Album Review: Satan – Songs in Crimson (Metal Blade Records)

The iconic Newcastle, England-bred metal band Satan continue to build upon their storied history with their latest release, their seventh studio album, and third for Metal Blade, ‘Songs in Crimson’, out on September 13th, 2024.

Even now, well over a decade since they first reunited, there is no talking about Satan without referencing their story. A story that began in 1980, has a 20-odd year break in the middle, and now hasn’t stopped being written since 2011. There’s been a lot of new chapters added to the Satan book of heavy metal and this latest entry is one of their most substantial sounding yet.

Heavy metal is the name of this game and while much of Satan’s sound is an ode to the old-school, there’s nothing dated about what is on offer here. For starters, it’s not tired sounding and the immediate hit of energy that Frantic Zero offers is proof of that. A banging start, fast and wild, that finds the band on great form, complimented by the harmonised riffs and melodically charged vocals of Era (The Day Will Come) and the following progressively twisted oddity that is Whore of Babylon.

As far as creativity and passion goes, Satan are certainly not lacking in either. It’s one of the most memorable aspects of the album. Well, that and a rampant array of riff work, pugnacious drum beats, and an overall powerful vocal style. After all, this is Satan and memorable heavy metal is their bread and butter.

If we’re talking about head banging highlights though, then the lovable Sacramental Rites must be mentioned. Satan at their most infectious sounding, and the guitar solo is fantastic. The good feeling this album had already created, enhanced even more, and then built upon with the groove-tastic vibes of Martyrdom and the speeding metallised intensity of Turn the Tide. A section of the album that is undeniably strong.

Although there’s very little to complain about with the following set of enjoyable metal monsters. Namely, the raucous Captives, the galloping vitality of Curse in Disguise, the bullish heaviness of Truth Bullet, and the exciting weirdness of Deadly Crimson. Attention held right to the very end, especially as each track stands confidently on its own. Not quite an album of singles, but an album of songs that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of the bigger experience. Either way, Satan have knocked it out of the park here… again.

Satan – Songs in Crimson Track Listing:

1. Frantic Zero
2. Era (The Day Will Come)
3. Whore of Babylon
4. Sacramental Rites
5. Martyrdom
6. Turn the Tide
7. Captives
8. Curse in Disguise
9. Truth Bullet
10. Deadly Crimson

Links

Spotify | Bandcamp | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter