Right at this moment, I’m willing to bet that the majority of you have made some assumptions. With only three facts to go on, you are reasonable certain that: a) Sathanas is a black metal band, b) the vocals are high, screechy, and unintelligible, and c) the only thing left to determine about this band is whether they employ the balls-out approach of Setheriel and Judas Iscariot, or a more subdued approach. As much as I hate questioning your intuition, the truth must come forth:

You are wrong on all three counts.

As ironic as it may seem, the black metal elements on this band’s second full length release (third overall) are quite sparse. In lieu of travelling waters with more commercial viability, Sathanas have opted to put together an album of old school blackened thrash metal that impresses on all levels. While such high-quality musical output might come as a surprise to some (i.e. those who associate the term «old school» with bands who are nothing more than second rate mimics), it shouldn’t, as guitarist/bassist /vocalist Paul Tucker has seen more than his fair share of adversity since starting the band back in 1988 with ex-Acheron singer Mike Smith. It amazes me that anyone can maintain this level of conviction after so many years of frustrating indifference from the metal community. The production is more than adequate, and even my roommate (who used to own a recording studio and insisted on hearing this, despite of my repeated warnings to the contrary) agreed with my assessment. When someone who was raised on the likes of Santana and John McLaughlin can appreciate bands of this ilk (in terms of sound quality, at least), you know you have a winner on your hands.

As comparisons go, early to mid-80’s Venom came to mind after a couple of listens, as well as small doses of Bathory and the NWOGTM (that’s «New Wave of German Thrash Metal», a la Sodom, Kreator, and Destruction). However, I sincerely hope that no one will dismiss Sathanas as a mere retro-thrash band, just for the simple fact that 90% of all retro/rehash bands suck miserably. For the record, Sathanas are not clones by any means, and «Thy Dark Heavens» oozes professionalism through every pore. It was sent to me as a CD-R, so I am without the benefit of a track listing, but I’ll do my best to point out the most notable highlights. The third song contains some interesting vocal interplay, with Tucker handling the gritty snarls, while a second singer (drummer Bill Davidson, perhaps?) tows the bottom end with a more standard death metal growl. What further sets this track apart from the others is the 12-note bass line, which is played in a minor key and gives the song a decidedly eerie twist. The sixth track starts off with a melancholy acoustic intro, which is occasionally is punctuated by an odd blues progression. Eventually the song makes an abrupt shift into a more aggressive mode, with guitars practically jumping from the speakers to deliver a swift kick to the groin.

«Thy Dark Heavens» seems a perfect statement for Sathanas; the riffs and vocals will appeal to fans of that long bygone classic thrash era, while the superior production and vicious execution will give them a chance with newer fans. At press time, I was informed that this disc would be offered in both CD and vinyl formats at www.blackmetal.com. I’m not aware of any distros or stores who carry the label’s releases, so your best bet is to hit the website early on August 30th and prepare to wax nostalgic.

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