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This demo was initially unleashed as an advance tape to announce the pre-release of the band’s debut LP, which has been spoken about for so long, but due to problems with their label it’s still delaying, don’t ask me until when. But let’s talk about the demo. It features one intro and four very sickening songs, showing us a fuckin’ heavy Death Core Metal. The demo is opened with “Suicidal Soldier”. The mayhemic sound our ears captivate is a proof that the dirty Death Metal music is still on the rise in the national Underground scene. It’s followed up by the title track “Hell is Here”, having perfectly a right to its title, in which the harsh screams and the fast riffings give place to distorted leads. The next song is “Open Your Eyes”, the most hardcorish one, and to close this excellent demo now we have “Headhunter D.C., which in spite of being the most varied among the songs of this demo is a total blast, with ultra heavy riffs and a beautiful final solo, being this one of the highlights of this track. “Hell is Here” is a must for your demo collection. Check it out!
(Blood Vomits ‘Zine # 3 (BRAZIL) – 1990)
“Born...Suffer...Die” LP 1991 (Cogumelo Records), Re-issue CD 2002 (Cogumelo Records)
And once again an incredible Brazilian Deathrash band. Really unbelievable the brutality packed on this vinyl. “Born…” is their first LP release, and it really blew me away. All 11 tracks are just excellent Death Metal with some sick and extreme vocals. High speed freaks will worship this LP. Truly one of the best South American releases and I am sure lots of you will love it! This album has been released on Cogumelo Productions, Brazil.
(Final Holocaust ‘Zine (BELGIUM) – 1991)
Nice, Nice! Brazil here again. Well, Headhunter D.C. brought an album on the label which made Sepultura and Sarcófago to great bands. I don’t think Headhunter D.C. will be as big as those colleagues after this release, but nobody said it would happen with Sepultura. The music of Headhunter D.C. has nothing in common with Sepultura, maybe with Sarcófago via “Rotting” LP, but the tracks sound like earlier Thrash bands in the days of Possessed and Slayer, and this style of aggressive music makes them dangerous opposites of the other bands from Brazil! Get this release at underground distributors.
(Harold Dekkers, Mortician Magazine # 2 (Holland) – 1992)
Yeah, this IS Death Metal! Heavy, powerful, aggressive and, of course, fast. This piece of vinyl hails from 1991, and it has its rights to exist. Varied songs and vocals with a high recognition. Old Morbid Angel and Bolt Thrower fans will like “Born…”, and all other REAL Death Metalheads too!
(King Wolle – Desecration of Virgin ‘Zine # 1 (Germany))
Due to some “technical” problems with an old Rock Brigade editor who was in charge of this review, just now we could publish the review of this album, released in mid last year. Headhunter D.C. is a band that comes from Bahia and had a lot of problems with its old producer, what caused delays in the release of this album. Their music is very good, and reminds me a blend of Sepultura’s “Morbid Visions” and “Schizophrenia”. Guitars are powerful and the vocals are literally infernal! Very quality Death Metal with a cool cover and interesting lyrics.
(Rock Brigade Magazine # 70 (Brazil) – 1992)
I cannot find words to review this álbum! It’s so much emotion to see a Northeastern band showing a so good performance on a debut LP. Headhunter D.C. is the proud of Brazilian Northeast Metal, a synonym of professionalism. The gift begins with the cover, a so beautiful artwork made by Kelson Frost (Sarcófago, The Mist, etc). They are 12 tracks in the purest Death Metal vein, varying among more technical songs, intro and more other brutalizing ones, justifying the initial band’s proposal, Brutal Death Metal with some Grindcore influences. Songs like “Am I Crazy?”, “Decomposed”, “Hell is Here” and “Suicidal Soldier” are in prominence in my opinion, and as for the musicians, there isn’t how to make a stand out, as all of them are killer equally. Even so, I can mention the Baloff’s characteristic vocals. For the time being, it’s enough waiting the next LP of this total fuckin’ band!
(Júlio Skull, Skull Mag. # 3 (Brazil) – 1992)
For those who search for traditional wild Brazilian Death Metal style, should get the CD re-release of Headhunter D.C.’s LP 1992 “Born...Suffer...Die”, which was (and still is) a masterpiece of wild Death/Thrash from Brazil, maybe influenced by hordes as Sextrash, as this band has its roots in the same ‘80’s days. Including bonus material as demo and live killers. 20 songs presented in great artwork and looking. A must!!! Also watch out for the 2nd LP 1993, hopefully re-released soon.
(King Wolle, Desecration of Virgin ‘Zine # 7 (Germany))
Along with the re-issues of Sextrash’s “Sexual Carnage/XXX” and old albums of Vulcano, Chakal, Sarcófago, Attomica, Holocausto on CD, this classic from Cogumelo couldn’t be an exception, the first Headhunter D.C. album, which besides all features as bonus the “Hell is Here” Demo 1989, 3 tracks from the Promo ’90 and 2 songs recorded live in 1994/95. ségio has been told he wasn’t so satisfied with the sound on this re-issue (too much high), but as its original version (on LP) is a very hard to find item nowadays, it is a great opportunity to get this piece which remind us a glorious era of South American Death Metal.
