In a genre as broad and as varied as metal, we’re treated to all sorts of bands that try to go above and beyond with their craft to bring us something tat can only be described as unique. And amongst all sorts of over-the-top talent, there are some bands that prefer to be more straightforward in their approach and that can lead to great things. Simplicity is something that can be done masterfully well if put in the right hands. In the case of Turma’s latest record, they came very close to hitting the mark perfectly.

Whenever I think of the term “groove metal” all I can think of is a band trying to be melodic and catchy, but much like how all black metal isn’t just fast and a mess, that statement just isn’t true about the style. I’m no expert on it by any means, but groove metal is essentially mid-paced and bands tend to throw together influences from many other styles into albums to add a special sense of flair to the mix. In the case of Turma’s latest album of “Kraken”, this band collects a lot from other styles of metal to bring together an album that’s not only a solid effort but also a vicious punch to the nads. The eight tracks that make up “Kraken” are all relatively short bursts of anger and fury as the longest track we’re given here is just barely over four minutes long but the shortest being less than two. That right there shows that Turma isn’t going by any by-the-book rules, but then “Kraken” ups the ante by throwing in some death metal occasionally in the vocals (sometimes ranging to even brutal death metal) while still keeping the instruments fast and aggressive all the fucking time. And by the end of this 23-minute onslaught, we’ve been through a record that doesn’t hold back for even a second to allow you to recompose and get ready for the next violent wave. The only lament I have for “Kraken” is how the mixing could’ve been done a little better, but it doesn’t mask the tasteful flavors of these eight pieces of madness.

The idea of bringing together different little flavors from several styles is by no means a foreign idea to metal, and Turma understands that as they did their best to create an aggressive as fuck sound that isn’t another copy-paste album. “Kraken” is far from a great record but it’s also far from a terrible record, and there’s definite talent to be had amongst these tracks. It’s the sort of thing you got to read between the lines to see, but it’s undoubtedly there and it’s got the potential to grow should Turma treat it properly and expand upon such promise.

BUY “Kraken” via iTunes here.

LIKE Turma on Facebook here.