BionKill is a Thrash Metal band hailing from Portugal, brought to life by Rui Vieira from Arruda dos Vinhos and José ‘Melkor’ Marreiros from Amora on June 6, 2023. The project made waves in the music scene when it unveiled its independent debut album, “They Must Die,” on January 1, 2025.
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BionKill, They Must Die Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of They Must Die
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of BionKill and their album, They Must Die
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Features fast and aggressive, featuring complex riffs and high-energy solos, adding a layer of intensity to their songs. The bass provides a heavy, driving force behind the music. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Involves raw, aggressive and intense vocals, matching the aggressive nature of their music, often featuring shouted or screamed lyrics that convey powerful messages. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into a vast world of fast-paced, high-energy and relentless drumming, featuring double bass pedal techniques that create a rapid, thunderous beat.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
A project inspired by the old (good) thrash school but also with a look towards the future…
The moment the listener hits the play button, they are greeted by the intense audio clip of Murder Agenda, which launches into a fierce barrage of instrumentals and vocals.
As the experience unfolds with the second track, Propaganda, and the remaining seven pieces, it immerses the listener in a narrative exploring themes of control, propaganda, and societal challenges. For instance, “Murder Agenda” delves into the dark topics of depopulation and extermination schemes, while “Propaganda (How To Kill The Truth)” tackles the insidious spread of lies and misinformation.
This formidable Portuguese thrash powerhouse boasts a lineup that is both robust and dynamic, making waves in the Athenaeum of Sin. At the helm of vocals, lyrics, and songwriting is Rui Vieira, who also shreds on guitar for the thrash/hardcore punk outfit Testemunhas De Jeova. Meanwhile, the entire instrumental composition and songwriting is expertly crafted by none other than Jose “Melkor” Marreiros, known for his work with bands like Blood of Artemis, Eerie Resonance, Mala Mors, and a multitude of other projects.
BionKill is not your typical thrash metal band; they are a vibrant fusion of classic thrash influences and contemporary production techniques. Their sound is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of old-school thrash, enhanced by modern elements that elevate their devilmanship and artistic expression. This unique blend is evident in their music, where the essence of raw energy meets the sophistication of skilled devilmanship, creating an experience that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking.
Listeners familiar with the legendary figure of Melkor will find echoes of his forbidden fruit of art-artistry and devilmanship within BionKill‘s album They Must Die. The guitar work is a standout feature, characterized by its ferocity and precision. Fast-paced riffs and electrifying solos pay homage to the roots of thrash metal while seamlessly integrating modern stylistic innovations. In addition, the solos that the listener enchanters are provided by guest guitarist Pedro ‘D-Void. The bass lines provide a robust backbone, ensuring that the aggressive guitar melodies and commanding vocals resonate with clarity and power, creating a cohesive and dynamic sound.
The drumming, too, plays a crucial role in shaping the band’s identity, delivering rapid-fire rhythms and intricate patterns that amplify the overall intensity. Each beat adds a layer of aggression, propelling the music forward with relentless energy. Complementing this instrumental prowess are the vocals of Rui Vieira, whose growls are both powerful and emotive, infusing the lyrics with a sense of urgency and depth. Together, these elements forge a compelling narrative that invites listeners to delve deeper into the world of BionKill, where artistry and aggression collide in a thrilling sonic adventure.
In just thirty minutes, listeners will be swept away by a relentless barrage of old-school thrash metal that embodies power, heaviness, and a raw, gritty essence. This is the essence of thrash, unfiltered and direct, delivering an exhilarating experience that leaves no room for compromise. Amidst the thunderous riffs and aggressive beats, there are moments of clean, rhythmic interludes that provide a refreshing contrast, showcasing the genre’s versatility.
The infusion of Testemunhas De Jeova crossover and hardcore punk elements, echoes of Melkor music and composition, along with progressive and technical thrash influences, enriches the soundscape, adding layers of depth to the already intense auditory journey. This arrangement captures the entire composition with a modern flair, while remaining committed to the old-school roots of thrash metal. It serves as a time capsule, preserving the essence of the genre while embracing contemporary production techniques. The result is a powerful blend that resonates with both old-school enthusiasts and new listeners alike, ensuring that the music remains vibrant and relevant.
If you’re a fan of thrash metal with a modern twist, BionKill is definitely worth checking out!
The album wraps up with the closing track, Troops Of Resistance. We want to give a shoutout to BionKill for letting us review their album They Must Die. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of BionKill and their album, They Must Die
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
In my view, BionKill offers a remarkable experience, presenting a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary thrash metal delivered by a fruit of art devilmanship. Unleashing a powerful, high-octane, fruit of art music that carries a meaningful message. Every note and beat is carefully designed, resulting in an engaging journey that honours the genre’s roots while expanding the horizons of thrash metal.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The artwork is captivating, blending a vintage vibe with modern and technical elements. It beautifully reflects the essence of the band’s music and lyrics.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of BionKill and their album, They Must Die. Therefore, this concludes BionKill and their album, They Must Die review.
Members
José ‘Melkor’ Marreiros: guitars, drums, bass
Rui Vieria: vocals, lyrics
Pedro ‘D-Void: guest solo guitar
Track-Listing
01. Murder Agenda
02. Propaganda (How To Kill The Truth)
03. Mass Formation
04. Rise Of Tyranny (One World Government)
05. Codex Refuse
06. Digital Concentration Camps
07. We Are Ready
08. The Great Awakening (Instrumental)
09. Troops Of Resistance
