Cerebros Exprimidos, Demencia

Cerebros Exprimidos, Demencia - The Spanish hardcore-cum-metal-cum-punk four piece, Cerebros Exprimidos ('Squeezed Brains' in English) started their music career back in 1984 with four bored and restless teenagers who were living in the tourist haven Palma, in the Balearic Island of Mallorca. Two years later they played at a local Battle of the Bands, coming a respectable second place after being dubbed "Too damn loud" for the delicate ears of the local government's department of culture who arranged the contest. Shortly after, they produced their first record, a 12" Vinyl E.P. through the now-defunct Spanish label Romilar-D.

It wasn't until 1990, however, that the band recorded their next release, the acclaimed 'Mas Suicides' (More Suicides) album. Not of the highest standard of recording, the album did manage to reflect a collection of influences from the classic punk era of 'The Heartbreakers,' 'Dead Boys,' 'Dictators,' 'Ramones,' etc. With their new release in tow, the popular punk zines such as 'Maximum Rock & Roll' and 'Flipside' brought the band to a small, world-wide audience.

Their follow-up album came soon after with the release of the album 'Bonzomania.'Packed with influences from the then highly-popular U.S. Hardcore scene, bands such as 'Poison Idea', 'Dead Kennedys' and 'Circle Jerks' could be seen in the album.

Next came the 1994 release through Munster Records and possibly their greatest and most powerful release, 'Demencia' (Dementia), which is the album to be reviewed here. Produced by the legendary producer and ex-member of the band 'Black Flag,' 'Spot,' the album shows their years of experience with a host of proficient chunky riffs, with a tighter, more mature sound to their songs. With the tracks 'Fuera De Control' (Out Of Control), 'Mega-Slam' or 'Romper La Red' (Destroy The System), the powerful edge to their music is obvious, with their high grade of musicianship and really loud, fast punk rock. The album also includes a cover version of 'Bone Idol' by 'The Drones.'

The track listing is as follows:

1. Fuera De Control

2. No Sabes Que Existo

3. Romper Lad Red

4. Ley De Vida

5. Mega-Slam

6. Quien Es Quien

7. Tiempos De Ignorancia

8. Sin Solucion

9. Locura

10. Reality Show

11. Anti-Rave

12. Ser Humano

13. 10 Dias

14. Desquiciado

15. En Alerta

16. Bone Idol

All in all, the album delivers a fast-paced offering of punk rock with a hint of something more metal. The recording is very bass-heavy, which adds to its punk anthem feel. The guitar solos are impressive and the vocals (though they are all in Spanish) have a clean and crisp sound. The album is worth giving a listen but can prove to be a little tricky getting your hands on a copy.