Originally a proponent of power metal during the 1980s, Colorado’s Satan’s Host broke up only to reform years later, this time dedicating themselves to a darker combination of black and death metal. The band’s latest release, Power – Purity – Perfection – 999, is one hell of a powerhouse, as it combines the strongest elements of black and death metal and underscores them with the subtle melody of power metal. The end result is hard and heavy but also catchy and at times mildly melodic.
Drummer Evil Little Hobbit (Eternal Internment) is a microcosm for the band, for his style sets its core sound. Although Hobbit hits the double-kicks with unrelenting fury, he is also mindful of the kit itself, working the snare and toms to interweave an effective array of rolls and fills that complement the guitar antics of Patrick Evil. Evil goes all out on this one, his guitar tapping into the sounds of New Wave of British Heavy Metal and Power Metal to set down a variety of harmonious leads underscored by some intense but catchy rhythms. Vocalist L.C.F. Elixir uses low-end growls and a raspy screech to good effect, as this dude has the lungs for both.
Lyrically, Satan’s Host border the world of cheese with their brand of satanic topics, which range from dark priests and evil invocations to dark magick (such as Thelema) and demonology. Standout tracks include the thunderous “Dark Priest (Lord Ahriman),” the acoustic-driven composition “Buer” (the name of the Great President of Hell), and the melancholy “333 (Purity 9),” which showcases the low-end reverbs of bassist Margar.
Dedicated fans of black and death metal looking for something with a bit more bite and technical virtuosity would do well to check out Power – Purity – Perfection – 999. Although not as raw as most black or death metal, the guitar performance alone will get your mojo moving from start to finish.
- Octavio Ramos Jr.
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