Released on 6/6/06, long-time Satanic stalwarts Satan’s Host prove that after 20 years in the darkest depths of the underground they have plenty of venom in their veins. Hailing from Colorado, Satan’s Host has been relentless in their quest for metal supremacy. Even with setbacks like the murder of their original drummer or the cult ties to Jag Panzer (The Tyrant was the vocalist on the debut, “Metal from Hell”) Satan’s Host has weathered everything and still remains strong, if not stronger than ever before. Following the hellishly inspired “Burning the Born Again (A New Philosophy)” comes Satan’s Host’s most accomplished outing to date.
“Satanic Grimoire: A Greater Black Magick” is a spectacular release for it’s fusion of several styles. The band successfully fuses black and death metal aesthetics and with with a solid melodic, doom and thrash base. Album opener, “Necromantic Art,” is a progressive 8-minute dirge that starts out with countless layers of guitars, rumbling drums and vocalist Eli Elixer’s harsh incantations. As the track builds, it leaps from blast beats and blackend riffs to lofty doom to conclude with a chilling morbid melody. “Necromatic Art” sets the album’s tone and the remaining songs do deliver the goods.
“666…Mega Therion,” “Satanic Grimoire,” and the elegantly crafted “Black Magick” are successful bouts of craftsmanship while “Chameleon of Witchery” and “My Will, My Law: Evil” are riff-intensive affairs. “Black Magick’s” flourishes of acoustic guitars and hints of melody perfectly embellish the track and give Satan’s Host a welcomed progressive bend. The re-recording of “Metal from Hell…22nd Century” revisits Satan’s Host creed and adds newfound fervor. And all this combined that is what makes “Satanic Grimoire: A Greater Black Magick” so rewarding. Two of the most accomplished tracks on the album, “418” and “Infernal Calling,” are hidden at the end of the album. The collision of intensity and melody exemplify the prowess of Satan’s Host. As an added treat, both tracks are also complemented with guest vocals from Cephalic Carnage’s Lenzig.
Aside from the impressive roar of Eli Elixir, Pete Wicked’s precise drumming and guitarist Patrick Evil’s impressive and inspired performance, Dave Otero’s production also deserves praise. His combination of thick and crisp tones allow for the progressiveness and complexity of Satan’s Host to rise to the forefront.
Satan’s Host is perhaps one of the US metal scenes best kept secrets with enough chops to be lords in the Satanic metal scene. “Satanic Grimoire: A Greater Black Magick” is by far Satan’s Host strongest and most rewarding release to date and if they continue their upward march, they find themselves in more metalheads CD players. “Satanic Grimoire: A Greater Black Magick” is recommended for fans of bands like Wurdulak, newer Necrophagia and Belphegor or those looking for metal with a successful combination of craftsmanship, inspiration, intensity and melody.
-Don Rottenbucher
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