No matter what way you slice it, Demona is a pretty sweet band. Led by vocalist and guitarist Tanza Speed, with a rotating cast of hooligans backing her up, the Chileans produce some serious South American speed metal, with influences straight out of the mid-’80s metal explosion. Unfortunately, all they’re putting out this year is a 7″ merely entitled 2015. But don’t be deterred by the lame name; it’s a fantastic representation of speed metal.

Like other Demona productions, the backing band is a mish mosh of characters—this time, including members of Midnight and Desaster. But 2015 is less of a collaboration of musicians and more of an album controlled by Tanza in every great way possible. Her visions of a raw, speed-laden metal sound are evident throughout. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a fresher sound for Demona. 

There are two tracks on 2015. First, “Chasing the Speed” and, on the b-side, “Allura Red.” Both tracks are classic speed metal, with flying guitars, demonic vocals and blistering drums. Both are brief—roughly three-and-a-half minutes each—and structured as if speed metal were a form of pop. Tanza’s vocals vacillate between her thin yet aggressive singing style and her war-like shrieks and cries. It’s old school in a way that’s sure to draw comparisons to Original Sin and Znöwhite, and it’s delivered with absolutely no regrets.

Once you’re sufficiently engulfed by these two tracks, be sure to check out Demona’s 2012 full-length, Metal Through the Time for comparison. Tanza may have moved to Canada since that one dropped, but as 2015 demonstrates, she’s lost nothing of her classic, South American flare for speed and thrash. 

-Manny-O-War

2015 is available now on white vinyl (August 7 digitally) on Hells Headbangers. For more info on Demona, visit the band’s Facebook page.