El Rostro de la Muerte
Hirax · 2009
51 min · 14 tracks · thrash metal
Frenetic guitar riffs and relentless rhythms create an aggressive soundscape, embodying the raw energy of thrash metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Baptized by Fire — Opening with explosive energy, this track sets the tone for the album, combining aggressive lyrics with blistering instrumentals that highlight Hirax's signature style.
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Eradicate Mankind — This song stands out for its fierce commentary on humanity's darker tendencies, underscored by rapid-fire drumming and sharp guitar solos that encapsulate thrash's chaotic spirit.
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El rostro de la muerte (The Face of Death) — The title track delivers a powerful narrative driven by fierce vocals and intricate instrumentation, representing both thematic depth and musical prowess within the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong thrash elements with energetic compositions but has a few moments that feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- The album features rapid tempo changes, with several tracks shifting from fast-paced riffs to slower, heavier sections.
- Guitar solos are frequent and often follow a call-and-response pattern with the rhythm section, emphasizing the aggressive sound.
- Many tracks incorporate abrupt transitions between verses and choruses, creating a sense of urgency throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- relentless energy for workouts
- short bursts of aggression
- cathartic release of tension
- intense focus during listening
- fast-paced tracks for adrenaline
Maybe skip if you
- prefer mellow, soothing sounds
- seek intricate lyrical narratives
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2009, El Rostro de la Muerte is Hirax's fifth studio album, following their 2004 release, The New Age of Terror. At this point in their career, Hirax was revitalizing their presence in the thrash metal scene after a nearly five-year hiatus. This album marked a significant return, showcasing their trademark intensity and solidifying their commitment to the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Municipal Waste· Sodom· Toxic Holocaust
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Baptized by Fire 4:19
- 2 Flesh and Blood 5:45
- 3 Eradicate Mankind 3:39
- 4 Chaos and Brutality 3:38
- 5 El rostro de la muerte (The Face of Death) 6:24
- 6 Blind Faith 2:51
- 7 Horrified 2:52
- 8 Battle of the North 1:34
- 9 The Laws of Temptation 4:40
- 10 Death Militia 1:52
- 11 Broken Neck 2:01
- 12 Violent Assault 3:31
- 13 Cuando cae la oscuridad (When Darkness Falls) 1:54
- 14 Satan's Fall 6:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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