6,6/7 points
(Huaira Herrera, Noise And Shit Mag. # 6 (Chile))
Well, and so there is the re-release of the debut work "Born… Suffer…Die" from 1991 from the “Death Metal Cults since 1987”. Except when the Cogumelo Remasters apparently had tomatoes on the ears, which the Headhunter DC Crew is also quite pissed off with, it’s a fully convincing and necessary re-release one of the most important bands in the Death Metal Underground. (…)Death Metal made with heart, what do you want more? Sure, a new Headhunter DC album, hahaha! The whole thing was kept in the original cover and with massive photos in the booklet. Buy!!!!!!!
10/10 points
(Marcus Schwitalla, Carnage ‘Zine # ? (Germany))
“Punishment At Dawn” LP 1993 (Cogumelo Records)
Sure most of you know this Brazilian five piece from their excellent debut album some times ago. Here now their new stuff, and again it will crush your ears mercilessly. Even if at moments they now sound a bit les uncompromising, this material still kills a lot of Death Metal releases. Headhunter D.C. certainly is one of the best bands from their country, and without any doubt don’t have to hide behind anybody. This album is a must for you listeners, so get it when you see it. Released on Cogumelo, where else?
(Final Holocaust ‘Zine (Belgium) – 1993)
Cogumelo still keeps the very best of Brazilian Metal. Headhunter D.C. with this second LP is probably the strongest force in Brazil’s Death Metal at this moment. While listening to this album I’m reminded of the hey-days of Brazilian Death Metal, 6-7 years back. By the way, this LP was engineered by a man who created also such classic masterpieces as Mutilator’s “Immortal Force”, Sarcófago’s “I.N.R.I.” or Sepultura’s “Schizophrenia”… his name is Tarso Senra. Headhunter D.C. is not exactly like them, but still there exist some of the best aspects of the old days with the ‘90’s sound. Their technical riffs, heavy rhythms, hyperfast drums and great angry vocals represent REAL Death Metal music to me, and sound very original compared to the boring “I wanna be Cannibal Corpse or Entombed” bands from Europe and USA.
(Holocaust ‘Zine # 7 (Poland) – 1993)
Wow, this IS Death Metal!!! Fast, brutal, aggressive, heavy! And with an angry voice! Headhunter D.C. have released a masterpiece of Brutalizing Death Metal! I can’t mention a comparison, only the (seldom) keyboards remind me to Mystifier. To all wimps who like the new stuff from bands like Entombed, Belial, Pestilence, Tiamat, Sentenced, etc… keep far away from this vinyl!!!!!!
(King Wolle, Desecration of Virgin ‘Zine # 1 (Germany))
“Punishment At Dawn” is their second album and it was released in 1993, but I’ve received the tape of this album as a promo material from them in 1996, so I want to introduce this one at this section. As you probably know, Headhunter D.C. has long career in the Underground scene and now I can say they became one of the most famous Death Metal artists in Brazil. Their debut full-length album, “Born…Suffer…Die”, was a good start for the band, and “Punishment…” has also cool Death Metal songs which has a little elements from early Morbid Angel and early Sepultura. Orthodoz, but you’ll surely enjoy their straight-forward Death Metal like burning big fire under the Brazilian scorching sun. Hunt the sound of true Death!
(Makoto Takeuchi, Occult Grinder Magazine # 6 (Japan) – September 1997)
Brazil, Salvador, Bahia, Fall 1987, born Headhunter D.C., that after lots of fights got to release, in August ’91, their first LP “Born…Suffer…Die”, reaching honorable ranks in radio stations far away from the land of the coffee. In the US (WNM and WRIU), Belgium (Equinox) and Necroziz which is located in Russia, also getting praised in such magazines as Meltdown (Holland), Metal Mirror (Hungary) and counting on a fan club at “Phora 8” (Czechoslovakia). Now in 1993, S. Baloff (v), Paulo Lisboa and Simon Matos (g), Ualson Martins (b) and Túlio Constantin (d) release this incredible album “Punishment At Dawn”, through which they show all the musical virility of this act, that already is in the Metal road for 7 years. This masterpiece, Death Metal, from Salvador, features 8 tracks which bring to our ears one of the most aggressive styles in the Heavy Metal music. Drummer Túlio shows all his ability with the bassdrums, while Martins comes “galloping” with his bass guitar, giving along with the guitars of Paulo and Simon the right structure to S. Baloff fit his cavernous voice, roaring songs that touch subjects like psycho-insanity, hallucinations and anti-religion. “Forgotten Existence”, “Hallucinations” and “Punishment At Dawn” complete the side one, all of them with much heaviness and speed, but sometimes swinging to a more doomy sound. On the B side I made a stand out to the great song “Deadly Sins Of The Soul”, with some great funereal keyboard parts and well fitting leads. Still we have “Bloodbath” and “Terrible Illusion” (violently heavy!), while “Searching For Rottenness”, along with “Forgotten Existence” (from the A side), has a very intelligent variation of vocals performed by S. Baloff. At last, a perfect Death Metal album made by one of the current premier Brazilian Death Metal acts which surely won’t disappoint the true Death Metal fans around the world.
(Metal Gods Mag. # 13 (Brazil) – 1993)
“Promo tape ‘96” Promo Tape 1996
Sérgio was so nice and send me the new promo tape of his band, and I’m really proud to present you this band here, which belongs to the strongest Brazilian forces concerning Metal music. They released an LP “Born…Suffer…Die” in 1991 (fucking brutal and fast as hell Death Metal!) and “Punishment At Dawn” in 1993 (brutalizing Brazilian Death), both on Cogumelo. After a fucking long time they are back now with a promo tape and a new album very soon called “Conflicts of the Dark and Light”. The promo contains 3 hymns of pure, hateful, brutalizing Death, typical Brazilian stuff, done in professional quality and with an intelligent song structure & great technics!! They went some steps back to their roots: the songs are fast like on their first LP and mixed with that heavy power from the 2nd LP. In the name of Headhunter D.C., Death will never die!!!
