Kamala – Live In France

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Live In France Cover

Kamala – Live In France
Self-released
Release Date: 27/11/2019
Running Time: 32:53
Review by Victor Augusto
9.0/10

Keeping a Heavy Metal band alive in Brazil could be considered honorable for so many reasons that I should write a book to talk about it! Heavy Metal is not even close to being popular in this country, but despite that, and many other issues, there are a great number of impressive records being released every year. Against all the odds, Kamala appeared and gave a great example of what a professional band must do to stay alive. They’ve been on the road since 2007 and started to play in Europe in 2013, where the band grew an incredible fan base, especially in France.
Kamala became a trio after the great album “Mantra” (2015), and the mantras and oriental music that once complemented the band’s sound, is not as obvious now, but it is still there. The work on a straighter guitar and bass made them sound more Thrash Metal than before. The last line-up change was new drummer, Isabela Moraes, who has been with the band since the recording of the acclaimed “Eyes of Creation” (2018). This album opened many doors for the band, especially overseas, where they have concentrated their recent shows.
The studio sound in the last two albums focused on Raphael Olmos’ riffs and on the great support of Allan Malavasi’s excellent bass work, which masked the absence of a second guitar, even during the solos. Of course, this “live” studio spirit increased their performance on stage, and here they’ve created a live album to explore this new path. Another good reason for a live album is the fact they have been more in Europe than their own country. The city of Lembras saw their last show on their 6th European tour, and the synergy between them was on its prime after an entire tour, playing every day.
Different from many live albums, all the instruments sound strong and clear. The guitar is like a punch straight in the face, with killer tones throughout, even during the wah-wah on solos. Allan Malavasi’s bass remains impactful all the time, with really good solos. Another interesting point, which I already observed at the shows that I was saw in person, is how the sharing of vocal duties between Olmos and Malavasi made the band seems to have not only one frontman, but two.
My biggest surprise is Isabela Moraes’ killer sounds on this album. Where she seemed to value groove and cadence on the studio record, here she sounds thirsty for Thrash, with a much greater speed. There is no way you can listen to the intro of “Suicidal Attack” only once, the way she smashes her drum kit. Another song that she put in her way of playing is “My Religion”, making the snare louder than the original version.
The set list for this live work focuses on the last two albums, and songs like “Stay With Me”, as well as the excellent “Believe”, are a great sample of what Kamala are. I must give a special mention to the amazing song “Mantra”, which is the last track of the album. In my opinion this is the best of Kamala’s songs, and I dare to say, even one of the best Thrash Metal songs I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s total destruction, with several nuances and rhythmical changes enhancing its great moments, the chorus being the best moment in my opinion.
Since their early days, Kamala wasn’t just one more awesome band among all other great Brazilian bands. From all countries that they have played, France was the one that really embraced this trio with the same passion that the band put on stage when they play. “Live in France” is one more brick in this great career in Europe, and a great way to show that Kamala continue to get bigger.
TRACKLISTING:

  1. Internal Peace
  2. Open Door
  3. Believe
  4. Stay With Me
  5. Take Away
  6. My Religion
  7. Suicidal Attack
  8. Mantra

LINE-UP:
Raphael Olmos – Vocals and Guitar
Allan Malavasi – Vocals and bass
Isabela Moraes – Drums
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/kamalaofficial
https://www.youtube.com/user/kamalaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/kamalaofficial/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5mbUdP134DvKlRFr4AhsHO
Promo Pic 2019
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Victor Augusto and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of [user_login] and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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