Album Review // Mala Sangre // Mata Mata
5/5 stars
For well over a decade, Erie's Mala Sangre has been keeping the punk scene alive at breakneck speed. Releasing their first album in 2010 and never changing their lineup, Mala Sangre has become an admirably regular presence in the local music scene. On their sixth release Mata Mata, we see them continuing to play Ramones-style punk songs at a Motorhead pace. A tradition on Mala Sangre records is to highlight some of Erie's best musicians, with guests "Morbid" Rob Burke (Maniacal Device) singing the horror-themed "Whore's Child," drummer Jeff Burick (Penny Racer, Daytona Beach 2000) providing a blistering tempo on "Secret Place," and Jay Durnell (Dread Metal Productions) growling like Tom G. Warrior on "Power Wound." Mala Sangre takes a deeper dive into metal territory with the help of Eden On Fire members Amy Gould, Scott Hagerty, and Rick Knapp on the track "Bring On The Darkness." The song showcases the band's willingness to explore new territory while remaining true to their roots. Mata Mata is also a family affair — with lead singer Carlos Rivera's brother Jose lending his vocals to "Dejame Solo" and son Cameron (Massive Denial) playing lead guitar on tracks "No Tomorrow" and "Power Wound." In the end Mata Mata is as familiar as it is different, and captures the energy of their live performances. Viva Mala Sangre!