(King Wolle, Desecration of Virgin ‘Zine # 2 (Germany))
The soundtrack to WWIII, this Brazilian militia are sure to turn heads with their brand of blistering mayhemic Death Metal. Grandiose barbarity so raw yet tempered with enough prowess to obliterate any thoughts that this band are merely brutal and not accomplished players. Your spleen will be gladly handed to you after the first spin with more body parts soon to follow on repeated listening. I’m tellin’ you all, Brazil is the last bastion for the wicked insane, and this act prove just with three tunes they can compete with any of the “heavies” and still come off more original than sixty percent of those already out with these huge label contracts. You say you want a band that doesn’t compromise? You say you want a band with balls?
(Wes Rhodes, Ilbasha ‘Zine # 5 (USA) – Summer 1996)
Owners of an enviable curriculum, these Brazilians returned to work last year with 3 brand new tracks, heavy and aggressive enough, in the vein of their previous efforts, “Born…Suffer…Die” from 1991 and “Punishment At Dawn” from 1993. bands like Death, Malevolent Creation, Possessed and Incantation are some to which we can associate the music of Headhunter D.C., even so if it’s brutality and violence what one searches for, they have it to give and sell… The band musicians are quite good ones and work hard for the band above all, wishing to return to the studio sessions as fast as possible. The André Moysés’ powerful poundings, Paulo Lisboa’s mighty riffs and Sérgio Baloff’s unmistakable voice make Headhunter D.C.’s music unique and contagious, reminding us the glorious days of Death and Chuck Schuldiner’s virtuosism. Maybe this promo isn’t for sale, but if you want to know these Brazilians it’s enough to wait just a bit more, as Cogumelo Recs. is going to release both their albums on CD. Also, their new effort “Conflicts of the Dark and Light” must be issued soon.
(Ricardo Veiga, Metalurgia Mag. # 5 (Portugal) – January 1998)
“Brazilian Deathkult Live Violence... 14 Years of Brutality!!!” Live Tape 2002 (Eternal Fire Live Tapes Series – France)
I think it’s not needed saying anything more! The title answers all of your questions! What we have on this cassette is something really magnificent! It’s the Death Cult with all its energy, violence and loyalty to the Death Metal music! The recording from 1995 shows us one of the most perfect and metallic pieces of the national Extreme Metal: Headhunter D.C. alive! If you have never had the privilege of attending Headhunter D.C. on stage, you can’t miss the opportunity of listening to them at least… and who have ever saw them can remember it by listening to this cassette! The recording is excellent, just a bit low for being on tape, but putting on the volume at the maximum then the problem is solved! I can’t understand how something so great like this recording stayed hidden since 1995! We have to thank Eternal Fire Prod. for putting this tape available to us as well as to homage the great Headhunter D.C. for its 14 years of battles and total Death Metal loyalty! Perfect!!!
(Fernando, Psychosis Death ‘Zine # 3 (Brazil))
An outstanding bootleg live tape released by Karnage of Eternal Fire 'zine. Headhunter D.C. is an old death band from Brazil and their existence is from 1987! The show on this tape was recorded in June 1995 in Itabuna, well quite old live recording anyway. Great stuff as you can catch the aggressiveness of this cult South American band on stage. Tormenting old school Death Metal, 11 live tracks (including Venom's cover “Buried Alive”), and sounds are very excellent! This is not another shitty bootleg, but this is done dedicatedly, made possibly by a dedicated maniac! I mainly enjoyed all those tracks since I adore the brutality of this band. The colored inlay sleeve also includes the band history, lots of photos and cool cover/layout! Headhunter D.C. is ultimately Death Metal, the primitive ways...
(Deadhead Fanzine # 3 – The Third Slaughter (Malaysia))
“…And The Sky Turns To Black… (the dark age has come)” CD 2000 (Mutilation Records), CD Re-issues 2001/2005 (Mercenary Musik/WW3 – USA / Dying Music)
After 13 years, two albums, and several line-up changes Headhunter DC unleashes a CD so full of brutal riffs, great guitar solos, and such heaviness only heard in bands like Sadistic Intent, Vital Remains, even Immolation for that matter. Names that I bring up just as a reference cause Headhunter DC display a unique sound, and music which is traditional Death Metal with an original and very dark contribution these seven songs are aggressive, heavy and with a large variety of speed. "Falling in Perdition" is a slow, thick song with a light but suitable keyboard interpretation. Another fact that deserves to be brought to attention is the intense vocal assault by Sergio Baloff. Guttural and unique vocals, even understandable, and showing some infernal growls. The power of death can be felt with extreme intensity in the song "From Dream to Nightmare".
