The Brazilian Cras—one ‘s’ less than the legendary British anarcho-punk pioneers Crass—delve into the depths of neo-crust and sludge-metal, reminiscent of the now-defunct but brilliant Oathbreaker and their kin.
Formed in 2019, the band quickly made a name for itself through relentless live performances before releasing their debut EP in 2022. Now, after years of refining their craft on stage, they return with their second EP—though with a runtime of just 26 minutes, calling it a full-length album would be a stretch.
From crushing, Amenra-esque riff structures to hardcore punk-infused tempos, this release is a sonic maelstrom that refuses to be confined to a single genre. Each track pulses with raw energy, seamlessly shifting between suffocating heaviness and frantic aggression.
At the heart of this sonic onslaught is vocalist Marili, whose venomous screams and visceral delivery add another layer of intensity. Her voice cuts through the mix like a blade, balancing between anguish and fury. The rhythm section stands as an unshakable foundation, locking everything into place with the force of a runaway freight train, ensuring that every track barrels forward with relentless momentum.
With this latest release, Cras solidify themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the neo-crust/sludge-metal underground. This is not just music—it’s a storm, a feral outburst of rage and despair, designed to crush everything in its path.
Highlights include the aggressive Exhausting Walk with its hardcore tempo, the short but dramatic Ode to Pain, and the Amenra-like Over?, which might just be the strongest track on the album.
Exhausting Walk channels pure aggression with its relentless pace, offering no moment to catch one’s breath. Ode to Pain, though brief, leaves a lasting impression with its raw emotion and intensity. But it’s Over? that truly stands out—its brooding atmosphere and crushing weight evoke the kind of emotional depth and catharsis that define the best of Amenra’s work. It lingers long after the final note fades, making it a true centerpiece of the record.
80/100
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