Satan's history is legendary, their albums and explosive live shows are iconic. The band from Newcastle, England, like to joke that their career has been "44 years of chaos with a 20-year lunch break". Formed in 1980, they took a break at some point before getting back together in 2011. But in 2024, Satan is at the peak of their powers and shows it with their seventh studio album and third under Metal Blade, "Songs in Crimson".
If the 2022 album "Earth Infernal" was brutal, fast-paced and with loud guitars, guitarist Russ Tippins describes "Songs in Crimson" as "concise". The new album is more focused and gets to the point more quickly. The title "Songs in Crimson" emphasizes the strong song orientation of the record. "There's more punch this time. Every chorus speaks for itself," explains Tippins. One particularly empathetic song is "Era (The Day Will Come)". "Everyone on this planet knows the feeling of loss. At our age, it becomes almost a weekly occurrence. If there's one message in the lyrics, it's 'don't take anything for granted'. Especially not people. You never know what's lurking around the next corner."
The chemistry within the band, strengthened by years of collaboration, brotherhood and love, is unbreakable. "We played a metal festival where the main band had no original members left," says Tippins. "I can't relate to that, although I admire their courage. We are the original." He clarifies: "We didn't reunite to reminisce about past glories. If you're looking for nostalgia, you've come to the wrong place. We only look forward and always will."
With "Songs in Crimson", Satan proves that after all these years, they are still at the top of their game. This album is a must for any metal fan who appreciates powerful, concise songs and wants to be inspired by a band that is always looking forward.
Tracklist:
A1 Frantic Zero 4:34
A2 Era (The Day Will Come) 4:40
A3 Whore Of Babylon 4:00
A4 Sacramental Rites 4:42
A5 Martyrdom 3:53
B1 Turn The Tide 4:06
B2 Captives 3:51
B3 Curse In Disguise 4:46
B4 Truth Bullet 4:52
B5 Deadly Crimson 4:53
Label: Metal Blade Records
Released: 2024