New Release – Burnt Body – Queimadura

Manchester’s Burnt Body, featuring members of the formidable Trench Foot and Leeched, have unleashed their debut EP/mini-album, “Queimadura,” and it’s precisely the kind of short, sharp, and utterly vicious shock to the system one would expect from such a pedigree. Out now on CD via Conwy’s Pyrrhic Defeat Records, and on cassette from Eggy Tapes, this eight-track offering (the title of which, fittingly, translates to “burn” in Portuguese) is a masterclass in pulverizing powerviolence and grindcore, liberally splattered with crust punk and sludge.

From the moment Traitorous tears through your speakers / headphones / heart, it’s clear there will be no respite. This opener sets the tone with its Nails-esque ferocity – ultra-pissed-off, raging, and propelled by a relentless hardcore drive. The band wastes no time, with tracks like Reap The Flame and Dirt View (a sub-minute powerviolence blast featuring a subtle, sludgy undercurrent) maintaining the breakneck pace.

What truly elevates ‘Queimadura‘ beyond mere sonic assault is Burnt Body’s adeptness at weaving in diverse elements without sacrificing their core brutality. Cultivate is a standout, an adrenaline-fueled punk explosion that leaps out and grabs you, even if you were already pinned to the wall. It’s pure, unadulterated energy bottled and unleashed.

Then there’s Face Mauled, a track dominated by a monstrous and utterly excellent riff. This is pure antagonism in aural form, with lyrics like “Keep scratching until the skull’s exposed” serving as a chilling testament to its visceral impact. Even the track lengths are perfectly calibrated, with most clocking in at under two minutes, ensuring maximum impact in minimal time.

The mini-album culminates with the title track, Queimadura, which offers a slight shift in tempo, stomping its way to a conclusion with a more moody, deliberate pace. This relative slowdown doesn’t diminish the impact; instead, it provides a much-needed, albeit brief, moment of oppressive atmosphere before the silence.

‘Queimadura’ is a debut that immediately establishes Burnt Body as a force to be reckoned with. It’s dirty, bruised, and precisely what you’d expect from a band with such a potent combination of influences and talent. If you’re a fan of uncompromising, aggressive music that leaves a lasting impression, this CD from Pyrrhic Defeat Records is an essential addition to your collection. Prepare to be scorched.