EP REVIEW: Sacrilegia – Sold Under Sin

Ireland’s Black / Death / Thrash Metal militia SACRILEGIA return with their newest offering of venom. Out via Invictus Productions on September 30th.

Samples start us off with a short introduction before battering percussion and thrashing riffs soar into life with an unwavering delivery or pure devastation. These quickly descend into triumphant swathes of scathing metallic fury, touching on most cornerstones of Extreme Metal with a flurry of bestial aggression that immediately captivates while warning off potential prey that may fall at the mighty scythe of Sacrilegia. Likenesses to label mates Gospel Of The Horns, Australia’s Deströyer 666 or England’s Craven Idol may be drawn, but Sacrilegia have a tendency more toward the bestial Black / Death style along with those more thrashy components, thusly a direct sonic link cannot be made, just diabolical kinship. Focusing on the band at hand, their LP is truly a magnificent one, in fact I think it’s some of Ireland’s best output, so my expectations are high. The opening moments of this record carry plenty of fury not to disappoint while the songwriting moves in fervent but precise directions with a sharpness that is gripping. Flaring things up with groove and discordance, although old school, Sacrilegia aren’t overly predictable which gives the savage music a certainly animalistic nature.

Blending superbly into the feral battery, we hear some amazing guitar solos and roaring vocals come through the impeccable riffing and feisty drums. For a band in this vein, dynamics can be a double-edged sword but here we can witness plenty of variety which still fits the grand design of the EP. Not straying from pure malignant carnage nor recycling one cool ideas, this wolven sound rips at flesh from a plethora of punishing angles, inflicting suffering with magnificent music of the most macabre kind. The production is a nice middle ground between clear and raw, with enough emphasis on the rhythmic low end to churn forth drumming fury and smouldering bass while the razor-blade guitars and harsh vocals aren’t remotely muddied by these components. Indeed, this singular and venomous maniacs provide only butchery through every element of sound while retaining enough uniqueness to hold interest too. Much liked their logo, you will be impaled by the nails of barbaric violence that Sacrilegia have made synonymous with their cruel music since their recent formation four years ago. Prepare for a blistering tirade of brilliance.

Twisted, archaic and malevolent metallic scorn that spans four tracks of excellence. Sacrilegia’s return is in a blood-soaked state of triumph that will massacre opposition with no remorse. Certainly not a tepid record, rather a short burst of vengeance and morbidity that mutilates with total strength. A ferocious new offering upon the altar of death which is not to be taken lightly.