offering an elegant and reflective end to the album.

A Progressive Leap Forward

Tribus marks a significant milestone for Venomous, showcasing their growth and versatility as musicians. The EP is characterized by progressive melodic death metal with intricate songwriting, standout performances, and polished production.

While its brevity may leave listeners craving more, Tribus achieves a compelling and memorable impact, solidifying Venomous as a band to watch in the genre.