Mental Devastation The Delusional Mystery of the Self II Review
Mental Devastation
The Delusional Mystery of the Self II
Witches Brew
2025
Mental Devastation are a new to me band - a Chilean Thrash unit with absolutely no interest in subtlety, comfort, or anything resembling restraint. “The Delusional Mystery of the Self II” is an album that detonates as you press play. From there you’re sent staggering through a sonic warzone of riffs, rage, and ill intent.
This isn’t the kind of “Retro Thrash” that plays dress-up with old Exodus riffs and denim nostalgia. Mental Devastation hits differently - faster, meaner, and far more surgical in how they attack, it’s Progressive Thrash Metal that was raised on a diet of Forbidden and Watchtower. The riffs slash, the bass playing is otherworldly, the drums sound like artillery fire, and the vocals come off like a man losing his mind in real time. There’s no fake anger here; it’s pure, bloodshot, caffeine-fueled chaos funneled through musicians who understand the discipline behind the destruction.
The production keeps that balance between clarity and carnage, tight enough that you can feel every down-stroke, but raw enough that it never feels sterile. The bass snarls under the guitars, giving each track a nasty underbelly, while the solos sound like they’re trying to melt their way through the mix and escape. It’s a perfect storm of precision and violence.
Mental Devastation proves that Thrash, when done right, is still one of the most dangerous forms of heavy music on the planet. This record doesn’t just honor the genre’s history; it pushes it forward with modern intent while paying homage to Progressive titans like Watchtower and Fates Warning in certain moments. “The Delusional Mystery of the Self II” is a ruthless, brain-splitting exercise in controlled chaos. Thrash Metal for those who crave both punishment and precision.
Standout Tracks – “Mankind”, “Judge And Jury”, “Pulsions” and “Primitive Paths”