To make a long story short, I recommend highly this "A.T.S.T.T.B.", any pure Death Metal fan will be pleased. Presentation and production are impecable!!!!! Headhunter DC will soon be heard on two upcoming tribute CD's, one to Possessed (No Mercy Music) and another to Morbid Angel (Dwell Recs). 10/10
(Himnos Rituales de Guerra (Colombia))
Not often do I say this, but I don't believe that I would even consider comparing this outfit to anyone else. Headhunter (Death Cult)'s label, WWIII, feels it necessary to draw a similarity to Krisiun and Rebaelliun; not me. This Brazilian five-piece is rich in both craft and skill. Deeply strained but clear vocals, accentuated by phenomenal drum work, are a couple of mighty big selling points for these longhairs. Even more attractive is this group's practice of involving the listener in each of the nine tracks by developing the material from good to better to great from start to finish. The bass is evident, as I like it, and the wreckage is ubiquitous. “From Dream to Nightmare” is all I need to say to represent the aforementioned attributes on this astounding CD. With the addition of the two bonus tracks of enlightening truculence, you are sure as hell in for a rude-ass awakening! Discover something new and find out why Headhunter D.C. are called the "forefathers" of the Brazilian underground. (9/10)
(Aaron McKay – Chronicles of Chaos (USA))
Ever since their 1989 debut demo "Hell Is Here" Brazil's HEADHUNTER D.C. have built up a strong worldwide underground following. The overall great response on that tape quickly secured them in 2000 on the rather small company Mutilation Records. Considering the impressive quality of the record, it was no big surprise that about a year later it was already re-released by the (at the time) uprising American WWIII / Mercenary Musik label, with two bonus tracks added to it (covers of POSSESSED's 'Twisted Minds' and SPULTURA's 'Morbid Visions'). But for some strange reason also that company didn't manage to survive, so that (a.o.) HEADHUNTER D.C. had to look for a new option in order to regain the album's availability on the market. Enter: Dying a deal with legendary Cogumelo Records (home of SEPULTURA and SARCOFAGO in their early days) and as a result two full length albums were about to follow in 1991 ("Born... Suffer... Die") and 1993 ("Punishment At Dawn"). It took them quite a while to return to the scene after that with their third album "...And The Sky Turns To Black... (The Dark Age Has Come)", which finally came out Music. This young company from Brazil (responsible for a.o. the cool SANCTIFIER debut) recently took over the project and put out what could be seen as the ultimate version of it. The CD gets delivered in an additional slipcase, the booklet was enhanced with a couple more pictures and most important of all this time you're about to get no less than five really cool cover tunes! Next to the already known POSSESSED track, this edition also offers extremely cool versions of 'Flag Of Hate' (KREATOR), 'Sodomy And Lust' (SODOM), 'Blessed Are The Sick' / 'Desolate Ways' (MORBID ANGEL) and 'Álcool' (DORSAL ATLÂNTICA). Too bad that the SEPULTURA track is missing now as HEADHUNER D.C.'s incorporation of Carl Orff's 'Carmina Burana' masterpiece into the opening part of it turned out really amazing... Anyway, musically HEADHUNTER D.C. are by no means along the lines of what's going on in Brazil at the moment, so don't expect another KRISIUN soundalike here. Instead be prepared for some really intense oldschool Death Metal, very emotional, very brutal and a.o. obviously inspired by the aforementioned bands that they have paid tribute to. The entire disc comes across very professional (production, packaging etc.), so if you have missed out on its previous versions, this is your (last?) chance to finally go for it now! Great record, great band! I just hope Cogumelo Records will re-release "Punishment At Dawn" on CD format sometime in the near future as well. The band's website seems to be offline at the moment, but you can check out the label site at www.dyingmusic.com
(Frank Stöver – Voices From The Darkside (Germany))
Long standing, totally cult, Brazilian death from the early 1990's.
Ever since reading about this band in Desecration of Virgin Magazine I wanted to check them out. Struggling for years within the small South American scene, Headhunter Death Cult released their debut on the cult label Cogumelo Productions, Brazil in early 1991. They were also featured on Dwell Records' Morbid Angel and Kreator tribute albums, which helped to promote them somewhat. This album was originally released in 2000 on the small, and hard to obtain, label Mutilation. Now, thanks to World War III's Mercenary Music, a sub-label for licensing albums domestically, Headhunter Death Cult's excellent death metal can finally be given a wider base in North America. While similar points can be made between Headhunter D.C. and the newer breed of Brazilian death squads Krisiun, Nephasth, Abhorrence, and the like, Headhunter D.C. are different in the fact that they don't rely on repeated blast beats throughout, and don't play every single track extremely fast and brutal like their peers. They are also more inclined to play in a doomy style at times, reminiscent of early Death, Incantation, and especially vintage Seven Churches era Possessed, except more bestial and evil. For these reasons, Headhunter D.C. are able to generate a deeper atmosphere as a whole, giving themselves legitimacy and showing their integrity by integrating heavy doses of vintage 1990's death metal with a clear and modern, original sound, along with exceptionally sick and twisted vokills. This is certainly a standout death metal recording for the Brazilian scene, particularly for staying true to their early 90's death metal roots. This cult piece contains seven original tracks as well as two covers, one being the Sepultura classic "Morbid Visions" and this release should not be missed by anyone who enjoys pure underground and cult death metal!!! A 100% fantastic and violent masterpiece!!!
