UMUR
"El Diablo Negro" is an EP/single release by US thrash metal act Hirax. The EP was released through Robodog Records in 2000. Originally only as a 7 inch vinyl picture disc, but it was later issued on CD too. It was a comeback release for Hirax, as they hadn´t released any new music since their second full-length studio album "Hate, Fear and Power" from 1986.
"El Diablo Negro" is a short burst of aggressive thrash metal featuring only 3 tracks and a full playing time of 7:37 minutes. It´s raw, energetic, and passionately performed by a skilled band. Lead vocalist Katon W. DePena has a distinct sounding voice and delivery, and while his vocals could be a bit hard on the ears on the early Hirax releases, he has become more raw sounding and varied with the years, and it suits both him and the music well. Both "I See Blood Red" and "Slit your Wrist (Anti-Suicide Song)" are scorching fast-paced thrashers, while the EP/single title track is slightly more varied and also features groove laden heavy riffs.
"El Diablo Negro" features a raw and unpolished sound production, which suits the material perfectly. This is savage, to-the-bone authentic thrash metal delivered with the right amount of aggression and conviction, and although short, "El Diablo Negro" is a welcome comeback to the scene for Hirax. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.