THE BEAST

Photo Credit: Kate Stacho

SATHANAS, the US Black Thrashing Death Metal legends, return with their 12th studio album, Into the Nocturne, a highly anticipated release from Moribund Records. With a career spanning 36 years, SATHANAS has established themselves as stalwarts of the underground metal scene, delivering a consistent and unique blend of black, thrash, and death metal. This album continues that legacy, presenting a collection of tracks that are as vicious as they are meticulously crafted.

The opening track, "Beyond the Witch," sets the tone for the album with its relentless black-thrash assault, showcasing the band's ability to meld aggressive riffs with dark, atmospheric elements. The ferocity continues with tracks like "Tyrants of the Southern Cross" and "Cast in Black," both of which are highlights that demonstrate the band's mastery of their genre. The riffs are sharp, the drumming is precise, and the vocals are delivered with a venomous intensity that fans have come to expect.

"Raise the Chalice" and "There Will Be Demons" offer slightly more melodic moments without losing the album's overall brutality. These tracks stand out as anthems, with catchy hooks and memorable choruses that will resonate with listeners long after the album has ended. The production by Sonorous Studio UK perfectly captures the raw and unpolished sound that SATHANAS is known for, evoking the spirit of pre-digital era death metal while still sounding fresh and relevant.

The album closes with "Where Death and Darkness Entwine," a fitting end that encapsulates the themes of darkness and mortality that permeate the record. The bonus tracks included in the various physical versions of the album add value for collectors and die-hard fans, while the killer cover art by Thiti Somboonanek further enhances the album's aesthetic appeal.

Overall, Into the Nocturne is a testament to SATHANAS' enduring relevance and their unwavering commitment to their craft. It's a must-listen for fans of old-school extreme metal and a perfect embodiment of the genre's enduring appeal. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band's music, this album is sure to satiate your appetite for pure, unadulterated metal.