Nervosa – Slave Machine
Napalm Records/Shinigami Records
8,5/10,0
Brief:
NERVOSA unleashes another round of fury on their new album, Slave Machine. Their sixth album shows the Brazilian modern thrash metal band releasing their inner beasts at staggering speed and with formidable emphasis. Having performed at the biggest metal festivals worldwide, from Wacken to Hellfest, and making a lasting impression on fans and critics alike, NERVOSA aims to consolidate their standing as genre frontrunners. With founding guitarist Prika Amaral established as their new singer with their previous record, Jailbreak (2023), they tear through the scene with the force of a sledgehammer. Once again working with producer Martin Furia, the women bridge the gap between old-school power and critical modernity.
Twelve new songs show the five-piece exploring their crushing style in an enhanced way. Opening “Impending Doom” builds up menacingly, using thunderous riffs and jagged drums to establish the women’s dominance in the scene. The title track, “Slave Machine”, instantly turns up the speed and adds a surprising alternative bridge to the already catchy chorus, showing a slightly different side of the metal powerhouses. The following “Ghost Notes” unleashes a storm of heavy, yet easily recognizable riffs, driven by impelling drums and the ever-so-furious vocals of Prika Amaral, crowned by an astounding guitar solo. Through “Beast Of Burden”, NERVOSA shows their harshest side, while “You Are Not A Hero” offers a grand chorus, gifting Slave Machine a true anthem. “Hate” unfolds with raw brutality, and “The New Empire” looks for destruction with melodic precision. “30 Seconds” rises up to new heights, while “Crawl For Your Pride” combines NERVOSA’s trademark social criticism with gut-punching songwriting. Throughout “Learn Or Repeat” and “The Call”, the band once again sprinkles in some pieces of modern groove with old-school vibes before Slave Machine rears up one final time on the threateningly sinister “Speak In Fire”.
NERVOSA erupts as a metal volcano with their latest record. Never settling, always exploring, one staggering riff after another, Slave Machine is a crushing statement—it comes, sees, and conquers.
[Edited Press Release]
Tracklist:
- Impending Doom – 04:25
- Slave Machine – 03:53
- Ghost Notes – 04:27
- Beast of Burden – 03:23
- You Are Not a Hero – 03:57
- Hate – 04:09
- The New Empire – 03:00
- 30 Seconds – 03:20
- Crawling for Your Pride – 03:14
- Learn or Repeat – 03:04
- The Call – 03:04
- Speak in Fire – 03:16
Main Focus Tracks:
- Impending Doom – 04:25
- Slave Machine – 03:53
- Learn or Repeat – 03:04
Other Recommended Tracks:
- You Are Not a Hero – 03:57
- Hate – 04:09
- Ghost Notes – 04:27
- 30 Seconds – 03:20
Line-Up:
Prika Amaral – Guitars/Vocals
Helena Kotina – Guitars
Hel Pyre – Bass
Michaela Naydenova – Drums
Emmelie Herwegh – Bass
Comments:
Slave Machine is a masterclass in riff-driven songwriting that showcases the band’s evolution. It features excellent arrangements and raw fury delivered through a modern metal lens, though it is occasionally overshadowed by musical nods to Arch Enemy. Regardless, it remains another solid release from the group.
Contacts:
Video:
Selected Discography:
Victim of Yourself – 2014
Agony – 2016
Downfall of Mankind – 2018
Perpetual Chaos – 2021
Jailbreak – 2023
Slave Machine – 2026
Photo credit: Akis Zaralis