When ‘Gran Náusea’ was recorded, Miserable was still pretty much the solo project of Adrián Del Aguila, fresh off releasing his first album with M.A.S.A.C.R.E after a decade fronting that band. But two things are clear immediately: one is that this material couldn’t really have worked within what M.A.S.A.C.R.E was doing at the time, the other that Del Aguila already had a very clear vision of what Miserable was supposed to be. Interestingly, all members that would lately form Miserable’s first line-up contribute to ‘Gran Náusea’, though the vocals, bass, rhythm and acoustic guitars are all Del Aguila’s work.

Compositionally, ‘Gran Náusea’ is a work of fairly traditional thrash metal, with the occasional hint of early death metal in the riff work. There are clear Metallica and Death influences in the guitar department, and yet, I cannot think of any thrash metal band that sounds remotely close to what Miserable does here. Part of that is the fact that Del Aguila focuses on memorability and atmosphere rather than trying to overwhelm the listener with breakneck-speed fits of virtuosity. Also, while I would not call Miserable a progressive thrash band, the songs often go through surprising changes that make ‘Gran Náusea’ a very engaging work.

Second track ‘Venganza’, for instance, has an extensive verse that is carried by nylon-string acoustic guitars. Together with Del Aguila’s fairly haunting vocal performance, this creates a listening experience that stays with you for far longer than it would have if it had just continued with its admittedly cool thrash riffs. Closing track ‘Náusea’ is another adventure. The first half of the track is largely based on riffs that by themselves could have been just another handful of thrash riffs, but the way they unfold feels truly fresh, and the massive, emotional climax of its second half is otherworldly.

However, when Miserable sticks a little closer to what thrash metal was in the eighties, their music manages to be every bit as enjoyable. ‘La Gran Voluntad’ is built upon a handful of uncomplicated, but excellent riffs that would have not been out of place on a classic thrash album. Opening track ‘Peste’ effectively toys with the time feel of the riffs to create a highly dynamic song, which is lifted to even greater heights by the skill of Miserable’s young drummer Diego Porturas. Those craving something a little closer to extreme metal should give ‘El Mal que Nos Eleva’ a shot.

Miserable proves that it’s perfectly possible to be influenced by classic thrash metal without sounding like a retro act largely operating on nostalgia. Both ‘Gran Náusea’ and its follow-up ‘Esclavo Miserable’ sound familiar, yet fresh. Also, they remain engaging when you listen to the albums multiple times, because the songwriting structures don’t follow the expected formula. While the songs have clear verses and choruses, they often end up being constructed fairly differently, making for an interesting listen every time. Some people complain that thrash just isn’t made as it used to be anymore. If you share that thought, Miserable should be right up your alley.

Recommended tracks: ‘Náusea’, ‘La Gran Voluntad’, ‘Venganza’