(Jackalblaster (USA))
Yep, another fantastic band hailing from the Brazilian jungle, but this is not a new one. Headhunter D.C. (D.C. stands for Death Cult) exists for about 13 years and has already released two albums, so “..And The Sky…” is their third album, and believe me, it’s a masterpiece of blameless, non trendy, brutal and amazing Death Metal! This Brazilian Death Metal horde creates a dark and unholy atmosphere and composed some really cool songs. In my humble opinion “…And The Sky Turns To Black…” is one of the best South American Death Metal albums ever. These days many bands, especially from the States, only play fast and brutal shit and create brutal but soulless ‘fast food’ music. Sometimes it seems that all these ‘modern’ bands lost the capability to write real Metal riffs. I won’t tell you that all these bands totally suck, no, they definitely don’t, but as I’m a METALHEAD I always prefer bands like Headhunter D.C. which know that Death Metal is a brutal kind of Heavy Metal, and so you can note that the guitar players perform pure Metal riffs and some awesome leads. Headhunter D.C. uses now and then a keyboard, fortunately not very often. You all know I totally hate the use of keyboards, but in this case it’s okay for me. I really enjoy “..And The Sky…”, and so I have to thank Sérgio Baloff (vocals) so much for sending this mighty piece of Unholy Death Metal to me. By the way, the voice of Sérgio sounds very eerie and powerful. And now join the Death Cult and buy this highly recommendable album, you won’t regret.
6/6,66 points
(Hacker, Unholy Terror ‘Zine # 3 (Germany) – Spring 2001)
Third album, originally recorded in 1998 and currently re-issued through American WW3, this one is a continuation of their diabolic and original Death Metal with a progressive sound, technical and solid, with some Heavy and Doom passages and featuring some keyboards, but always sounding very dark and heavy. Remarkable are the Sérgio Baloff’s double vocal duties, while Thiago Nogueira (drums) do an interesting job with the cymbals, as well as the couple of guitarists, Paulo Lisboa and Fábio Nosferatus, develop a great guitar work, full of distortions, overwhelming heaviness, memorable riffs and leads from beyond. Long songs full of tempo changes which will surely be a delight for all those who love Death Metal with a strong accentuation in the word METAL.
(Huaira Herrera, Noise And Shit Mag. # 6 (Chile))
The urge to check this band out has been for a while now. Since the odds are minimal to find any of their plates up here, I decided to take contact with bandmember Sérgio. And what did he if not send me their latest offer of blasphemy? Heavy looking in terms of layout, and as for the music it’s all praising from my side. The basis of Headhunter D.C. is dark, atmospheric and occasionally very fast Death Metal, and hell it works! The keys that appear are used with care, and in addition there are some emotional solos. I also like the way Sérgio Baloff variates his voice from growls and light gurgle croaks to male mumbling. Purchase and you will get the greatest dose of adrenaline in years. I’m still shaking!
(Janne Huhta, Barbaric Poetry ‘Zine # 2 (Sweden) – October 2001)
Reviewing such a cult band like this seems a waste of time, but it’s not, after all to find bands from their era that are still in the battle and loyal to their principles is a very hard thing these days. In this manner, you can imagine it’s about another great work by this ancient Brazilian Death Metal act. Death metal as they have always done, technical, mature, authentic and with too much feeling & essence. It seems I speak that too much in my reviews, isn’t it? But it’s not all the bands that show these aspects on their albums, so when it happens, it must be mentioned, do you agree? Everybody knows about the quality of this band here, which has more time on the road than many kids out there have in age, and I just add that every true Death Metalhead must check this great album out. It’s mandatory! They are finally getting the place and recognition they deserve. This album has also been released in a very limited edition (200 copies only) on picture LP, and it kills for sure! Death Metal still rules! Long live the Death Cult!!!
(Thaís Brayner, Luciferous Eden ‘Zine # 2 (Brazil) – April/May 2003)
It’s gratifying to see Headhunter D.C. keeping themselves stronger than ever and loyal to their musical/ideological roots. The title track, for example, proves the band’s magnificent efficiency, and on its closing part it presents us something really apocalyptic with the guest voice of Arnald J.N.D. (Mystifier). “Falling in Perdition” starts with a very catching rhythm and faster parts come next, mixing heaviness and the excellent job done by bassman Alex Mendonça and drummer Thiago Nogueira. The following tracks, “Beyond The Deepest Lie”, “The Glory” and the fuckin’ “From Dream To Nightmare” are just proofs of true Extreme Music with good riff structures, leads, speed and melody worked out all together. All just fuckin’ killer without any doubt!! On “Eternal Hatred” (the title itself says all!), the band imposes anger and detonates one of the best songs of the CD, and closing with “Conflicts of the Dark and Light”, doomy and so deep, working out well with great lyrics and demonic vocals by Sérgio Baloff. We can notice the excellent couple of guitarists Paulo Lisboa and Fábio Nosferatus, varying from acoustic guitars, distortions and morbid solos. Argh, I love this song, and the most curious thing is that this one is the most simple of the album. Headhunter D.C. proves again the reference and excellence of Death Metal music made in Brazil and in the world.
(Slanderer Possessed, Deusdemoteme Mag. # 11 (Brazil) – September 2000)
With a previous classic album ''Punishment At Dawn'' on Cogumelo Records, HEADHUNTER D.C. return with their 2000 album of truly cult Blackened Brazilian Death Metal for starving, Death-obsessed fans! ''And the Sky Turns to Black (the Dark Age Has Come)'' is dedicated to Morbid Angel, Immolation, Possessed, Vader, Incantation, Sadistic Intent, Suffocation, etc. for ''keeping the ancient feeling & spirit of true Death Metal alive''! Seven tracks of killer heavy, sometimes Doom-y Blackened brutality that will burn into your head like a steel-gloved fist raining down!
