Musical Style: Hard Rock	Produced By:
Record Label: Vampire	Country Of Origin: Brazil
Year Released: 2018	Artist Website:
Tracks: 5	Rating: 70%
Running Time:

Much to our delight, the Brazilian Christian metal scene remains alive and well.  Beginning with the turn of the century, the region has produced bands with styles ranging from melodic metal (Shining Star) to power/progressive metal (Destra) to traditional metal (Dynasty) to symphonic metal (Allos) to fill in the name of whatever form you want (Vox Heaven).

The latest band in which to report is Fortaleza based Reassônica, whom performs straightforward hard rock in line with its reported musical influences: AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Deep Purple, Aerosmith and Bride.  The group got its start by recording two demos, with the first from 2016 (released on the Bolivian label Vampire Records) and second 2017 (on the Mexican label Lament Records), prior to releasing its third, a May of 2018 five song self-titled EP also on Vampire Records. 

Reassônica stays true to its musical influences on opening cut “Na Estra”, a keyed up AC/DC style heavy rocker that showcases its proclivity for composing hooks and riffs of a catchy nature.  That said it also highlights areas of improvement in terms of somewhat thin production, noting the awkward feel to backing vocals, and lead vocals, which reach for a raspy edge ala Bon Scott/Brian Johnson but can sound strained at times.

“Road Is Narrow” better realizes the group’s potential.  This one comes across more aggressive in comparison, with a technical riff emphasis that touches upon all out metal and compact timekeeping revealed in the cowbell adorning the back end.  Lead vocals prove the better fit on this one.

“Push The Button” impresses as a companion track to “Road Is Narrow” in that it maintains the intricate heaviness but with the great bluesy focus in terms of rhythm guitars.  Front to back guitar melodies and harmonies are tightly woven, while lead guitar also roots itself in the blues.  Lone complaint is how backing vocals at the end are way overdone.

I am left confused regarding the title to “Stone Live” in that far as I can tell Reassônica did not record it live.  That, however, is beyond the point in that what we have is a bare bones hard rocker not unlike Rez Band with plenty of restive guitar work and the sass and snarl vocal wise to match.  Once more, I am not completely comfortable with backing vocals.

“Lost Child” mirrors the high energy to opener “Na Estra”.  The group puts its strengths on full display, referencing the pronounced bass underpinnings and catchy hooks and rhythms but also all the bluesy guitars you could ask form.  In the end, this is my favorite of the five EP cuts.

I am on the fence with Reassônica and its self-titled third EP.  On one hand, the group puts its best foot forward in terms of composing catchy hard rock cuts with a groove based edge but also musicianship when factoring guitar and drum performances.  On the other, vocals are an acquired taste (it took several listens to get used to them, keeping in mind they fit the music), while production deserves tightening (I never warmed up to backing vocals).  Still, I look forward to what the group produces in the future in light of the potential displayed here.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Na Estra” (3:31), “Road Is Narrow” (3:21), “Push The Button” (4:22), “Stone Live” (3:23), “Lost Child” (3:27)

Musicians
Márcio - Lead Vocals
Rogério Soares - Guitars
Emanuel - Guitars
Heryson - Bass
Bruno - Drums