The Troops of Doom is not just another band. It is a Brazilian supergroup formed in 2020, during the pandemic, with a clear and compelling mission: to revive the classic death and thrash metal sound of the 1980s. The project is the brainchild of guitarist Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz, a name that carries immense weight in the history of extreme metal as a former member of Sepultura's original lineup. Alongside him, the band features other significant figures from the Brazilian metal scene, making them a formidable force in modern metal.

The official video for "Dawn Of Mephisto", released in 2024, has gathered over 52,000 views on YouTube. The track is a perfect representation of the band's mission statement: "Make metal evil again". It opens with a dark, building atmosphere before exploding into a galloping, Slayer-esque riff. The drums are relentless. The vocals are a snarling bark. The production, handled by the legendary Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, is absolutely impeccable, capturing the raw energy and power of the 80s with the clarity of modern technology.

The Lineup: A Brazilian metal supergroup

The band's lineup is a collection of veterans from the Brazilian metal scene and beyond.

Jairo Guedz is the band's leader and the most prominent name, known for his work on Sepultura's classic early records "Bestial Devastation" (1985) and "Morbid Visions" (1986). Marcelo Vasco is a globally renowned graphic artist who has created artwork for bands like Slayer, Kreator, and Machine Head, in addition to being a skilled guitarist. Alex Kafer brings a powerful vocal presence and solid bass lines, with a history in bands like Enterro and Explicit Hate. Completing the lineup, Alexandre Oliveira provides the relentless drumming that drives the band's sound.

Discography: Reviving the old school

Since their formation, The Troops of Doom have been incredibly productive, releasing three EPs and two full-length albums. Their debut album, "Antichrist Reborn" (2022), was released via Alma Mater Records, the Portuguese label run by Moonspell singer Fernando Ribeiro, and was mixed by Swedish producer Peter Tägtgren.

Their sophomore album, "A Mass To The Grotesque" (2024), saw the band further cementing their own identity. Produced by André Moraes (known for his work on Sepultura's "Dante XXI") and mixed/mastered by Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Recording in Florida, the album features cover art by the acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, responsible for numerous classic death metal album covers. Jairo Guedz commented, "It was a dream come true for me. You have Dan Seagrave doing your artwork and the Morris brothers of Morrisound Studios... the cradle of death metal".

Analysis: Making metal evil again

The band's motto for the promotion of "A Mass To The Grotesque" was "Make metal evil again". This mission is reflected in their music. Compared to their debut, the second album shows a band breaking out of their shell and creating their own identity. While they still maintain their thrashy, 80s/early 90s essence, they are progressively less afraid to experiment with new ideas, such as slower, more doom-influenced sections and longer, almost epic tracks. The production is a standout feature, described as "absolutely impeccable," with brutal guitar tones and perfect sound quality.

The Troops of Doom are not a weak Sepultura clone; they punch above their weight, sounding fresh and invigorated while staying true to the classic formula. For fans of Slayer, Celtic Frost, Kreator, and Possessed, the band serves as a time machine for those nostalgic for the golden age of death metal.

Why The Troops of Doom matter

In an era where metal has splintered into countless subgenres, The Troops of Doom are a focused and powerful reminder of the genre's roots. They are not reinventing the wheel. They are perfecting a beloved sound with a modern, high-quality approach and the pedigree of legendary musicians. Their commitment to the classic death/thrash sound is executed with extreme conviction, making them a significant force in the modern metal scene.