(Blackmetal.com (USA))
"…In Deathmetallic Brotherhood." Split 10” MLP with Sanctifier
Greetings to the deathmetallic brotherhood! For all the vinyl worshippers we have here a current masterpiece with picturesque classic touches of the Metal of Death. It’s about the split LP of these two beasts (great definition!): Headhunter D.C. and Sanctifier. Release influenced by the Desaster / Pentacle split, where each band plays a song from its "brother". Headhunter D.C. opens with the honorable tribute to Sanctifier with the anthem "The Cycle of the Entity" from their classic demo "Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam", and what a homage! The band managed to really feel all the hatred Sanctifier reproduces! Then we continue with the ecstasy of lust and debauchery, "Hymn to Babylon", the new anthem of the band and highly shredding, with a simply blasphemous and libertarian lyrics. Closing like a glove, a perfect choice with the live version of "Falling in Perdition", check out the link with the previous song! Hail!!! Soon after, Sanctifier beasts open quartering everything with the version of "Am I Crazy?" of Headhunter D.C., from the classic "Born…Suffer…Die” LP. With other massacres as "Cthulhu - The Great Master of R'lyeh" and the F.U.C.K.I.N.’ "Necronomicon", showing that the band is more possessed than ever! Perfection would be the less to define this artifact...
CURSED EXCRUCIATION ‘ZINE # 4 (Brazil)
An infernal alliance between these two legendary Northeast Brazilian old school Death Metal hordes. A unique concept as each band offers a new song, a live song, and a cover song from the other band! It is the first time that both bands record some tracks exclusively for a vinyl record. The words "Death Metal" take all their meaning with this brutal record with a crushing sound. It's just an insane masterpiece, you won't be disappointed! Gatefold cover.
LEGION OF DEATH RECORDS ADVERTISINGS
I was waiting for this release some years ago. Finally here it is… Untrendy Death Metal with the 2 Brazilians Masters of Death! Both bands don’t need more introduction. Mighty 10” MLP with 3 tracks each one, 1 killer cover per band. Good layout, heavy vinyl, it’s Total Brazilian Death Metal in its purest form: full of violence, evil and brutality! Both sides are in the same top level! SANCTIFIER and HEADHUNTER D.C. still keep on fighting and teaching how to do finest Unholy Death Metal. Definitely it’s a classic in the worldwide Death Metal scene. Don’t be a nerd in front a PC downloading tracks on the net! Go for it!
Ricardo Lucas
CRYPTS OF ETERNITY ‘ZINE ISSUE # 1 (PERU)
"Listen to this fuckin' piece of total death at the maximum volume or die!!!!!!" – is printed in the Portuguese language on the backside of this split 10” EP. What a great packed release, what a beautiful gatefold sleeve, professional from the beginning to the end! Next is the most important information: this release is strictly limited to 500 pieces and I’m not sure how many copies are still left from this print. So better be fast in ordering it. About the music: two of the strongest bands of the South American Death Metal scene joined forces for this release, each one covering one song of the other band plus playing two own songs. The HEADHUNTER D.C. side starts with the version of SANCTIFIER’s song ‘The Cycle Of The Entity’ released on their 1993 demo “Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam”. As I don’t know this demo I can only judge this version and, folks, this song kicks ass in the usual HEADHUNTER D.C. tradition. It would simply fit perfect on their last effort “God’s Spreading Cancer…”. The same goes for the 2nd song ‘Hymn To Babylon’, a new and unreleased song so far and it’s Death Metal in the best possible way. The last song is ‘Falling In Perdition’, originally released on their 3rd album “…And The Sky Turns To Black” in a live version. Though the first 2 songs have an amazingly great sound, the last one lacks in sound quality a little bit, but as we are talking about an underground release no one of us old tapetraders would mind!! To finish this part: the HEADHUNTER D.C. side hardly couldn’t be better. Got to turn the black vinyl now. Side B starts with SANCTIFIER’s version of HEADHUNTER D.C.’s ‘Am I Crazy?’ released back in 1991 on their debut album “Born…Suffer…Die”. The sound is not as great as on the first 2 HEADHUNTER D.C. songs but still above the average (and in a way better than the original sound on “Born…Suffer…Die”) and musically it’s amazing what SANCTIFIER are creating. A great song and a great coverversion! I’m not sure which version I like more, this one or the original one? Great start! The remaining 2 songs are ‘Cthulhu – The Great Master Of R’lyeh’ and ‘Necronomicon’, heavily inspired by H. P. Lovecraft, Death Metal songs played with heart and feeling. Technically, again high above the average, but not exaggerating. SANCTIFIER together with HEADHUNTER D.C. prove to be one of the strongest forces in the South American Death Metal scene. As I guess that HEADHUNTER D.C. are the more well-known band I think I can only say that all fans who like them should check out SANCTIFIER, too, as this is really amazing what they produce on their side of this mighty split EP. I think I have to listen to their “Awaked By Impurity Rites” now as I haven’t heard it yet (which seems to be a huge mistake!!). Shame on me… Well, as I said in the beginning, don’t think too long and be fast in ordering this mighty piece of Death Metal quality. This could be a collector’s item very soon. I’m not exactly sure where to get it, I ordered my copy from Iron Pegasus Records (www.iron-pegasus.com), or try asking Legion Of Death Records directly (www.legionofdeath.cjb.net, email shaxul@wanadoo.fr).
