SEXTRASH - Funeral Serenade (12" LP on Black Vinyl)

Sextrash's Funeral Serenade is a criminally underrated gem in the annals of Brazilian death metal, representing a leap forward in technicality and sophistication while retaining the raw brutality that defined their earlier work. Released in 1992, this album showcases the band’s evolution, blending ferocious riffs, blistering blast beats, and eerie atmospheric touches to craft a sound that is as memorable as it is devastating.

The album's standout track, "Bizarre," exemplifies everything Funeral Serenade gets right. The frenetic guitar work, accompanied by unrelenting drumming and the guttural growls of vocalist Pussy Ripper, delivers an unrelenting onslaught of aggression. Yet, the band balances the chaos with precision, weaving in melodic solos and tempo changes that keep the listener engaged throughout. Tracks like "Wind Assassin" and "Prohibited Angels" highlight their ability to seamlessly shift from pummeling death metal ferocity to hauntingly doomy passages, adding depth to the record.

The production quality is another strong point. Unlike many underground releases of the era, Funeral Serenade benefits from clear instrumentation and thoughtful mixing. The distortion-heavy guitars, thunderous drums, and occasional keyboard flourishes are all given space to shine, creating a layered and immersive listening experience.

While the album did not achieve the same level of recognition as its predecessor, Sexual Carnage, it stands as a testament to the band's innovation and ambition. Funeral Serenade represents a band willing to push the boundaries of their sound, moving beyond the raw extremity of their debut to embrace a more nuanced approach without sacrificing intensity.

For fans of death metal looking to explore the Brazilian scene beyond the giants like Sarcófago and Sepultura, Funeral Serenade is an essential listen. Its blend of brutality, technicality, and atmosphere cements its place as one of the finest, though often overlooked, entries in the genre.