Over the last few years since their comeback, Satan have been plying their up tempo Heavy Metal styles with some often saying, proto speed metal rather successfully. This is their seventh album, the fifth since their energetic comeback with this stable line up. Whilst many other band projects exist for the members, Satan is what brings them all together.
Lyrically ‘Frantic Zero’ goes along the lines of society commentary with a slight reflective comment from a wiser person to another generation. Musically, it’s up-tempo and dense in their typical sound, especially the guitars which have always had a lower level of sustain. Of course, it’s vibrant and “frantic” to coin the track title. ‘Era (The Day Will Come)’ has an infectious intro and on time drumming, with its riff, prior to getting some groove on in the main part of the track. There are some sonic sounds created from the vocal harmonies, with some of the riffs sounds a little dislocated from “normal” which proves effective in capturing your attention. ‘Sacramental Rites’ has an eerie harmonic and slower intro, this builds up speculation about what to follow. Boom, when it hits, you are immediately guided by a piece of music that invites you into the fold of the band. The chorus is wonderfully melodic and catchy. The tirade of riffs that flow in this song are kind of controlled by the steadying ship of the vocals and the tempo change into the first and then second solo. Overall though, it’s not your standard arrangement, its makes you think and listen intently to the metallic groove that happening with consistency.
‘Martyrdom’ follows a similar path of guitar in their riffing element, and dense drum sound and an arrangement that is for thinkers and the commentary provided in the lyrics should resonate with many. ‘Turn the Tide’ is heavier, a lot thrasher, dirtier, but still maintaining the bands characteristic tempo and sound. ‘Captives’ and ‘Deadly Crimson’ both give it some groove welly, as does the marginally slower ‘Curse in Disguise’ before that kicks up a gear in tempo.
Satan themselves haven’t deviated from their comeback formula, why should they, it works, there are tunes that fans old and new will love, rejoice and raise fist too. With a tour looming it is a perfect opportunity to brandish some of these newer tunes with their classics. ‘Songs in Crimson’ is Satan doing what they do best, the album is consistent and provides some though provocation in both lyrical and musical prowess.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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