Thomas Ehrmann.
VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE (GERMANY)
This is one of the greatest releases of this year! The split-vinyl (10 inches) bringing two of the most fuckin’ Death Metal bands in the world, legendary Headhunter DC (Salvador / BA) and also historical Sanctifier (Natal / RN). The split-vinyl carries the weight of six petards, which are three from each band, one playing a cover of the other, there is a new composition plus a live song. Argh!!! What a great idea! Side "A" brings Headhunter DC with "The Cycle Of The Entity (Sanctifier cover)," Hymn to Babylon" (unpublished song) and "Falling In Perdition" (from the “… And the Sky turns to Black…” album). On the "B" side Sanctifier with "Am I Crazy?" (Headhunter DC cover), "Cthulhu - The Great Master of R'lyeh" and "Necronomicon" (both unpublished songs). This material is very limited in five hundred copies, which will soon become rare! (EO)
THUNDERGOD WEBZINE (BRAZIL)
Majestic effort on which one band plays a cover from the other plus one live and one unreleased studio song! A real homage to these great Brazilian and worldwide Death Metal representatives. Limited gatefold 10” MLP. Get yours now as it’s surely your last chance!!!
GENOCIDE PRODS. (BRAZIL)
“GOD’S SPREADING CANCER…” CD 2007/Gatefold LP 2008
Headhunter D.C. released its most bestial and devastating attack over holy Christendom! Upon listening to this blasphemous offering, you can truly feel that this album took years in the making! A supreme dark oblation such as this does not get released every so often. But when it does, all the great evils join as one as a fist into God’s feeble face! The whole release has been a tremendous pleasure from beginning to end! (9/10)
METAL STORM ‘ZINE issue # 3 (USA)
Excellent! The best Death Metal album released in years!!!
MÁQUINA DO METAL ‘ZINE # 7 (Brazil)
“God’s Spreading Cancer” is one of the best Death Metal albums I've heard in a long time. Brazil seems to have something in the water because they have had a ton of great bands come from there and Headhunter D.C. is definitely near the top of the list.
(ANCIENT DEATH ‘ZINE – USA)
This is old school Death Metal in perfection! They simply wrote a whole bunch of ripping songs, destined to become classics in the not too distant future. It's brutal, it's dark, it's raw, it’s got a lot of feeling and an overall very sinister atmosphere that you already have become an addicted before you finished listening "God's Spreading Cancer…" for the first time! To sum it all up: an essential buy!
VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE (Germany)
This is DEATH METAL ART in its purest form! And when talking about “old school Death Metal with true evil feeling”, together with NECROS CHRISTOS “Triune Impurity Rites”, this is my favorite album this year! (10/10)
NECROMANIAC ‘ZINE # 8 (Germany)
Arghhhhhhhhhh, this could be the best old school Death Metal album of 2007! Old School blasphemy at its best! Fans of Mortem, Possessed, Morbid Angel and all the other classical old school Death Metal acts will worship this album! RESPECT to Brazil! (10/10)
NECROMANIAC ‘ZINE # 7 pre-review (Germany)
Looking for real Death Metal? Then check out HEADHUNTER D.C. by all means - "God´s Spreading Cancer…" has been released and it is going to be an underground classic!
BLABBERMOUTH.NET (USA)
This is Death Metal with balls!!! Metal of Death the old school way made by real veterans of Satanic Death Metal in its most classic style. Never exaggerated speed, aggression, super sharpened guitar solos, mid tempos that make your head doesn’t stop making whirlwinds, a brutal, dense and obscure sound and a voice able to make your soul twist until total agony!
BLOODY ‘ZINE # 16 (Spain)
Yet another assault of truly unholy, purely evil and brutal old school Death Metal. Raw, metallic and heavy war anthems like "Black Miracle" and especially the title track perfectly embody the dark spirit of the vintage South American Death Metal cult. Yeah, HEADHUNTER D.C. is the living proof that Death Metal was meant to be evil. Recommendable for true old school lunatics! (8/10)
CHAOS MAGAZINE #14 (Germany)
Death Metal made with heart, what you want more? I am completely inspired anyhow and would like to recommend you urgently to check HEADHUNTER D.C. absolutely once if you stand on old school Death Metal.
SCHWERMETALL.CH (Switzerland)
Just for their 20th anniversary the Brazilians deliver their best album ever. That’s a total annihilation! What power, what energy, what an album! Everyone into Death Metal has to get this album. Killer! It’s a long time since I listened to such awesome old school stuff. Definitely a must have! (9,5/10)
CARNAGE ‘ZINE (Germany)
An artefact that surely will be worshipped by ten among ten followers of the style. “God’s Spreading Cancer...” figures as a great artifact that deserves to be appreciated and respected due to all its rich content, based on what there’s from primordial in the old school of Death Metal. A mandatory item! (10/10)
PORTAL NOVO METAL (Brazil)
It offers again the brutal full operation in Death Metal terms. Fast, varied drumming, playful leads, down-been correct guitars and a maliciously grunting singer at the micro. That is to be understood however as absolute praise! Absolute purchase recommendation for every lover of traditional Death Metal that sounds without any commerce airs - this is the brutal reality!
ADNOCTUM.DE (Germany)
HEADHUNTER D.C. remains faithful to one time when the groups were not worried with less details, but sought to be expressed with spontaneousness and energy.
