Aberrant

Leave it to a South American record label to release a comprehensive double-album retrospective of this influential local death/grind metal band. Beginning with releases dating back to 2002, this compilation showcases the band from all angles, from its gritty and savage attack on organized religion on songs like “Jesus Is the Reason” to the oddly haunting moments of tracks like “Nothing Left.” With a sound like heated asphalt mercilessly raining down to a relentless beat, Aberrant punctuates its textured sonic assault with abrupt rhythmic bursts and recorded samples for an effect like being in a surrealistic horror movie that is the everyday life it depicts in each song. Not for everyone, this collection nevertheless proves that Aberrant is far from a one-trick pony. These 33 tracks should serve as a bracing introduction to the band’s aggressive, verbally caustic output.