The NwothmReview: Creatures – “Creatures II”
Release date: 14th November 2025
Label: High Roller Records Formats: CD / LP / Digital
10 minutesThe Nwothm
Creatures formed in Curitiba during the summer of 2019, stepping into a local scene largely shaped by extreme metal. Despite that dominance, a few bands continue to champion traditional heavy metal, and Creatures—alongside Trovão—have proven themselves among the most distinctive.
After releasing several singles, the band caught the attention of Bart Gabriel, who offered them a deal through his former label Iron Oxide Records. Their debut arrived in 2021, and the follow-up, Creatures II, is now set for release via High Roller Records.
The new album was recorded between September 2024 and March 2025 at Heavy Tron Studio, engineered by Arthur Migotto (Hazy Hamlet) and co-produced with guitarist Mateus Cantaleano. Cantaleano wrote all music and lyrics. The line-up features Marc Brito on vocals, Cantaleano on guitar, Ricke Nunes on bass, and Sidnei Dubiella on drums. Guest appearances include Caio Vidal on keyboards and additional vocals from Migotto.
Cantaleano describes the sound as a blend of heavy metal and hard rock, with a darker, more sinister tone. He highlights the band’s focus on dynamic songwriting, combining riffs and arpeggios with minor-key melodies and memorable choruses.
Often compared to Dokken, Ratt, and Judas Priest, Cantaleano welcomes the reference. He cites those bands—especially Dokken and Priest—as major influences, though he’s careful to draw inspiration rather than imitate.
Looking back at their debut, Cantaleano sees Creatures II as heavier, darker, and more refined. While the first album was recorded as a duo, the new release benefits from a full band dynamic. Both records share the same foundation: energetic tracks, power ballads, layered harmonies, and fiery solos. For Cantaleano, “Beware the Creatures” best captures the band’s musical direction.
Cover artwork by Mateus Cantaleano.
Review
Inferno is the opening track of the album and straight away from the first few moments i got total goosebumps.It starts with some some atmosphere, quiet notes playing before majestic harmonised guitars come in. The tones, the “firework display”of melodies is just magnificent, and the low rumble of toms that comes in to close just rounds the track of perfectly.
Devil In Disguise kicks off with a bright and uplifting panned guitar. We are then welcomed by a huge metal scream and the rest of the instruments join in. Straight away this feels so classic. The production just helps to make the music feel so nostalgic, so retro and I just love it. It thunders along with passion and integrity and the vocals of Marc Brito just add to that fire that Creatures just feeds. There are moments where things just break down to “that riff,” airy synths nd bass twangs. But a massive highlight is the solo section where you get an out of body experience. And the big chants towards the end tie it all together.
Night Of The Ritual creeps in with some spooky riffs and attitude. The playfulness of the song where the guitars come in and out just leaving bass, drums and vocals is excellent. The vocal chants are guaranteed to get fans singing along if they play this at shows. I especially love the galloping feel of the drums and guitars which just add a level of electricity to the song. The chorus like the vocal chants will provide even more opportunities for people to join in and have sining along! And just like “Devil In Disguise” you will get to enjoy another vibrant solo section. Towards the end there is a slight breakdown and buildup where everything charges towards another huge chorus to take the song out.
Beware The Creatures is next up and the riffs speak out from the sounds of the night. This is one of those colossal stompers where the music just throws its weight around and you can pump your fists to the skies. For some reason I just felt some Rob Halford running through this at moments. The backing ahs combined with the lead vocals work so well together and just feel magic. One thing I particularly love about this record so far is the airiness, how spacious the tracks feel. As if your standing in a big temple of the gods. The moments where things break down to the background synths, even if they are quiet in the mix somehow shine through. Again adding so much texture to to the song.One thing to note is Mateus Cantaleäno’s guitar work. In my opinion absolutely outstanding both in rhythm and lead forms and something I really feel is a highlight of Creatures sound. Another killer track!
