ALBUM REVIEW: Satan – Songs In Crimson (plus live review)

Since their comeback, NWOBHM royalty Satan continue to flawlessly expand their discography. Now on album seven, let’s see if that legacy continues. Out via Metal Blade Records on September 13th.

Shredding guitar licks set out as the band mean to go on, blasting melodic and memorable Heavy Metal at full throttle. The immense sense of power and clean musicianship from the whole band has that signature Satan feel from the rumbling low end and razor-sharp string assault. Brian’s vocals still hold that potent and easily identifiable delivery, completing the magnificent mix of British steel. Guitar solos push the overdrive and add even more glorious feelings of triumph to the high-speed inferno. The way this band constructs their riffs and song structures has never failed to grip me and it seems this record will hold true to that statement. Mixing those intricate passages with straight-forward fist-pounding metallic hammering, there is plenty to love on both ends of the spectrum and we are just getting started.

One drawback for me is some of the leads feel a bit too distorted, same with some of the vocal effects. I’ve always like the more minimalist approach of Satan who have always just let the music speak for itself. The songs are strong enough, and most of the tone is ideal so I just struggle to understand the choice to go more gain-heavy. Thankfully the dynamics aren’t totally lost and especially the drumming and bass have a really nice warmth to them. The guitar playing and vocals are on top form and aside from that little tone fussiness from me, I really enjoy the feel to the playing. I’ve loved every Satan album to date, and thankfully this record doesn’t ruin that streak of Satan being a favourite English band for me.

Remaining consistent to the end, these seasoned craftsman of Heavy Metal don’t have any bad tunes on the new record. “Sacramental Rites”, “Turn The Tide” and “Curse In Disguise” were the standout favourites but I thought the whole thing was full of songs worth belting at volume. This remains one of those rare bands who survived the post 80s slump and reanimated to take us back to the golden days with phenomenal music and their quest continues to be a success. Not every release by a band can be your favourite, and this surely isn’t mine, but as always with Satan it is still a worthy addition to their discography and well worth grabbing a copy. This band has zero albums that aren’t worth keeping in your record shelves and that remains true with “Songs In Crimson”. Take my criticisms as a form of huge respect, for I could only hold a band to this standard if they already set the bar sky-high! So there we have it, Satan still hasn’t faltered in being consistent purveyors of British Heavy Metal.

Another strong offering from a band whose career is unmarked by failure. Some production choices I don’t personally favour, but all the same a very good album that I enjoyed and will definitely be listening to again. Aside from the timeless debut “Court In The Act”, my favourites still remain 2013’s “Life Sentence” and 2018’s “Cruel Magic”. Give “Songs In Crimson” a listen, these guys still have the chops to put out a killer record and I hope we continue getting new Satan records.

Satan @ Downstairs At The Dome (London, UK)

Additionally, I saw Satan (for the fourth time) last night, so I thought I would combine the two reviews to give you readers the ultimate dose of NWOBHM revivalism.

Taking to the stage with the confidence of a band who consistently tour and always deliver, Satan launch into a formidable set. Their mixture of tracks from the new record, classics from 80s masterpiece “Court In The Act” and equally worthy comeback albums from the last decade or so make for a tasteful and exciting show. The mix is excellent and the stage banter of Brian, as usual, on point with his dry wit. Seeing a band who have been around the block so many times perform with all of the energy and skill that Satan commands is always wonderful. The focus on songs from “Life Sentence” was especially welcome, because this is the record that got me into the band when I was in high school (sadly I wasn’t around when “Court In The Act” was a new record, although it’s still a favourite of course). Russ and Steve absolutely nail the guitar parts while Graeme and Sean hold down an unbreakable rhythm section. A fourth time seeing Satan absolutely decimate the stage and prove they are still one of the true masters of British Heavy Metal.