Arist: Old Curse
Country: Paraguay
Label: Wolfkult Religion
Formats: Cassette EP
Year: 2026
Old Curse from Paraguay have been around since 2018, and quite quickly after their conception released their debut EP ‘Solve et Coagula’. Whether it was due to some changes in the line-up or other factors is unclear, but it’s only now, about 7 years later, that the band comes forth with their second release. But one thing is for certain: the Wolfkult Religion released ‘Decayed Doctrine’ EP is a massive step forward for the band.
It’s not so much that the music or the spirit of the band has changed since that first EP, but it’s all the more in how convincing ‘Decayed Doctrine’ sounds in terms or passion, ability and authenticity. The musical niche of the band is still that extreme blend of Death and Thrash Metal from the second half of the 80’s, mostly from the South American continent. One cannot deny the influence of Sarcófago on the band, but certainly the earlier recordings of Sepultura and Peru’s Mortem must have been on heavy rotation. Add to that some old Slayer, Morbid Angel and Sadistic Intent, and it’s pretty clear that Old Curse’s music is deeply rooted in that swirling and violent Death/Thrash Metal sound that so typified that era. New vocalist (and guitar player for that matter) G.C.Z.’s hoarse vocals have a delightful reverb to them and stand testament for the aggression of the band, together with the thundering drums. The guitars aren’t over the top distorted but have plenty of punch, and the bass has a nice rumbling sound that surfaces in the occasional slower break. These all fit incredibly well with the primitive formula that offers groove and violence, but also a dark atmosphere. At times a flair of Black Metal cannot be denied “like the typical Immortal-esque riffs of ‘A Distant Omen’, but it’s more often in the chugging tremolo riffs that for instance Dead Congregation and Goat Molestör/Grave Miasma have implemented so well.
What remains is a an ode to Death/Thrash Metal like only South Americans can make it. With a production that’s clear but not too neat, it has power, passion, volatility and all the right atmosphere. Add some great, to the point songwriting, and I’m sure that anyone that follows the South American scene with keen interest will be delighted with this Old Curse EP.
