by Adam BregmanAn exceptional hardcore/metal crossover band from São Paolo, Brazil, Ratos de Porão (Basement Rats) play ferocious, speedy music. But what sets them apart from other South American bands is that they aren't completely stuck on death metal and its apocalyptic vibe, though there is a little of that in their music. These guys actually have a sense of humor and can play a variety of styles. But the cover to Guerra Civil Canibal is going to be more than a lot of people can take. It's an extremely sick, graphic picture of a cannibal chewing on somebody's leg. You won't find it on the shelves of Wal-Mart or Best Buy. There's no logical reason for them to have chosen this photo for their cover other than shock value, so it seems rather pointless and will either deter people from checking out their excellent music, or perhaps attract kids drawn to it simply because it's sick. Ratos de Porão are definitely more hardcore than they are metal, no long hair or solos. They knock off some infectious and fiery originals, like "Obesidale Morbida Constitucional" and "Guerra Civil Canibal," as well as covers of Half Japanese's "Fire to Burn and Jello Biafra and Sepultura's "Biotech Is Godzilla." Most of the lyrics are in Portuguese, but non-Portuguese speakers will certainly dig their music.