Suicidal Angels - Sanctify the Darkness

Release Date: November 20, 2009
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Bloodthirsty
2.  The Pestilence Of Saints
3.  Inquisition
4.  Apokathilosis
5.  … Lies
6.  No More Than Illusion
7.  Atheist
8.  Beyond The Laws Of Church
9.  Mourning Of The Cursed
10.  Dark Abyss
      (Your Fate Is Colored Black)
11.  Child Molester

Total playing time:  38:10

July 12, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

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*Comments:

The very minute I heard the verse riff in “Bloodthirsty,” the first track from Suicidal Angel’s sophomore effort, Sanctify the Darkness I immediately thought of Kreator’s “Flag of Hate.” It’s a powerful, melodic riff that grabs your attention and genuinely gets you excited to hear what follows next.

The interesting thing about the Greek foursome’s second full-length is that it is leaps and bounds over the typical thrash coming out today. The accepted sound now relies more on capturing that 80’s feel with rehashed tracks and riffs that are either mildly engaging to the oldster like me that still loves the medium of old or an attempted reinvention of the genre with complex guitar work that lends itself to severe pretention...simply not going to happen, people! I hasten to deem it black thrash because, while reminiscent of Slayer’s Reign in Blood through some vocal delivery, solos and time changes, it’s more along the lines of modern thrash with some death undertones. The lyrical content centers on total abhorring of religion and personal subjugation, making for a sincerely mind-bending experience for those interested in such venomous anger.

The main drawback that some hardcore fans might find with Suicidal Angels is the obvious Slayer worship, right down to nearly pinpoint-perfect riffs right off the aforementioned Reign in Blood. However, the point of excitement is that aside from an old Australian band called Hobbs’ Angel of Death back in 1988 I’ve yet to hear a band do it to such a perfect caliber. What sets the band apart nicely is the relative slower pace of the music as opposed to Slayer’s breakneck pace from Hell Awaits up and vocalist Nick Melissourgos’ thick Greek accent, which doesn’t matter much one way or another. His vocals are a bit along early Mille of Kreator and are a nice change from the multitudinous Tom G. Warrior or Schmier clones making their way around the scene these days.

The band as a unit flows nicely for me with great guitar work blending old-school thrash with some good modern production. They don’t get sloppy through the tracks, maybe because the songs average out to about a three-minute mark, but nevertheless the music is really tight and good fun for the old Slayer or Kreator fan that likes a modern feel to his or her classic sound. Nothing new is really going on here, but something interesting and solid is surely evident.

I liked the band’s first full-length from ’07 Eternal Domination, and this one sticks to the ribs even better for me. Give them a shot and see if you can keep from involuntarily headbanging. To the point, it’s just good stuff, so enjoy it!