EP REVIEW: Xibalba - “Diablo, Con Amor…Dios”

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 17/02/2017

Label: Closed Casket

“Diablo, Con Amor…Dios” is a relentless dose of irresistibly gruelling metallic hardcore. Xibalba have crafted a flawless shot of misery that will keep you coming back for more until you have been beaten into submission.

“Diablo, Con Amor…Dios” DD//7inch track listing:

1. Diablo

2. Con Amor

3. Adios

The Review:

California quintet Xibalba have built up a formidable reputation for crushing brutality. New EP “Diablo, Con Amor…Dios” is a succinct yet terrifying reminder of the bands fearsome power.

Few bands manage to convey the constant atmosphere of threatening menace that pervade these three tracks. “Diablo” opens proceedings like a kick in the gut, an evil blend of sludge-encrusted doom and chug-heavy hardcore. “Adios” shares a similar sound but drags the punishment out over five grimly-compelling minutes, like Crowbar being dragged into the moshpit by Integrity and Earth Crisis.

“Con Amor” acts as a relative breather between these two slabs of dense heaviness. The band let their death metal tendencies rise to the fore, furious blastbeats and straight-ahead punk rhythms intertwining to create a dark adrenaline rush.   

“Diablo, Con Amor…Dios”is a relentless dose of irresistibly gruelling metallic hardcore. Xibalba have crafted a flawless shot of misery that will keep you coming back for more until you have been beaten into submission.

“Diablo, Con Amor…Dios”is available to preorder/buy here

Band info:  facebook || bandcamp