Album Review: Sanhedrin – Lights On (Metal Blade Records)

Brooklyn power trio Sanhedrin do metal the old school way and return to the fold with their new album ‘Lights On’. Out on March 4th, 2022 via Metal Blade Records.

Says the band:

We want to satisfy ourselves with music that we are proud to present to the world. That’s the overall plan with every record we have made, hoping it would likely reach the widest audience of any of our work thus far, it was important that we further refined our sound and pulled out all the stops. These songs are a collection of feelings of loss, uncertainty, hope, fear, anger and a deep examination of the human condition. The music draws from our deep and varied influences and is presented in a fashion that is unabashedly Sanhedrin.

Kicking off with riffs that get the blood pumping, Sanhedrin being their new album in head-banging fashion with Correction. The old-school heavy metal and rock vibes are unmistakable but the added snarl to the vocals and catchy chorus add extra, pleasing layers.

The title track keeps the fire burning brightly, the energy is palatable, and Sanhedrin are exuding passion. The kind of passion that comes from a band still willing to give it their all. Lost At Sea brings forth a groovier tempo and yet another anthemic chorus. Before the halfway point is reached with the hyperactivity of Change Takes Forever. One of many tracks that have deeper meaning and a much more honest feel.

That’s something that might take some by surprise, seeing as Sanhedrin’s sound is so rooted in old-school metal and rock. However, it’s a good surprise. A band showcasing intriguing depth and exposing themselves in such fashion is always going to be interesting. Especially when they add a thin layer of melodrama, as Code Blue showcases. A track that chugs along nicely but it is enhanced by a simply fantastic set of vocals.

Scythian Women is much more straight-forward as Sanhedrin bring back the cutting riffs and galloping rhythm. Before things get grand with the penultimate track, Hero’s End. A song that leans towards metal ballad territories but doesn’t quite fall into that trap. The chugging rhythm and flair ups giving it a more robust edge.

Finally, it’s Death Is A Door, the longest track on the album, to place the exclamation point on this album. A finale that begins in even more mellow fashion than the last. A tranquil melody, soft pattering of drums and thoughtful sounding vocals suddenly changes direction and what we get is an energetic and groovy blast of body-shaking and head-banging heavy metal.

Sanhedrin – Lights On Full Track Listing:

1. Correction
2. Lights On
3. Lost At Sea
4. Change Takes Forever
5. Code Blue
6. Scythian Women
7. Hero’s End
8. Death Is A Door

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram