Nervosa – Jailbreak
Release Date: 29th September 2023
Label: Napalm Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Thrash Metal, Death Metal.
FFO: Crypta, Destruction, Kreator, Enforced, Power Trip.
Review By: Rick Farley
For anyone already into thrash metal, Brazil’s Nervosa should already be on the radar, but for those new to their blistering thrash attack, the bands fifth studio album Jailbreak is about to introduce you to a whole new world of hurt. This new full-length also marks a fresh chapter in the band’s history, as it’s their first record featuring longtime and founding member Prika Amaral as the bands vocalist. Prika (then and still guitarist) and another original member who’s no longer with the band started Nervosa in 2010 in São Paulo, Brazil. After four full length albums on Napalm Records and a rotating door of members, the band are back with what could end up being their most ruthless release to date. Strap in, shits about to rage.
Right from the get-go, Jailbreak lets you know exactly what’s about to happen to your weak and feeble body. A severe beating of old school influenced thrash/death metal infused with melody and wicked energy. Fiercely starting with Endless Ambition, this track wastes no time getting to the sharp as nails speedy guitars and intense drums. Prika, as well as second guitarist Helena Kotina are a force of twin guitar attack; wicked solos, chugging thrashy open strings and hellish licks are a guitar riffers paradise. The ebb and flow is defined by an unrelenting assault, ripping through your flesh at each musical interval. Nervosa is not reinventing the wheel here, but they sure in hell know how to drive this blistering one hundred ton bulldozer. Prika’s vocals are raspy and coarse, while still being mostly intelligible. She has great personality in her growls, it makes me wonder why she wasn’t the vocalist to begin with. I’m sure a few will disagree, but honestly these are the best vocals Nervosa has ever had.
The rebellious title track Jailbreak is one part classic heavy metal ala Judas Priest, one part Motörhead swagger, one part kick-ass thrash metal and all parts fucking awesome. This is the kind of track that makes you want to throw your horns up, bang your head and mosh with unrestrained violence. The vibe on this track is incredibly infectious, and I personally couldn’t even begin to understand any metalhead not loving this track. The drums from Michaela Naydenova are fiercely potent, going from double bass, thrashy downbeats and rock style fills. All this combined with the thick bass foundation from Hel Pyre help make this track irresistible and an instant thrash classic.
Lending his guitar talents to the band is a guest spot from legendary Exodus guitarist Gary Holt on When the Truth is a lie, as well as a guest vocal spot on Superstition Failed from Infected Rain/Death Dealer Union vocalist Lena Scissorhands. Personally, not my favourite track, but worth mentioning for any fans. All in all, this is a phenomenal modern thrash metal record with heavy doses of the classics that rage in all the best ways, with only a few very minor missteps. The first half of the album is slightly stronger than the second half, and it’s about two songs too long. That’s not saying that the second half is weak, because it definitely is not. It’s just the first seven songs are all absolute crushers, and some of the rest struggle a little with listener fatigue. Thrash metal, regardless of who it is, suffers from this on some level, so all is forgiven. With its insanely shreddy guitar solos, dark memorable melodies, perfect thrash vocals, and killer guitar tones, I would recommend Jailbreak to anyone and everyone. Riffs stacked on riffs that force involuntary headbanging, what’s not to like. 
(4 / 5)
