ALBUM REVIEW: Songs In Crimson – Satan

Since 1980 (albeit with a 20-year hiatus), Newcastle-based traditional heavy metal stalwarts SATAN have been churning out intoxicating riffs and high-speed rhythms. With a penchant for loud, twin guitars, headbanging and camaraderie born from years of playing and touring, SATAN are keen to show that after 44 years they’re still very much present and on top of their game. Songs In Crimson is self-described as being ‘song’ focused. Concise and to the point, album seven has a back catalogue to live up to.

Trademark, up-tempo frantic energy is the order of the day for Frantic Zero. SATAN are pulling no punches when it comes to this new album. Twin guitar leads scream into life and immediately lead a charging rhythm section into a headbanger friendly anthem. The band have a style and formula that they’ve stuck with and they’re more than happy to showcase it at every opportunity. As an introduction, Frantic Zero leaves little doubt as to what the album is about.

While there is undeniably excellent musicianship on display, and the production clearly highlights the sound the band are after, the mix comes across as a bit thin. The storming guitars that lead the tracks are clearly supported by an equally powerful rhythm section. However, the mix across the album seems a bit lacklustre. Tracks like Truth Bullet and even the lead single Turn The Tide would absolutely benefit from a thicker mix and bolster of the rhythm section. It’s as if there’s a spark missing that detracts from the power of the music, which is a shame.

The ten tracks rattle by at a fair lick. The galloping guitar lines pull everything along at a wrenching pace and it’s breathless from note one. However, for as good as it is at charging headlong in a heavy metal pell-mell, the songs suffer from loss of individuality. There is not much in the way of either dynamic or textual variation. The elements of heavy metal are shoved front and centre from the get-go and there’s little compositional experimentation to help distinguish.

The first three tracks especially feel like one long piece only distinguishable by their respective fade outs. This can be viewed as either good or bad. On the one hand it’s a traditional heavy metal album and those familiar with SATAN’s back catalogue will know exactly what they’re getting before pressing play, as such you’ve got demonstrably exceptional musicianship and head down no-nonsense fun. On the other hand, the lack of difference between songs could turn some off as they pick up on the tropes and clichés that are found in abundance on Songs In Crimson.

While there are critical aspects to pick out on this record, it is still stocked with highpoints. Sacramental Rites, Captives and Curse In Disguise each offer up something fresh and exciting that pulls the rest of the album up by the scruff of the neck. Plenty of memorable riffs and insanely catchy guitar solos are peppered throughout the record along with some serious sing-along chorus lines – plenty to enjoy for heavy metal fans in general, not just SATAN fans.

With a lot of fun to be had on this record, there seems to be a spark missing. SATAN have certainly produced a high energy traditional heavy metal album, yet it feels lacking when compared to previous releases such as 1993’s Court In The Act or 2018’s Cruel Magic. It’s not without charm and would certainly still be welcomed by pre-existing fans. It’s also an accessible album for newcomers and could serve as a jumping off point to discover an excellent back catalogue.

Rating: 6/10

Songs In Crimson is available from September 13th via Metal Blade Records.

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