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SATAN
Songs In Crimson
Metal Blade Records

Have you ever stopped and thought about a small country called England and their importance on the world of music as we know it? THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, and DEEP PURPLE for example. I could go on forever it seems. Not only popular music, but Heavy Metal as well. The very existence of said genre began in Birmingham, with a certain BLACK SABBATH conjuring up music that quite literally frightened people in 1970. Then JUDAS PRIEST, from the Black Country as they called it, started around the same time but not releasing their first album 'til 1974. Fast forward to a particular bastion of time between 1978 to 1985 where a new breed of British Metal was invading the country, affectionately called the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, or NWoBHM for short. That era saw bands IRON MAIDEN, SAXON, VENOM, and DIAMOND HEAD form, and a band who were definitely a pure Metal band before turning their backs on Metal for pop superstardom, DEF LEPPARD. This era had the biggest impact on the world of Heavy Metal as you know it, just ask the lads of a certain California band called METALLICA.

Another band of this amazing era were SATAN. Formed in Newcastle in 1979, they unleashed their first single in 1982, the uber rare "Kiss Of Death". An original copy on Guardian Records probably fetches well upwards of $500 these days, which shows to the collectability and importance of the band and the era of music itself. Like most bands, SATAN went through lineup changes, name changes (PARIAH, BLIND FURY), and periods of inactivity. But like the legendary phoenix, rose from the ashes permanently in 2011 to unleash their particular brand of British Metal to the masses. Being extremely proficient, SATAN has released no less than 4 albums (2013's Life Sentence, 2015's Atom By Atom, 2018's Cruel Magic, 2022's Earth Infernal, plus the Live album, Trail of Fire: Live in North America from 2014. And now here in the latter stages of 2024, comes the brand new opus, Songs In Crimson.

Although the band has gone through the changes I mentioned above, the core group of members has remained steadfast. The brilliant guitar tandem of Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey, with bassist Graeme English coming on board after the single in 1980. Worth mentioning is both Steve and Graeme have another band called SKYCLAD, which was one of the first 'Folk Metal' bands ever, while Russ has TANITH, a great Hard Rock band. Also of no less importance is vocalist Brian Ross, who joined in 1983 and whose powerful vocals have helped propel SATAN through the years (And his own band BLITZKRIEG, another brilliant band from the early days of the NWoBHM). Finally, drummer Sean Taylor, who also joined up in 1983, and also plays for another legendary NWoBHM band, Newcastle's WARRIOR). All bands mentioned have their own amazing releases out, so search them out if you've somehow slept on them. I assure you you'll not be disappointed!

Songs In Crimson does not waver in flying the flag for the electrifying British Metal the band is known for. "Frantic Zero" kicks things off in fine fashion. Uptempo, complex, well played. As is everything they've ever done. Which brings forth the question of why isn't SATAN a household name, like IRON MAIDEN for example? Is it the band name possibly? If you remember the grief, protests and album burnings MAIDEN got for The Number Of The Beast in 1982 here in The Colonies, you could point to that and say it's a distinct possibility. Yet if you've ever looked at their album covers. there's no devil imagery. You'll see a skeletal judge. With regards to the band's name, Steve Ramsey said in a 2013 interview: "The judge was always part of it, the judge and the devil. That's the basic theme of the whole band, you know? SATAN isn't occult or anything like that, the whole idea of the band is injustice. It's all about injustice."

Musically it's very difficult to pick a personal favorite track on S.I.C. The 2nd track, "Era (The Day Will Come)" is a stout mid-tempo banger with Russ's backing vocals fitting perfectly with Brian's. Lyrically, there's no 'party on the patio' or 'let's hump the night away' childish lyrics. This is thinking man's Metal, from annihilation ("Frantic Zero") to all our eminent demise ("Era") to the utter insanity of certain religions ("Martyrdom"). One of my fondest memories of my teenage years is sitting down with an artist album, reading the lyrics as the album played, and letting my mind's eye form images that matched the music/lyrics, an exercise that is probably lost on the fast-paced download and go world we now inhabit. I guess if push comes to shove, the single "Turn The Tide" would be my favorite cut, as the chorus is one that will stay with you throughout the day. Sonically uptempo, with a myriad of changes but still a cohesive pounder of a track Outstanding!

Naturally the album itself sounds fabulous. Recorded in February/March of this year in First Avenue Studios in Newcastle, England it's produced by the band and Dave Curle. The mix is sharp and crisp, letting the subtle nuances of all instruments be heard. 10 tracks , 45 minutes. No fat on here, every song is concise, to the point. A blinder of an album that sits in harmony with the collective brilliance of their back catalog. I'm sure a world tour is imminent. Miss them at your own peril. And extremely approachable lads as well, buy 'em a pint after show. As the lyrics of "Era (The Day Will Come)" so aptly put it, "No matter when or how, make the most of now. Everything will disappear, withers into dust, as it must". Now go forth and enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of great music! SATAN commands it!😁

And yes, there is Vinyl aplenty for this outstanding release. A multitude of colors, although if you slept on the initial pre-release offerings, you're S.O.L. for the super limited versions. I myself, was slow on the trigger, so my copy is one of a limited 700 worldwide. Comes with a poster & download card to boot. BUY OR DIE!

4.7 Out Of 5.0 Skulls☠️☠️☠️☠️