Vs The World
Artist: Poison The Preacher
Genre: Hardcore, Metal
Record Label: Seek & Strike
Release Date: 23 May 2025
Poison the Preacher, a Colombian thrash/hardcore crossover band, might be fresh on the scene, but they’re not playing it safe. These guys have carved out a niche in the metal and hardcore world, bringing a unique sound that is both aggressive and raw, aiming to push these genres to new levels of intensity. Their upcoming debut album, Vs The World, set to drop on May 23rd under Seek and Strike Records, is a wild mix of relentless speed, technical riffage, and bone-crushing breakdowns. If you’re into bands like Power Trip, Get The Shot, and early Cro-Mags, they’re right up your alley, but with a distinctly Colombian edge that hits a bit harder.
The opening track, “Future Tense”, is just an intro that serves as a prelude to their lead single, “Sucker Punch”, with Chris Ramos from Dead Heat. It kicks off with sharp thrash riffs, before exploding into chaotic, head-spinning tempo changes. The track is a showcase of their ability to blend tight, precise playing with raw, unfiltered energy. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s the work of a band that can turn any room into a chaotic pit. On “Dying Every Day”, featuring Sanguisugabogg, the band cranks up the energy even further. When the full-on attack begins, the guitars produce complex, syncopated riffs that add levels of complexity, while the rhythm section maintains the foundation. The breakdowns are heavy, and the song’s dissonant harmonies contribute to a sense of chaos. However, while the breakdowns are intense, the familiar structure feels a bit predictable, and a more unexpected twist could have made the track stand out even more.
At the heart of this chaos lies Juan Pablo’s vocals, always seeking the right balance between unrestrained aggression and precise control. His guitar work, paired with Juan Camilo’s jazzy, Latin rock-infused leads, offers a dynamic that sets the band apart, though at times it can feel occasionally overindulgent, leaning into complexity where a more straightforward approach might have delivered a heavier punch. Standout tracks like “1312” and “Hate Too Much” are straight-up pit anthems. The former is a wall of noise that builds into a full-blown sonic riot, while the latter has that perfect groove to set off a circle pit at a second’s notice. The lyrics here are raw, personal, and full of defiance — the kind that hits you right in the gut.
What uniquely defines Poison the Preacher is their commitment to representing their culture. It’s clear that the band embraces their role as cultural storytellers, and this shines through in tracks that blend hardcore intensity with a distinctly Colombian heartbeat. Songs like “Congelado en el Tiempo” and “Promise To Pay” don’t shy away from their nation’s turbulent past, and both the lyrics and the music appear to draw upon stories of conflict, resistance, and survival. It’s not just about the mosh – it’s about keeping these stories alive.
Production-wise, the whole record nails the gritty vibe that hardcore fans crave. You can feel the grime in every riff, the grit in every scream. It’s not pretty, but that’s the point. Thomas Lopez’s bass tone is thick and driving, cutting through the mix with a satisfying crunch, though it occasionally feels buried under the relentless drumming of Sergio Cortes, whose approach to percussion is a standout, blending traditional Colombian rhythms with metal ferocity. That said, a bit more space could have helped the more intricate sections stand out, but overall, the production matches the raw energy of the record.
“One Man Army”, their latest single, introduces a bit more groove into the mix. The syncopated rhythm and stomping drums create a danceable tension, leading into a breakdown that’s guaranteed to ignite the pit. There’s a great balance of chaos and precision here, with the band experimenting with different time signatures and modulations. Finally, by the time “Us Against The World” hits, the album has taken you on an emotional and physical rollercoaster. The final track culminates in a fury of technical riffs and a final breakdown, which effectively captures the essence of the album’s journey, providing a fitting and impactful conclusion.
If you’re into metal and hardcore with a technical edge and unapologetic intensity, keep an eye on these guys. The band’s potential is undeniable, and with a bit more innovation and tighter arrangements, they could elevate their sound even further. Poison the Preacher are here to crush stages, melt faces, and carve their name into the global hardcore scene – consider yourself warned, but invited to the chaos.