METAL IMPACT WEBZINE (France)
An opus with a so deep and unholy atmosphere and performed with such a cohesion and definition that only veterans use to have. It’s very possible that time takes charge of turning "God´s Spreading Cancer...”into a classic, so big are their ideology and devotion to the style. Recommended to all the ‘die hard deathbangers’, as they’re the only ones able to absorb the essence of such important work. No way to open concessions! (9/10)
WHIPLASH.NET (Brazil)
One of my favorite albums of the year. Easily, “God’s Spreading Cancer…” is a spectacular slice of brutality from a band with more originality than an entire Scandinavian country renowned for its prowess in this field. The musicianship is immense! If you fancy some exotic Death Metal with subtle black trimmings and want to witness a South American act of considerable note, you most certainly will not be disappointed. Hunt this down! VAMPIRE MAGAZINE (Netherlands)
HEADHUNTER D.C. needn’t hide behind European or US bands. Fans of brutal Death Metal, who need it really vigorous and in the old school way, should get their fingers on this album!
METAL-DISTRICT.DE (Germany)
Do not wait even a minute to have in your collection this excellent material, made by metalheads for metalheads!!!!!!
THUNDERGOD WEBZINE (Brazil)
There aren’t riffs left over nor empty compositions here, each one of the tracks that feature on "God's Spreading Cancer…" is a perfect sample of what these guys have been learning throughout the years and the maturity they have acquired. With albums like this, the "Death Cult" will live for many years yet. This is dedication and non trivialities! (10/10)
THE EXECUTIONER WEBZINE (Spain)
"God's Spreading Cancer..." keeps unbroken Headhunter D.C.’s integrity and reputation as defending name of Death Metal in its most traditional form. Another well-aimed shot in the unquestionable and immaculate trajectory of this Bahian quartet. (9/10)
ROADIE CREW MAG # 106 (Brazil)
"God’s Spreading Cancer…" could be summarized in just one sentence: perfect from the beginning to the end! "God’s Spreading Cancer…" is an album that shows when the disciple overcomes the master! "God’s Spreading Cancer…" is the synthesis of the Death Metal history in a moment of unique sonorous perfection! "God’s Spreading Cancer…" is an album that should be put beside "Seven Churches", "Reign in Blood", "Altars of Madness", "Cross the Styx" and other great moments of the Death Metal history! Perfect! Long Live the Death Cult!!! Long Live the Headhunter!!!!!!
PSYCHOSIS DEATH WEBZINE (Brazil)
“I have to admit that all the long wait was worth it, as I haven’t heard anything this year that pushed me more to bang my fuckin’ head than this album. Congratulations HEADHUNTER D.C. for the 20 years of pure Death Cult!” OSCULUM OBSCENUM ‘ZINE # 3 (Brazil)
“DM with balls, many balls. It couldn’t be less with a band that arises at the end of the 80’s. In addition they have known to adapt their style to the current times, and without being sold musically they have obtained an infarct production which fuckin’ fits to their dark DM nonfree of excellent rhythmical moments to break the neck. Several voice arrangements increase the dynamism of the group and make that these 11 tracks end too fast.”
ORFISMO ‘ZINE # 18 (Spain)
“A true masterpiece from the underground, which one easily crushes your skull to pieces. “God’s Spreading Cancer…” is for the deathmetal maniacs a dream comes true. I have nothing but compliments to the musicians who are capable to put so much conviction into their music. Definitely a must-have! Go burn in Hell, but make sure that you get your hands on a copy.”
METAL-FAN.NL (Holland)
“Brutal, unholy and sinister Death-Metal the way it was meant to be!!. Fourth album from this legendary old Death-Metal Force from Brazil influenced by SARCOFAGO, INCANTATION, early MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE and the likes!. Over 50min. playing time and a 24 pages booklet... A MUST!!”
GOREGIASTIC RECORDS (?)
““God's Spreading Cancer...” is a very nice old-school death metal plate with much pathos and atmosphere. One of the best death metal albums of the last times!”
(8.5 / 10)
METAL-STORM.DE (Germany)
“No fan of the heaviest old school sounds will be disappointed.”
POWER METAL.DE (Germany)
”HEADHUNTER D.C. are one of the oldest and most culted Death metal bands from Brazil and present us with "God's Spreading Cancer ...", its fourth album - a merciless Old-school hammer, neither according to Sepultura, Krisiun and cohorts sounds. Good and brutal the whole thing is played in any time. What there’s in HEADHUNTER DC despite the playful class above all counts is the Spirit. Indispensable for underground Death Metal maniacs!”
(8.5 points)
ROCK HARD MAG. # 250 (Germany)
"20 years after their inception, Headhunter D.C are still managing to put out quality releases, and "God's Spreading Cancer..." proves this beyond any doubt.
From the opening intro track the listener is brought into a world of filth and godlessness, with a very strong anti-religious message throughout, it is clear that this release isn't just another Brutal Death Metal CD that rhymes off medical conditions and gore-obsessed stories.
The eleven tracks of this album come in at just over 50 minutes and with no real weak links to "God's Spreading Cancer..." it is a pretty safe bet that fans of good Death Metal will enjoy it. Bible Bashers beware though – this CD can and will shit all over your beliefs”.
(7.5/10)
BORN IN BLOOD.CO.UK (England)
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