Dreams fires up with an exciting and enticing riff before the song gets up and going. This is a slow to mid tempo track that once again plays with adding and subtracting instruments to the song. The soft moments of acoustics and just vocals to the fully charged sections create interest and balance. Ricke Nunes on bass and Sidnei Dubiella on drums are so locked in you can see how tight and focused Creatures are as band. This is one of those tracks where the passion shines through as if everything is being taken straight from the heart.As the song progresses we reach a flicking, stuttery riff before the vocal work ignites even further adding some height to the mix. This is before the solo section comes swooping in delivering even more flurries of notes. The song continues in similar fashion with breaks in the music putting focus on teh vocals to take the song out!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RPzfEgh62g
Queen Of Death turns everything up to eleven. If you put your face to close to the amp you will get a burning smell and perhaps see some smoke. The quality of the music on this album has not fallen short once. Queen of Death is another example of a song which feels warm, exciting and something that will lift your feet. The riffs are bright, beautiful and the harmonies are even more delightful. The bass licks and pounding drums really push the song forward with ease. And about half way through there are some “stabs” where there is a cascading guitar passage.This all comes before the song moves into another unworldly solo. This is accompanied I think by a harpsichord in the background but only briefly. The bass licks are also most excellent. Yet soon enough the solo picks up a little more and gives us a short yet smoking section before we roll back into another chorus to take us out!
Pure Madness Get ready as this one comes in with swagger and flair. It starts off a little rockier but finds its groove as it builds. The drums stick to a solid 4/4 beat, with breaks that strip things back to just kick, tom, and snare for added tension. It’s mid tempo, easygoing, and deceptively simple — but it hits hard. Silky chorus lines and woah-woahs tempt listeners to sing along. Like earlier tracks, this one is riff-a-licious, and that remains one of the band’s strongest assets. Honestly, there’s not much more to say. It’s a solid, straightforward number where the madness creeps in slowly and takes hold.
Danger rocks in with a single guitar and some vocal attitude before the song digs in with no messing around. The vocal lines are brief before we hit a chorus.Soon enough it pulls back some layers to acoustic dreamy acoustic guitars and tasty bass licks. It feels creamy and smooth but its not long before the vocals come back in for a brief moment. Then some lead guitar play arrives and it is delicious. It transitions into a sexy solo section before dropping down to some big tom hits and vocal calls of “danger.” Danger proves to be another solid track that doesn’t mess around getting down to business!
Nothing Lasts Forever changes things up for a moment as it starts off with some delicate, sweet acoustic guitars and pads before coming into contact with powerful rhythms that take control.These are backed with sift pads that add to the atmosphere. Everything feels steady and I almost get this feeling that there should be wind blowing through my hair while the warmth of the sun beats down on my face. This feels pure and just beautiful in so many ways. There are so many little intricacies like how guitar scales lock with the rest of the instrumentation. The choruses feel smooth yet bittersweet. The loose drum patterns let the lead guitar soar and cut through the mix aiming for the heavens. I have to say I think this is certainly one of my favourite tracks on the album. Eventually it heads towards some acoustics once agin before gradually building up towards a huge chorus and outro section. Just magnificent!
Path Of The Night returns to that slight eerie vibe with an intro of harmonised guitars that sets the mood.The licks themselves just crawl down your spine. The song then transitions into a spooky instrumental section which would be fitting for halloween or a horror move.The vocals kick in whispering with a single guitar before soon bringing up the volume. The music in the meantime punches along, full of rawness and grit. We do get to revisit the spookiness of the intro section before the track continues with another ballsy verse and and bridge section. The choruses use long drawn out and layered ideas to have a real impact. Once we hit the solo section, your not in for a trick but certainly a treat with infectious riffs (which I can imagine being played with eyes closed while faces are being pulled.) The lead riffs continue to sing while a disco style beat gradually fading the song out.
Perfect Illusion (Bonus Track) is the second bonus track on the album and opens with some glistening emotion through the guitars and synths playing. Soon enough the match is lit and the heavy guitars ignite. This stomps along with fiery riffs yet there are moments where your dropped into brief dream like states. The lyrics of “It was enough” that repeat over and over at certain moments will certainly be etched in your mind by the end of the song. And when you reach the solo section Mateus does it once again. Temperatures rise and he leaves your mind burning with infection scales. And even on the calls of the title there is no doubt in my mind that you will want to sing along.
* There is also an extended version of Beware of the Creatures
Conclusion
Creatures have delivered a powerful and cohesive album that blends classic metal spirit with fresh energy. From the soaring opener Inferno to the haunting Path of the Night, every track stands out with passion and precision. The musicianship is outstanding, with Mateus Cantaleäno’s guitars, Ricke Nunes and Sidnei Dubiella’s tight rhythm work, and Marc Brito’s commanding vocals all shining throughout. The production feels warm and spacious, giving each song room to breathe while keeping the energy high. Overall, this album is a thrilling journey filled with strong riffs, memorable melodies, and pure heavy metal heart.
TheNwothm Score: 9/10
Links
Bandcamp:https://creaturesheavymetal.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creaturesheavymetal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creaturesheavymetal/?hl=en
Label: https://www.hrrecords.de/CREATURES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThyqkYgoHU4
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