Satan – Earth Infernal (Metal Blade)

 

Since reuniting back in 2011, Satan is incredibly productive and prolific.  It appears this classic NWOBHM band caught the second wind, and released some outstanding records in the last few years.  Earth Infernal is another addition to already impressive catalog.  Simply put, it has everything one loves about the British heavy metal of the early 80s.  Done in style, and of course with better production.

Earth Infernal consists of 10 sweltering tracks.  All of them are very intense songs with multiple tempo changes, and great harmonies.  The harmonies really stand out.  At times this writer wonders whether or not they come up with the harmonies first, and then they build a song around it.  Whatever it is, Satan, has the right formula for writing great songs, and preserving their style.  Add Brian Ross on vocals to the mix, and a you got yourself a classic album.

Satan is a band that initially operated from 1979 to 1989.  One would think they have their best years behind them.  It’s not the case here.  This album is absolutely amazing, but so was the last one, and the one before that one too.  The material is so good it turns these new albums into instant classics.  Not too many reformed bands can claim that.  It clearly appears that Satan, still had a lot to say musically.

There isn’t a band song on Earth Infernal.  It’s a great listen all the way through.  The tracks that stand out at the moment for this writer are Twelve Infernal Lords, the very haunting Mercury’s Shadow, or the blistering A Sorrow Unspent.  The instrumental performances on these songs are just perfect.  Steve Ramsey and Russ Tippins are a great guitar team.  Their dialog here is the engine for Satan’s overall greatness.  Brian Ross’s vocals complement the music, and push it over the edge. 

Earth Infernal is a perfectly written and executed record.  Nothing is out of place here.  The songs ideally represent what Satan is all about.  It’s a very natural sounding album.  You feel the creative force of the band within these tracks, and that’s what it is really all about.  Not inventing anything new, but maintaining a high level of perfection!

Mark Kadzielawa