Incision by Vrede: A Metalcore Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Incision, the 1996 metalcore masterpiece from Argentina’s own Vrede. Released under Discos Milagrosos and co-produced by Fred Estby (yeah, that Fred Estby), this album is like a rusty knife to the gut—sharp, unexpected, and leaves you feeling raw. It’s not perfect, but damn if it doesn’t carve its way into your brain.
First off, let’s talk about "Sesenta Y Cuatro Dias Sentado Sin Hablar." Translation? Sixty-four days sitting down without talking. Sounds like my ex’s therapy sessions, right? But holy crap, this track slaps. The opening riff hits like a sledgehammer, all chunky and pissed-off, while the vocals swing between guttural screams and melodic despair. What sticks with me is how chaotic yet controlled it feels—it’s like watching a storm rip through town but knowing exactly where it’s headed. By the time those blast beats kick in around the halfway mark, you’re either headbanging or questioning your life choices. Either way, mission accomplished.
Then there’s “Diosqueconsuela,” which roughly translates to “God who consoles.” Don’t let the title fool ya; this one’s more of a spiritual beatdown than a church choir moment. The breakdown near the end is what gets me every time—it’s slow, heavy, and dripping with anguish. Like, imagine being crushed by guilt and redemption at the same time. That’s this song. If you don’t feel something when that last note fades out, check your pulse. Or maybe just turn it up louder.
The rest of the album ain’t bad either. Tracks like “Amnesia” and “Infeccion Porvenir” keep the energy high, blending fury with moments of eerie calm. And props to Vrede for sprinkling some Spanish flavor into the mix—it adds a layer of authenticity that sets them apart from their international peers.
Now, here’s the kicker: Incision came out in ’96, smack dab in the middle of Argentina's underground metal scene explosion. Yet somehow, it still flies under the radar. Maybe it’s the lack of flashy marketing or the fact that Discos Milagrosos wasn’t exactly Sony Records. Who knows? But listen closely, and you’ll hear an album that punches way above its weight class.
So yeah, give Incision a spin. It’s messy, brutal, and unapologetically human—all the things great metal should be. Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it the blank space in the tracklist was intentional. Makes you wonder… did they run out of ideas, or were they just trolling us? Guess we’ll never know.