A Light Masked in black

Murder Records marks October 18th as the release date for Camos’s new album, Hide from the Light, in CD and Cassette format.

CLASSIC HEAVINESS

CAMOS elevates the old hard’n’heavy obscure flame of glory in the Vera Cruz lands (Brazil), Curitiba, since 2000, so these guys aren’t new at the scene especially if you count with Sucoth Benoth in their ranks, Amen Corner’s bestial frontman. The truth is that, musically, you don’t get this kind of knowledge and experience nowadays so easily.

With “Hide from the Light”, their semaphore album, CAMOS powerful reign continues untouchable. 10 new songs ready to melt your ears with their horned chorus, their somberlain melodies to hypnotize our senses into deep slumber and the guitar solos to strip us from our souls. Overall, a fantastic production gives this work an in depth texture in which all heavy metal fans will relate in a blink of an eye.

A lot happens in CAMOS music and for all that matters it’s worth to be listened. For starters, there’s a psychedelic aura within the songs that bring together the pounding strength of the compositions. Also, the mystic and dark vocals, and lyrics make through the regular genre songs, almost if we could mix Mercyful Fate, with Master’s Hammer, Celtic Frost (Into the Pandemonium era) and Alice Cooper. So, we’re talking about a wide musical specter from black, to horror and heavy metal here which is very exquisite for all those who’re into these musical landscapes.

A real metallic treat awaits all your raising fists, the spirit of metal lives on and “Hide from the Light” from CAMOS will stand tall in the wind as your victory flag. Don’t miss it!

LINE-UP
Sucoth Benoth: Vocals 
Caos: Guitars
Ulysses Freire: Bass
Cj Dubiella: Drums

SPECIAL GUESTS
Aly Fioren: Guitar and Keyboards
Tenebrae Aarseth: Backing Vocals 

REVIEW

“Hide from the Light”, the title track, opened up the record with a guitar squeal and a really nice punky riff. The guttural vocals were something I knew would need to grow on me, and they did for the most part. Their actual delivery felt a touch stilted, but I’ll chalk this up to a language barrier. A keyboard infused interlude at the midpoint added a layer of complexity to a subgenre that often lacks it.

“Desert Devil” spruced things up with a much more doomy riff to start off. I’m not quite sure if I like the vocals or not. Black metal adjacent stuff usually isn’t my forte, especially after the First Wave in the 80s. I mean this part as a compliment, but the delivery in this track specifically reminded me of Emperor Palpatine. There’s a nice sustain filled guitar solo at the halfway mark, as well as some nice acoustic flourishes throughout.

“Run to Kill” was a more fast-paced thrasher, that reminded me a lot of early VENOM and a bit of CELTIC FROST. The bass playing in this one is a shining light for sure, chugging along with ease like the purr of an engine. Similarly, the guitar work in this one really made it a standout, and I actually liked the vocals a lot here. Definitely my favorite track up to this point.

“When Love Ends in Blood” once again changed pace, with a far slower intro to start coupled with some scintillating melodic guitar work. Regardless of my thoughts on the vocals thus far, I have to commend CAMOS for their versatility. Though, as with the previous track, I really feel like the vox work in favor of the track. It’s a borderline ballad that reminded me a bit of goth rock, and maybe a bit of new wave.

“Lord of Flies” started with an disgusting (in a good way) bassline, and segued into a smooth groove. Much like “Desert Devil”, this one had a more doom-infused rhythm to it. A seriously showstealing guitar solo erupted near the 2:30 mark that felt unbeatable. Was really into this one a whole bunch, every piece felt like it was firing on all cylinders here.

“The Devil’s Concubine” opened with some slower ballad-like guitar work, with backing bass that reminded me of MOTORHEAD. While I liked the groove and overall feel of this one, it was one that I felt the vocals didn’t work for me on. This was one of the tracks that never quite felt like it moved into second gear, if that makes sense. Like it was missing something, that I can’t place, to take it to the next level.

“Waiting Your Command” began more in line with “Run to Kill”, being a more fast-paced affair to start. However, that tempo slowed down a bit after the opening salvo, though the song lost no energy from it. In contrast to the previous track, I felt like the vocals here complemented the instruments and lyrics wonderfully.

“Riding to Hell” was another in the coin flip of if the vocals worked for me or not, and here they didn’t. I don’t have much else to say about this one, I found it quite dull and forgettable.

“Hopeless” started off with some excellent guitar work that reminded me of the best of MAIDEN, and maybe even a bit of PINK FLOYD (who the bass also reminded me of). I was 50/50 on the vocals in this one though, not sure if they worked to the benefit or detriment to the song itself. The instruments on the other hand were soaring all throughout. Some stunning riffs and great sustains. However, I did feel like the song had a rather abrupt ending.

“Swimming with the Sharks” had an extended intro sequence, but had a completely different feel to it than the rest of the album. The vocals at points felt ethereal and borderline supernatural, while still maintaining that guttural intensity. Throw in another great guitar solo and we had a banger on our hands.

CONCLUSION

A bit of a mixed bag, that leaned heavily on the good side of things. What I did like, the bass, guitars, and the overall vibe, I liked a lot. But I’m still torn on the vocals throughout the album, some songs they work really well, but others they hurt the songs themselves. That said, this one will come down entirely to if you like the vocals or not. As such I’ll have two ratings.

TheNWOTHM Score: 8/10 (If you like the vocals) 6/10 (If you don’t)

CAMOS “Hide From the Light” releases on 18 October, 2024
>>>>HERE<<<<

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