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With Depleted Ammunition, Brazil’s war-metal veterans Goatpenis return to the frontlines fully armed, delivering a record that feels like a sustained artillery assault—violent, unrelenting, but remarkably precise. Formed in 1991 and forged in the fires of chaos, this Santa Catarina-based trio continues to refine their militaristic craft with each release, and this latest offering stands as one of their most disciplined and impactful operations to date.
What sets Depleted Ammunition apart is its calculated blend of sonic warfare and clarity. Rather than drowning in sheer noise, Goatpenis sharpens their chaos with razor-edge production, allowing every blast beat, tremolo riff, and guttural command to cut through the smoke with deadly intent. The album thrives in that fine-tuned tension between brute force and tactical structure—a true “fog of war” captured in sound, yet always moving with precision.
Opening salvo “FROG-7 Missiles” sets the tone with pounding drums and riff barrages that feel like a full-scale strike. The vocals bark orders through the maelstrom, never losing intensity. This track, one of the longer ones on the record, flexes a surprisingly nuanced approach to dynamics—moving between relentless battery and eerie calm with the effectiveness of seasoned warfare.
Shorter bursts like “MGM-18 Lacrosse” and “MGM-29 Sergeant” keep the momentum aggressive and focused, with track titles inspired by real-world weaponry adding another layer to the band’s immersive concept. These aren’t just names—they’re symbols of the band’s fixation on destruction as both theme and tactic. It's hard not to visualize the chaos of mechanized combat while listening, especially with Goatpenis's knack for slipping in samples and ambient warfare textures.
The drumming across the album, while slightly recessed in the mix, provides the explosive backbone needed to drive the guitars forward. Tracks like “MGM-5 Corporal” and “Combustion Light Gas Gun CLGG” exemplify this, with sharp blasts and militant cadence that push the rhythm without overshadowing the dominant, razor-wire guitar lines. The bass, though subdued, functions like a support gunner—low, steady, essential.
What makes Depleted Ammunition a standout in Goatpenis’s arsenal is its pacing and rhythmic intelligence. While many war-metal bands choose unbroken speed, Goatpenis masterfully incorporates groove and restraint without sacrificing brutality. The final track is a perfect example—“Combustion Light Gas Gun CLGG” marches forward with a calculated, almost hypnotic tempo that showcases the band’s maturity and vision.
Goatpenis isn’t just firing off rounds aimlessly—they’ve been training for this, refining their weaponry since the early ’90s. Depleted Ammunition is both a continuation of their legacy and a sharpening of their blade. With Sabbaoth at the helm—whose commanding presence is felt in every snarled line and distorted chord—this album stands as a powerful testament to their enduring force in the underground war-metal battalion.
Rest in power, Sabbaoth. Your war machine marches on.
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