Described by vocalist Eli Elixer as a "Demonic Metal War Machine", Denver's own Satanic thrash metal quartet Satan's Host roars back today with a new album: Power, Purity, Perfection 999 on Moribund records. Crushing, unbridled brutality and technically proficient musicianship reign supreme throughout Power, a follow-up to 2008's The Great American Scapegoat; arguably some of the group's finest work since reuniting in the late 90s. Power was engineered with Dave Otero at Flatline Studios, who did an amazing job on the production and sound of the album.
Full of metaphysical head-trip lyrics chalk full of references to Satanic Church founder Anton LaVey, prophecies of a 2012 annihilation, and other Luciferian themes, Eli Elixer brings a more raw, straightforward styling to his vocals this time around. In contrast to the multi-tracking and effects work displayed on earlier efforts Burning the Born Again or Satanic Grimoire, the new approach taken on vocal production really pays off in a huge way. Evoking some intensely dark and evil concepts throughout the album, Eli proves himself to be one of the most capable and talented metal vocalists and writers of this generation. He really outdoes himself on this record and displays a refined sense of timing and pace.
Instrumentally, Power, Purity, Perfection 999 is a sonic barrage of concentrated terror. Led by the blistering, seven-string guitars of Schecter black-metal legend Patrick Evil, Power surpasses all expectations of any perceived virtuosity of its members and displays a new unholy union to be feared in one of the heaviest and technical rhythm sections in metal. Evil's leads cascade at a breakneck pace and demand respect for the sheer ability it would take to play them. In true, visionary fashion, Evil doesn't confine his guitar work to standard metal tones or progressions. Elements of Eastern influences and haunting accoustics pepper the tracks, spliced in between blistering, buzzsaw brutality and licks that could shame anything major label metal has released in twenty years.
Satan's Host will be hosting a Halloween release party and show October 31st at the Illiff Park Saloon. Power, Purity, Perfection 999 was released October 27th in the US and October 26th internationally. The album is also available on Amazon.
-Jesse Cooper
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