One thing that characterizes Nervosa, and Prika Amaral in particular, is that she never gives up. In 2020 she was left alone in the band, but she found three new members and kept going. In 2022 the scene was repeated. Nanu Villalba on drums, Helena Kotina (initially) and Emmelie Herwegh (subsequently) covered the bass position for live shows, until the current line-up was finalized, having an even stronger Greek element.
Eleni Nota (drums) may have left, but Helena Kotina on guitars and Hel Pyre (W.E.B., Afterblood) on bass came permanently. Michaela Naydenova (ex-Gwendydd) from neighboring Bulgaria sits behind the drum kit and Prika, who now lives permanently in Athens, takes over the vocals for the first time. With just one listen to “Jailbreak”, the Brazilian leader’s choices do her justice as the final result is most enjoyable.
And one of the reasons why it’s so enjoyable is the guitar part. Nervosa only had two guitars in the first year of their journey, before they even recorded their first demo. A very good choice to go this way now, since Helena is not only an excellent guitarist but also a skilled songwriter. In the tracks there are repeated slaps of killer riffs, leads and solos, giving great variety to “Jailbreak”. Definitely the best they have presented us in this field so far. Putting into the equation Michaela’s solid and technical drumming as well as Prika’s awesome aggressive vocals, we have a thrash dynamite.
Despite its thirteen songs, “Jailbreak” lasts only 47 minutes, which shows the band’s desire to play fast and essentially without dragging the compositions, with only two of them exceeding four minutes and being among the most diverse of the album. The very melodic “Seed Of Death” and “Gates To The Fall” with a strong death metal element. The title track also stands out from the general direction with an old-school Motörhead-like aura. The album also features two special guests. Titan Gary Holt plays guitar on “When The Truth Is A Lie” and Lena Scissorhands (Infected Rain, Death Dealer Union) screams along with Prika on “Superstition Failed”.
All in all, the revamped Nervosa release an album that deserves the attention of every thrash metal fan. I even dare to say that “Jailbreak”, the fifth full-length in their career, is by far their best one. The line-up changes have worked beneficially and it is certain that the steady upward course they have been on for the last few years will continue.
