Previously named “Bíblia Negra” (which means Bible Black in Portuguese), Brazilian thrash metal band Prophecy has written songs following what is generally known as Bay Area Thrash Metal. The band has been influenced mainly by the San Francisco thrashers Exodus and Testament. This is not to say, however, that these are their only influences, as elements of Metallica, Vio-lence, Forbidden, Defiance , Anthrax, among others can be noticed throughout their songs. Prophecy mixes a great deal of aggression with the right degree of technique, showing they have mastered their skills when it comes to playing, without losing the aggressive quality inherent to thrash metal. Apart from that, vocalist Rogério Avlis infuses melody into his aggressive vocals, like experienced vocalists of the Bay Area thrash scene, such as Chuck Billy and James Hetfield.
Despite releasing its first album in 2008, Prophecy's history goes way back to the 80's. It was actually formed in 1985, and firstly named “Bíblia Negra”. Although they were not labeled as a thrash metal band, some songs showed elements of what was to come in Prophecy. After five years composing in Portuguese, they changed their name to Prophecy, and started, naturally, to sing in English. The first demo-tape under the new moniker was released in 1991, and was named “Dust Inheritance”. Such demo-tape contained four songs, one of which was a new version for the 1987 song “Falsos Profetas”, now called “Lying Prophets”. The demo-tape reached acclaim with both public and critics in the national heavy metal scene, being very positively reviewed in the widely-recognised Brazilian magazine “Rock Brigade”. Nevertheless, the band was to face a problem that plagued it since time immemorial, line-up changes.
From 1992 to 1997, the band went through many line-up changes, and was able to perform in small venues. However, it was only in 1997 that the band became fully active again. Prophecy started to take off once more, and was invited to be the supporting act for Exodus, who was touring the world after a successful comeback with legendary vocalist Paul Baloff. The gig took place in the late 90's in the traditional club Garage, in Rio de Janeiro .
In the same year, Prophecy went on studio to record a new demo, which would contain 8 songs. But, the old problem that had plagued the band would strike again, and the recording sessions were cancelled for some time. The demo, entitled “Techniques of Violence”, was eventually released in 2000. Once again, the public received it very favourably.
After some years with occasional comebacks, a new and definitive line-up gathered in the year of 2006. The “2006 Demo” was then recorded, and distributed to the public. Prophecy once again found recognition and acclaim in the underground heavy metal scene in Brazil . There were more demands for the band to play in different venues, where they delivered electrifying performances, once and for all conquering the public.
Prophecy went on studio again to record its long awaited debut. The recording took a long time, given the demands of the band, who did not want to release just an average album. The album, entitled “Legions of Violence”, was released by Morbid Tales Records in the end of 2008, and has 11 songs, containing new material and also old songs that have been reshaped. This material is constantly played in concerts, and meets with total approval of the public.
In 2008, Prophecy took part in the regional and national finals of the Wacken Open Air Metal Battle. The band played the Rio de Janeiro final in Clube Mackenzie, and was chosen to represent the city in the national final. The national final was played in the famous Manifesto Bar, in São Paulo , and Prophecy delivered a performance that received very positive reviews. The magazine “Roadie Crew”, which organised the event, claims that members of the famed American band Queensrychë had been in the venue, and that they particularly pointed out three bands that stood out; one of the three was Prophecy.
Prophecy now seeks to increase its following by re-releasing “Legions of Violence” with Mexican label EBM Records. They also intend to keep delivering electrifying live performances conquering audiences around the world. |