To say Satan has had one of the best second winds in metal history would be an understatement. Despite never making their proper mark in the ’80s, the band has more than made up for lost time, touring the globe and treating us with one album after the next of British metal brilliance. It was only a couple years ago we were praising the excellence of their last album, Earth Infernal, which is all the more reason to rejoice upon the release of their latest opus, Songs in Crimson. This here humble metal journalist has never met a Satan album he didn’t like, and Songs in Crimson is no exception.
For a band known for their unique approach to metal and singular sound, Songs in Crimson might be the most unorthodox Satan album to date, for a plethora of reasons. For one, as noted by founding guitarist Steve Ramsey in our exclusive interview with him, there is an emphasis on “songs” as opposed to “suites” or “epics”, hence the title itself. At no point does a single song pass the 5 minute mark, which is a first for a Satan album. Furthermore, there are leanings as diverse as ’70s prog and hard rock scattered throughout that further embolden Satan’s molten metallic brew.
These progressive leanings are especially prevalent on songs like “Frantic Zero”, “Era (The Day Will Come)”, and the closing “Deadly Crimson”. Ramsey and fellow axeslinger Russ Tippins must’ve been listening to their old King Crimson and Mahavishnu Orchestra albums when crafting these utterly schizophrenic guitar lines, frenetic in delivery and suffocating in atmosphere. The psych metal grooves of “Truth Bullet” further disorient, as does the presence *gasp* straightforward rockers? Yes, you read that correctly. Riff-centric cuts like “Whore of Babylon”, “Martyrdom”, and “Captives” sound closer to the likes of fellow NWOBHM trailblazers Diamond Head or Tygers of Pan Tang than Satan, but still fit the mold of this adventurous affair.
Those worrying that this album is completely devoid of the Satan of old, fear not! There’s plenty of Court in the Act caliber cuts to be found. “Sacramental Rites” and “Turn the Tide” scream 1983 with their spellbinding melodies that are as infectious as they are ominous. Brian Ross can still drive it home like the olden days, but you knew that after reading my review of the new Blitzkrieg album. Heck, the breakneck fury of “Curse in Disguise” even recalls the power/thrash days of Pariah (Satan’s late ’80s/’90s rebrand), which is bound to appease some of the kvlt crowd. Yet no matter how you look at it, Songs in Crimson is pure Satan from top to bottom.
Although Songs might take longtime fans by surprise upon first listen, I can’t imagine it disillusioning or disappointing anybody. The musicianship is tight, the production is raw, and the songs are absolutely kickass. Furthermore, the energy is nothing short of jaw dropping. Satan is far from a band resting on their laurels, going through the motions for the sake of an easy payday. The day that ever happens is the day they fold, so let’s hope for our sake they keep givin’ the devil his due.
9 out of 10
Label: Metal Blade Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Angel Witch, Iron Maiden, Diamond Head