NWOBHM was never meant to be this good right? Satan’s last album ‘Life Sentence’ stormed into many minds and received rave reviews. The pattern continues with ‘Atom By Atom’ and there are a few things that surprise, this is a band intent on growing and not re-hashing their heritage as some others in this sub-genre try to do, but unfortunately they often lose their character. Character remains strong here, the opening fast paced assault of ‘Farewell Evolution’ sets the bar high, just do one thing for me, before hitting play, turn the volume up as loud as you dare, hit play, your reaction would be priceless (thanks Mr Ross)! The near speed metal riffing combined with the ever so strong vocal talents of the aforementioned Brian Ross, give this album the kick in the arse it deserves.
For more feeling then ‘My Own God’ would be a worthy contender, this has a touch of groove, a bouncy metal stance that keeps your motivation racing further and further to beyond infinity, its catchy as hell basically. ‘The Devil’s Infantry’ stands out for me, again, one of the faster tunes, the riff is tight, intricate and has a pattern that I can honestly say “were did that come from”. If you listen the majority of the guitar work on this album, technicality is very high for gunslingers Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey with some intricate work on offer. The drums of Sean Taylor are furious but I think there is more scope to produce a bigger sound here, plenty will disagree of course! The songs are awesome, although from a sound perspective, the low quality review mp3’s really don’t present this album the way it should be heard, hence, my pre order is placed, a proper sounding release is what is required and you should make no bones about doing the same if you like your metal fast, loud, hard, heavy (are there any more clichés you can think of?!) etc…
Adding a touch of almost 80’s US power metal is the track ‘Ahriman’, with riffs galore, which actually goes a little stoner groovy later in the play out, just listen and see, it’s a really heart-warming thing this album, there’s a touch of everything. Whilst I still prefer ‘Life Sentence’ (perhaps for sentiment with it being such a stunning comeback or the fact that those tracks have remained more memorable for me), ‘Atom By Atom’ is far from below par. Expectations are high, live this band slay hard, in the studio they deliver exactly what a metal fan would desire without sticking rigidly to a set formula. ‘Atom by Atom’ easily crosses boundaries and should actually be held in higher regard than some of the big names of metals most recent releases. Buy this, support a real band, there is no point in being ‘Bound In Enmity’, this will put a smile on your face for a long time to come. And the riffs, may they continue to flow!
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
01/10/2015 at 9:28 am
Here’s hoping they announce a few more tour dates; would really like to hear this played live.