All Against haven't ever shown signs of holding back their aggression thus yet, and their latest album Straight Down To Hell reinforces their status as a powerhouse in modern metal. This eight-track onslaught showcases the band’s relentless energy, technical prowess, and unapologetic aggression, making it a brutal statement that demands attention.
Hailing from Portugal, All Against merges influences from European and American metal traditions, creating a sound enriched with the intensity of thrash and groove metal giants while adding a distinct Iberian ferocity. The band has developed a reputation for their unyielding live performances, and ability to blend traditional heavy metal with modern extremities, making Straight Down To Hell a monument to, and demonstration of, their evolution.
The album begins with the title track and it's no quaint intro track - 'Straight Down To Hell' is a sprawling, nine-minute epic that sets an ominous tone. A slow build transitions into thunderous riffs and explosive drumming, establishing an atmosphere of chaos and destruction. The ambitious structure shifts between high-speed aggression and crushing breakdowns, while guttural vocals amplify the album’s dark themes. Following this, 'Inner Mayhem' maintains the album's intensity with a blistering pace and razor-sharp guitar work. The track showcases the band’s technical abilities, featuring relentless drumming whilst fusing thrash influences to a modern metalcore edge, in a way that feels current and seriously ferocious.
'Nação Valente e Imor(t)al', notable for its title and connection to Portuguese heritage, references a line from A Portuguesa, the national anthem. This incorporation imbues the song with a sense of pride and defiance, transforming it into an anthem of resilience. The haunting melodies combined with aggressive instrumentation create a depth that resonates deeply, making it a standout moment on the album. 'Narrow Streets of Disgrace' provides a shorter yet equally potent outburst of rage, clocking in at just under three and a half minutes. This track launches into rapid-fire riffs and relentless drum blasts, embodying the raw essence of All Against's sound. In contrast, 'Nepotism', the album's shortest track, leaves a lasting impact through its jagged rhythms and searing vocal delivery, ensuring its intensity is felt across its entire runtime.
As the album progresses, 'Out of the Box' and 'Professional Hater' continue the auditory assault. The former showcases groove-heavy experimentation with shifting tempos, allowing brief moments of breath before exploding back into aggression. 'Professional Hater' stands out with a commanding chorus, and a breakdown that's surely poised to become a fan favourite moment during live performances. The album concludes with 'Upside-Down Humanity', a five-minute finale that encapsulates everything Straight Down To Hell represents - unrelenting, fierce, and uncompromising.
The album's balance of technicality and raw aggression is what makes Straight Down To Hell such a compelling listen. Produced at Nox Messor Sound Studios, the mix ensures every instrument is audible, enriching the immersive listening experience. The guitar work delivers intricate solos and devastating riffs with finesse, while the drumming remains relentless, seamlessly transitioning between high-speed attacks and bone-crushing breakdowns.
Lyrically, the album addresses themes of corruption, societal decay, and personal struggle, conveyed with a sense of urgency that feels relevant yet timeless. Incorporating Portuguese cultural references and language, particularly on 'Nação Valente e Imor(t)al', enriches the band's identity while maintaining universal appeal. All Against crafts not just music but anthems of fury and defiance, where each song acts as a battle cry against complacency.
Overall, Straight Down To Hell is a triumph for All Against, capturing the essence of their sound while pushing their boundaries to deliver a heavy, meticulously crafted album. Fans of thrash, death metal, and modern metalcore will find much to love. As the band embarks on this next chapter, one thing is certain - All Against is ready to dominate, taking no prisoners.
Score: 7/10
Straight Down To Hell will be released on March 14th 2025 via Raging Planet Records.
Words: Kelly Gowe
Photos: All Against