Review of Murderess - Time to Kill

Brazilian death metal band Murderess has made an explosive entrance with their debut EP, Time to Kill. It’s the kind of release that grabs you by the throat from the first note and doesn't let go, mixing ferocious death metal with sinister black metal elements. Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Claudia Franco, the band delivers a brutal, unfiltered take on themes of death, murder, and violence - but with a fresh, unmistakably female perspective that cuts through the usual genre conventions.

Right from the start, Time to Kill announces itself as something special. The combination of Claudia Franco’s guttural growls and Jazz Kaipora’s razor-sharp guitar riffs creates an atmosphere that’s both brutal and eerie. The EP’s sound strikes a balance between relentless aggression and atmospheric darkness, adding a layer of tension that keeps you hooked. It's raw, it's dark, but it’s also crafted with care, leaving no room for filler or hesitation.

The usual themes - violence, death, war - are all here, but there’s a certain intensity and conviction that comes from Franco's delivery. Her voice commands attention, exuding both fury and control, giving the EP a sense of empowerment. You can feel that this isn’t just about brutality for brutality’s sake. There’s something deeper at play, as if the band is confronting the darkness with a purpose, not just basking in it.

Backing up Franco’s vocals is a tight, unyielding rhythm section, with Pedro Fraga’s drumming keeping everything locked in and pushing forward. The drumming is relentless, but it’s not just about speed - there’s a precision to it that makes every hit feel purposeful. And while death metal is the core of Murderess’ sound, those black metal flourishes -icy riffs, haunting atmospheres - give the EP an edge that keeps it from ever feeling one-dimensional.

Time to Kill may be a short EP, but it’s packed with intensity. Every second feels like it’s been carefully constructed to maximize the impact, leaving you with no room to breathe before the next wave of sound crashes in. The production, while gritty, allows for just enough clarity to appreciate the complexity beneath the aggression.

Murderess has made it clear they’re not here to play it safe. They’re carving out their own space in the extreme metal scene with a sound that’s both fierce and thought-provoking. For anyone looking for metal that hits hard but also offers something new, Time to Kill is an essential listen. Murderess has arrived, and they’ve brought the fire with them.

Thanks to Grand Sounds PR.

Listen/Order here: ▶︎ Time to Kill | Murderess (bandcamp.com)