Having started in 1986 as a hybrid power/black/thrash band, Colorado’s Satan’s Host is clearly one of a kind. Starting out with Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer) on vocals and experiencing tremendous setbacks with the murder of their drummer, Satan’s Host went on hiatus for several years. In 1999, the band reemerged with a revamped line-up, an even more intense sound, and a metal mission. Having toiled the underground of extreme metal for over 20 years, these satanic stalwarts are finally getting exposure they deserve.
Originally released in 2004, Burning the Born Again… (A New Philosophy) gets a proper reissue this year courtesy of Moribund Records. Featuring two bonus tracks, Burning the Born Again marks the creative and artistic turning point for Satan’s Host. While leaning heavily towards black metal with blasphemous lyrics and grim guitars, Satan’s Host is not afraid to experiment with and expand upon their style. Album opener “Ecliptic Equinox” is chock full of black, thrash, doom, death and traditional metal riffs courtesy of founding member/guitarist Patrick Evil. The shredding solos are jaw dropping and the melodic clean picking mid-section proves that Satan’s Host isn’t your run of the mill black metal band.
The eclectic metal mix continues with the epic “Sinners in Sanctuary” that oozes with heavy Black Sabbath style riffage and closes as a blasphemous black metal anthem. “H.E.L.L.” is a pure blackend thrash fest that allows drummer Pete 3 Wicked to really show his drumming prowess. But the real brilliance starts with “A Darkmoon Gathering.” Humbly starting with an eerie acoustic intro with vocalist L.C.F. Eli Elixir’s clean vocals, the song quickly morphs into a darkly dense metal epic. Elixir’s unmatched roar coupled with the undulant riffs of Evil and the thunderous drums of Wicked, “A Darkmoon Gathering” sums up what Satan’s Host is about. With the heavy hooks and melodies, the track is a massive affair that moves effortlessly and masterfully through several metal genres. Any respecting doom, death or black metal fan will find plenty to adore here in the 6+ minutes of molten metal. And it just gets better. “Inverted Jesus” is a massive 8-minute epic that starts off with a Dissection-esque classical piece that swells into a brutal blackened cut and ends in sheer melodic brilliance. "inverted Jesus" is perhaps one of the strongest songs Satan’s Host has ever created.
What really sets Satan’s Host apart from most of their peers is that the band creates epic, multi-genre extreme metal that embraces the listener and takes them on an intense journey. Those looking for Luciferian themes will find inspiration in Elixir’s lyrics and vocal performance. Wicked proves himself to be a multifaceted drummer and Evil’s versatile style and intense shredding seals the deal.
Burning the Born Again is also expertly produced to give the music a polished yet organic feel. No drum triggers or studio magic here folks. There are a few unnecessary interludes, but the songs are jam-packed riff fests that easily provide the listener with enough material and diversity to command their attention. It’s tracks like the 8-minute “Inside the Castle of Euphoric Blasphemy” that proves the craftsmanship of the band. It’s simply rare to find that much range in a song and not have it exceed 20 minutes.
Satan’s Host’s late 80s and first two albums after the reformation were straightforward and developmental affairs, letting the band mature and smooth out their sound. But it’s Burning the Born Again that launches Satan’s Host above the watermark. Simply put, it's intricate extreme metal that is inspired and expertly crafted.
Highly recommended for not just fans of Dissection and blasphemous black metal, but all extreme metallers.
-9er
Rating: 9 out of 10
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