Many saw the release of Sepultura's 'Beneath The Remains' as the catalyst that would signal the opening of the flood gates for Brazilian metal. While the mighty Sep's did a noble job in keeping the flag flying for many years, the expected rush of Brazilian talent never materialized, and any bands that Brazil did produce were left to fester in the underground scene. However out of this very underground Scars rose to prominence as one of the leading lights and exploited the niche they had created for themselves to the maximum of their ability. Their rise was cut short with the break-up of the group and a 6 year hiatus followed.

It was therefore of interest when word broke that 2004 saw the reformation of these Brazilian Thrashers with a new line-up and new album in the pipeline, and a concept album at that based around Dante's book "Hell". "The Nether Hell" follows the blueprint that made the Bay Area the Thrash capitol of the world during the late eighties and early nineties. Crisp and instantly appealing guitar hooks come courtesy of Boccomino and Zeraib, and the trademark guitar crunch that any Thrash act worth it's salt has in their arsenal, is of course infested throughout. The rather elaborately titled "Creatures That Come Alive In The Dark" begins proceedings in relentless fashion, quickly followed by the Nuclear Assault sounding "Warfare". By the time the the Slayeresque "Return To The Killing Ground" rolls around any resistance is futile as by now you will have certainly entered into the realm of approving foot stomping and some serious head nodding.

Scars own brand of mayhem is much akin to the likes of Exodus or Vio-Lence, like running into a brick wall "The Nether Hell" is a bruising, unrelenting and certainly uncompromising experience. While the album won't win any prizes for genre breaking innovation, it remains a rousing, mosh pit evoking piece of gritty Thrash; and in a time when many of acts from days long forgotten reform in search of one last hurrah, Scars bring a new twist to a path all to often traveled with remarkable brutality. Far from being a diluted tribute band, Scars have produced a stand alone record worthy of the genre from which it were spawned.