Description

After making a solid impact in the Dutch underground, Nuclear Devastation brings forth their highly anticipated debut full-length, Inferno. This album marks the band’s bold step into their sound, combining blackened crust, thrash, and black metal into an aggressive and unforgettable mix. With their unique style, Nuclear Devastation blends 40% crust, 40% black metal, and 20% thrash, creating a seamless fusion that stands out from other bands in the scene. The crust influence here is more aligned with modern pioneers like DooM, Black Uniforms, and Young and in the Way, with black metal sections drawing from the melodic side of Scandinavian styles. The thrash elements add speed and intensity, amplifying the already ferocious sound.

What stands out about Inferno is the band’s ability to experiment with different styles while maintaining a strong identity. The transitions between genres are fluid, and their unique take on crust is a refreshing change from what’s typically expected in the genre. The melodies and rhythms are raw and unpolished, creating a sense of chaos and urgency that is both intense and captivating.

The production, handled by JB Van Der Wal and mastered by Brad Boatright, delivers a gritty and powerful sound that highlights the black metal components while still giving the crust and thrash aspects room to breathe. The album’s mix captures the energy of their live performances, with an emphasis on clarity and power that complements the raw intensity of the band. The drumming, though slightly restrained in comparison to the band’s chaotic live sets, still carries the weight of the record, providing a solid backbone for the aggressive riffs.

While there are moments where the execution of some ideas could have been more fleshed out, such as the near-perfect breakdown in “Abandon All Hope,” these small details don’t detract from the album’s overall impact. Inferno successfully brings together the best aspects of crust, black metal, and thrash.