Currently residing in Florida, No Raza originated in Bello, Antioquia, Colombia back in 1997. The melodic death metal act has signed to German label Noble Demon, dropped a handful of albums, and performed at multiple international festivals. Arguably, they’re a clear candidate as one of the most significant metal acts to come out of the Colombian scene, aside from the black metal nazi-pedophile group Inquisition… but, they’re disqualified.
No Raza‘s new record – Tyrona – is fucking fast, heavy, catchy, and combative.
Leading tracks like “Looters” and “Imperial Holocaust” boast anti-war aggression on par with Sepultura or Katakylsm. Frontman Juan Guillermo Cano melodically death growls out pessimistic ridicule, particularly the line “Implacable for war, no matter what is the prey; lust for material wealth, destroying all in their way.”
There’s cut-throat modern death metal exhibited all throughout Tyrona, but one of the more notable moments is where No Raza flexes a bit of their blackened armor for a triumphant cover of Bathory‘s “Ring of Gold,” complete with acoustic intro.
Themes of socio-politics and indigenous cultures fuel each brutal barrage, thanks to lead guitarist Juan Camilo Sanchez, bassist Mike Spillane, and drummer Jairo Gomez.
No Raza will be headlining Northern Wisconsin Metalfest next month alongside The Convalescence, and is also a headliner for Colombia’s Black Angel Fest XI next January.