Aside from the latest album by Canadian thrashers Tymo, ‘The Art Of A Maniac’, I have not heard a more incendiary thrash release in 2022, though I’m sure there are some. Even the latest Evil Invaders is a damp squib compared to both the Canadian’s release and this second full length by US act Sadistic Ritual. The band’s debut album was no slouch either, cutting edge face ripping thrash that firmly planted the band on the global thrash stage but has been absolutely cemented by this latest album.
I don’t get the psychedelic thrash tag the promo info states but what I do get is utter skin stripping vitriol on nine homicidal tunes that opens with ‘End Of All Roads’. The guitar sound is staggeringly violent, possessing that ability to drill numerous holes into your body with its high-end razoring assault. The addition of blast beats just adds further rage to an already raging opener as the song veers into some crossover like styling and is followed by the equally detonating ‘And You…’. With an explosive nihilism the song tears you to shreds as it unveils some black thrashing anarchy I particularly enjoyed. The songs are relatively short, no epics but every one is rammed with riffs, hooks and solos as the slower ‘Murmur’ gives the listener some respite from the onslaught. However, you just know that as the song progresses it is only going to intensify, ratchet up the power for its lightning fast guitar work, which of course it summarily does.
‘Maelstrom Of Consciousness’ is colossal, and my pick on the album, as the short fade-in leads into a slower riff and it is probably this aspect of the band that is being tagged as psychedelic, unless they mean the album cover artwork. Its build up is phenomenal, layering on the intensity with each passing second before the piercing riff break. Here you will be thinking about early Kreator, for that raw savagery as the blast beat hones the song into pulverising perfection. ‘Area Denial’ is a fine track too, again using a fade-in for dramatic tension the song quickly adopts an acerbic causticity both riff wise and vocally that old school thrashers will really like, especially those who crave that old Teutonic thrash terror that erupted in the mid-80s.
‘The Blood Of Memory’ is a very cool instrumental, one that has purpose and meaning as it runs through a raft of changes, amplifying intensity and testament to the old school roots of this band as we get the excellent closing doublet of ‘Raving Voyeurism’ and the title track. The former blasts in with an unceremonious maniacal bombing, its venom and power have outright virulence and leads into the fine title track closer. With a fantastic riff to begin with the song has a slight hardcore guise I detected though it is very subtle. Again, we get high energy riffing, scathing vocals and a formidable rhythm section to ensure that Sadistic Ritual’s sophomore will smash your head in.
(9.5/10 Martin Harris)
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