Noxa, the latest release by NVLO is a unique metalcore album 

Noxa, the latest album from Argentinian deathcore band NVLO (pronounced “nulo”) has influences from Slipknot and Chelsea Grin. It is a fast-paced metalcore EP with a unique sound that is definitely worth listening to. 

The band NVLO formed in 2018 in Buenos Aries. The band consists of five extremely talented members, León Emiliano Pardo on vocals, Juani Poncelas on bass, Max and Aaron Macenenido on guitar, and Ulises Ochova on drums. They have released four regular albums and one live album, with their most popular album being their second album, “Nulo”, which was released in 2019.  

Their reputation grew after becoming one of the fifteen finalists in the 2023 Wacken Metal Battle , where each country will host local Metal Battles to determine which band will represent their nation in the international finals, which Nvlo joined in Wacken, Germany 

They played at Knotfest Argentina 2024 alongside Amon Amarth, Meshuggah, Baby Metal, and Slipknot. They are known for their energetic and fast-paced live performances, high energy mosh pits, crowded venues and they are quite interactive with the crowd. 

Generally, they produce excellent music, using elements of both metalcore and nu-metal, and this EP is no different.  The EP sounds like it has influences from Slipknot, specifically the drums remind me of Joey Jordison’s drumming style. They also sound similar to Chelsea Grin, who they opened for, with similar vocals and guitar.  

None of the songs on the EP have clean vocals, which I appreciate because I am very picky with clean vocals. 

Unlike most other modern metal bands that I come across, they have their own unique sound, rather than sounding like a rip-off or a copy of an older more well-known band. A lot of the time I associate albums with certain seasons based of off how they sound, this one seems like something I’d listen to in the fall. 

My only critique is how short the songs are. The tracks are about 3 to 4 minutes long, so the entire four-track EP takes less than 15 minutes to listen to. I have always preferred songs that are longer so I can fully experience the song without having to listen to it twice.  

My personal favourite off this album is El Ritual. I like the fast and aggressive start to the song. According to a quick translation of the Spanish lyrics, the song seems to tell a story of insatiable greed and uses metaphors like hunger to represent it. 

The cover art by Dark Blessed (Argentinian graphic designer Nicolás Oliveros) is beautiful and suits the EP very nicely. The vicious-looking snake around the faceless man’s neck captures the aggressive feeling of the album.  

Although they do not have any upcoming tour dates, the band has posted on Instagram asking where their audience would like to see them. I’m hoping they come to Canada! 

Image Credit: Nvlo