It’s been a long time coming!
After releasing their second album last year, A Mass to the Grotesque, the Brazilian death metal group founded by ex-Sepultura guitarist Jairo Guedz, The Troops of Doom, finally arrive in the UK for their first-ever tour in the country. The band, completed by Alex Kafer, Marcelo Vasco, and Alexandre Oliveira, takes its name, of course, from the classic Sepultura anthem off their debut album from the 80s.
As the band gets ready to play their final UK date in London before heading off on their second European tour, “Pyar Scouse Metal” (you read that right) Ogun grace the stage with their tight, thrash-driven sound. These Liverpool lads, who recently reformed and released their debut full-length album, kick things off with
“World of Hate“, a Slayer-inspired thrash classic with amazing riffs and great vocals by Andy Evans.
Also hailing from Liverpool, “Devil’s Henchmen” delivered their hardcore-infused thrash attack with bangers like “Think Like You” and “Grimace”. The newly released single “Urban Death” dazzled the audience with its crushing breakdown section and the fierce vocals of Joseph Doolan.
Troops of Doom
As soon as the first notes of “Act I – The Devil’s Tail” echo through New Cross Inn, you can feel the impending doom taking over the venue.
The Troops of Doom is a band that manages to capture the essence of what makes early 80’s death/trash metal evil and give it a modern twist. Alex’s aggressive vocals and Alexandre’s dynamic drumming blend perfectly with Jairo’s classic death metal riffage and Marcelo’s chilling solos. The follow-up “Chapels of the Unholy” keeps things dark while “Bestial Devastation”, a Sepultura cover is a blast from the past that instantly stirs up the mosh pit.
“The Rise of Heresy” manages to escalate the night with its powerful drums and “Morbid Visions”, another classic Sepultura, has fans headbanging and screaming along. “Dethroned Messiah”, another highlight of the set, is a total banger with a catchy chorus and Slayer-esque solos. The night wouldn’t be complete without the song that gave the band its name.. “Troops of Doom” needs no introduction and it is the perfect way to close the set. As Alex taunts the crowd, New Cross Inn becomes one giant circle pit for one last time. We can only hope that Jairo and the band will be back soon for another round of chaos.