Release date: Out now!

Calaca is a heavy/thrash metal band from Mexico City, Mexico, formed in 2019. Known for their raw, energetic sound, they have remained active in the underground metal scene, unsigned and independent. Their music blends powerful heavy metal riffs with intense thrash metal elements.

The band’s discography includes singles like “Kill” (2021), “Burning Blood” (2021), “Moonmen” (2023), and “The Leper” King (2024). Their latest release, the “On the Road EP”, came out not too long ago, further showcasing their evolving musical style and solidifying their presence in the metal scene. With each release, Calaca continues to build a growing following in the world of heavy metal.

Review

On the Road opens with revving engines and some sharp, electrifying riffage before a massive metal scream kicks things into gear. The verse comes in hard and heavy, but the momentum dips with a chorus that features some questionable vocal choices honestly, it’s a tough listen. Things improve with a blazing solo section that brings back the fire, followed by another scream and a gritty, attitude-filled second verse. From there, the track leans heavily on repetition, recycling its main riffs and ideas without introducing much new to keep it engaging.

The Flying Dutchman marks a slight improvement over the opener, with stronger vocals, skipping ride cymbals, and smoother riff transitions. It shifts into a melodic passage with lead guitars and vocals before alternating between tempos and instrumental breaks, clearly aiming for a classic, story-driven metal feel. A burst of riffing and a panned lead inject some energy, but the momentum dips as the track settles into a mid-tempo groove with repeating sections. A later lead part doesn’t quite land possibly due to its panned mix and a brief solo follows, occasionally syncing with the song, occasionally wandering. In the end, it circles back to familiar ideas without much evolution.

Black Hole plays it safe with simple rhythm riffs and a lead lick that doesn’t quite land. The verse vocals struggle in places, though some sharp thrash riffs bring a nice burst of energy. The pacing shifts throughout, slowing down in parts but never venturing far from familiar territory. A harmony section with some shaky notes transitions into a bass-driven segment with layered lead harmonies that feel cluttered and hard to follow. While repetition weighs down the track, a slick solo offers a brief highlight. Things wrap with a slower final chorus and some piercing high vocals that carry it to the close.

Burning Blood kicks off with intense speed, and the small guitar licks at the end of each phrase really add a nice touch. It’s got that headbanging energy, which carries through into the first verse. The track then drops into a slower, rolling double kick section while a bit messy, it’s rescued by powerful group shouts and strong lead vocals. The song takes a darker turn with a haunting lead and deep vocals, setting an eerie mood. I really enjoyed the next part with the skipping drum pattern, but it’s abruptly interrupted by a transition that feels off and out of sync. The song revisits these ideas before shifting into a solo bass riff, followed by a buildup of riffs, kicks, and swirling leads. A faster riff then emerges, almost like a different track entirely, supported by tight kick-snare grooves and panned leads that unite in a harmonised, frenzied climax. The song keeps switching between sections some stronger than others before finally returning to the opening riff, bringing everything full circle.

We finally reach the explosive Destroyer, and it’s a powerful, thrashy conclusion. With gritty vocals, intense group shouts, and a dark, menacing vibe, this track stands out. The riffs are hard-hitting, and the vocal lines are packed into every section, adding intensity throughout. This is by far the strongest track on the EP proving the saying, “save the best for last.” It outshines the previous songs, though the solo section falls a bit flat, acting as a weak link. Fortunately, the track quickly recovers with heavy metal riffs and wild vocal screams, solidifying Destroyer as the EP’s highlight.

[Second part of review contents here]

Conclusion

In conclusion, this EP delivers some high-energy moments, with Destroyer standing out as the highlight. While tracks like Burning Blood and The Flying Dutchman offer interesting shifts in tempo and mood, others like On the Road and Black Hole lean on repetitive structures that could benefit from more evolution. The band shows great potential, but refining transitions, exploring more melodic depth, and pushing boundaries could elevate their sound further. Overall its a good start. With a strong finish and room for growth makes this EP an exciting foundation for what’s to come.

TheNwothm Score: 6.5/10

Links

Site: https://calacametal12.wixsite.com/my-site

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calacaofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calaca.official