A Satanic mission and storied history, Satan's Host's battle for Heavy Metal supremacy began way back in the late 70s. Founded by Patrick Evil, the band has gone through a myriad of changes over the decades, even featuring a brief appearance by Jag Panzer vocalist Harry Conklin in the mid 80's. For all intents and purposes however, the modern incarnation begins in 1999 with IN ARTICULO MORTIS and then in 2004 when they signed to Moribund Cult records, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums.
POWER - PURITY - PERFECTION 999 cleverly blends various styles, including Thrash, Black Metal, and Death Metal, most evident in Patrick Evil's searing guitar work, featuring intense riffing, crunchy progressions, and some sweet lead work, like on the tunes 'Sitra Ahra (Power 9)' and 'Xem Deitus 999'. Vocally, L.C.F. Eli Elixir delivers a mix of Death and Thrash Metal, spitting evil with growls, and always hitting the pocket with gruesome harmony. At times the drum work seamlessly jumps from break to break with the ferocity of Death era Richard Christy, a barrage of kick drum.
Often, the whole Satan and Metal thing comes off a bit hokey, usually focused on the imagery rather than music. Certainly Satan's Host manage to avoid those pitfalls with a more than adept album, less a parody than some of their Black/Satan Metal cohorts. POWER - PURITY - PERFECTION 999 has a rightful spot as one of the best albums of 2009, along with label mates Nocturnal Fear. It's quite surprising, yet refreshing, that a small label like Moribund can foster passionate Metal, minus the filler. Give Satan's Host a try.
- Alan Gilkeson
Rating: 4.0/5
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