Review by Felix on December 4, 2025.

There is currently diplomatic tension between Germany and Brazil. No wonder, since the German chancellor is more conservative than a traditional metal band with conventional song structures, while the Brazilian president's political views are at least as left-wing as a rebellious punk band. I think a little de-escalation can't hurt, and I'm doing my part with the first review for Ordered To Kill, a thrash formation from, surprise, surprise, Brazil. I would gladly accept a generous prize for my contribution to international understanding.

The first thing I like when it comes to this classic three-piece horde with drummer, guitarist and a singing bass player, is the selection of their name. Of course, it pays tribute to At War's debut from 1886 (or was it 1986 – either way, an eternity ago) and I am the (only) guy who loves this work. But it is not just the name, the Brazilians also perform a similar style. Okay, it is less Motörhead-influenced than the material of their role models. Ordered To Kill perform pure thrash. But the primitive element that shaped the songs of At War reappears in the content of "Endless War". No progressive thoughts have hindered the song-writing process. The songs are based on linear, straight and almost one-dimensional structures. But they are no flat or dull-witted. It is not just the expressive riffing of the title track that appeals to me. Although this song belongs to the most coherent ones of the album, this does not mean that the remaining tracks deliver indigestible fodder. Maybe we can speak about thrash metal fast food, but who is the one of us who has never eaten in one of these burger temples?

The single components of this very compact work with a playtime of less than 29 minutes can all be waved through without objection. The commanding shouts of the lead vocalist are okay, the background vocals appear many times, but not too often. In terms of the guitar work, there is nothing to grumble as well, while the drummer does his job vigorous but not spectacular. Already the Repka-inspired artwork indicates that Ordered To Kill are not interested in the totally devastating thrash formula some of the South American competitors prefer. Of course, they also do not offer clean high-precision thrash which could originate from the Bay Area. The dudes move between these poles (and I don't think, to mention another similarity in names, that they thought of Realm's debut when choosing the album title).

"Endless War" mirrors energy, dedication and rebellion. Naturally, there is still room for improvement, but Ordered To Kill are able to manage the basics. If they take a little bit more care of memorable guitar lines, just as they did in the cool "The Plague Of Thrash", and if they have a better production (not only an average one), their next full-length will make them climb up the ladder in the global thrash scene. But the most important thing is that they are also interested in a good relationship of their and my country. I guess this – and the outstanding quality of this unforgettable cult piece – made them cover Violent Force's opener of their only album. The Brazilians version of "Dead City" is completely murderous (with partly new lyrics?) and very well done. So who says that Brazilians and Germans cannot be friends as soon as the politicians shut up?

Rating: 7.2 out of 10