When it comes to supergroups, extreme metal doesn't seem to have as many as rock or traditional heavy metal does. If there was one band that immediately springs to mind when discussing the extreme supergroup, it would have to be Brujeria, whose past and present roster feature members of Napalm Death, Fear Factory, Dead Kennedys, Faith No More, Carcass and Dimmu Borgir, just to name a few. They burst onto the scene in the nineties with the controversial "Matando Gueros" debut, before the deathgrind classic, "Raza Odiada" was unleashed in 1995. After their third album, "Brujerizmo," hit the shelves in the year 2000, it was to be a sixteen-year wait before their fourth, "Pocho Aztlan," delighted fans the world over. Now, after seven years, Brujeria's fifth album, "Esto es Brujeria," is upon us.

"Esto es Brujeria" is pretty much what it says on the case. It's a Brujeria album. You'll find plenty that you've heard from the band before, quite literally in the case of the last three songs, with a few new additions such as the vocals of Jessica Pimentel on the record's second single, "Bruja Encabronada." Elsewhere you'll find the familiar chat between Juan Brujo and Fantasma throughout the album, which does wear pretty thin after a while and the humour they're known for is still there.

There are some good songs on display too, such as the upbeat "G-A-K" and the succeeding number, "Tu Vida Loca," which contains all the Napalm Death-like hallmarks of grind. "Mexorcista" has a really vicious vibe which creates a wonderfully violent atmosphere, which also creeps into "Perdido En El Espacio," with less of an effect on the latter. The standout song on the album is undoubtedly "Covid-666," but then it's a previously released single that fans have had time to enjoy.

Unfortunately, however, the rest of the album is pretty lacking. It's a Brujeria album, and if all you want is more Brujeria music then you'll probably be happy, but it doesn't expand on their stellar catalogue. Despite the previously mentioned highlights, none of them are on par, or even close, to the great songs of the band's past. "Pocho Aztlan" had some immediate favourites, but "Esto Es Brujeria" just feels like more of the same. In some cases, like "Odio Que Amo" or "Testamente 3.0," the songs are straight-up bad. One wonders if the previously released songs at the end of the record are there to stop the album from ending on a low note.

As a longtime fan, it has to be said that this is a disappointment, especially after a seven-year wait. It's not a bad album and Brujeria are still worth every penny live, but this is an album that feels more like an obligation than a work of passion. Brujeria has already made their name in extreme metal with their back catalogue and live shows, so their legacy is safe, and even if it wasn't, "Esto Es Brujeria" wouldn't ruin it, but it certainly doesn't add any more polish to their trophies.