Satan is the coelacanth of Metal. You’re probably wondering, what the fudge is a coelacanth? Well, my uneducated child, it’s a fish once thought extinct long ago, until we discovered it was still alive, swimming away, indifferent to our existence. The same goes for Satan, a band once presumed dead for decades, but since Life Sentence, they’ve made a remarkable comeback. The question now is: can Songs in Crimson continue this legendary run of heavy fun? Welcome again!
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—Satan sounds as if it’s still 1984. For those of you with lower back pain and no knees left, that’s exactly what you’re looking for. For those of us who can still stand up without using our hands, this is still a fun ride, almost more psychedelic than anything Satan has done before. The secret? That warm, cozy production, blending the best of analog and digital styles. It’s always been the band’s signature, and Songs in Crimson is no different. The album breathes nicely, though I’m not entirely sold on the drums—they need more punch!
You get everything old-school Heavy Metal has to offer here. Powerful guitar solos, galloping riffs, tight songwriting, and simple fun that even your elders could enjoy. The songs follow a clear structure, and while it’s elemental, it wastes no time. Every note has purpose, even if the message is basic. Not every album needs to sound like Ingurgitating Oblivion to be impressive. Sometimes, I just need Metal that makes me smile (gross, I know!). Sadly, not everything is rosy on Satan‘s path this time, so let’s talk about the downsides.
As much as I enjoy the way these tracks open and close, Crimson tests the limits of how much “been there, done that” I can tolerate. The band is deeply entrenched in the 80s sound, and while that works for some, I don’t feel the nostalgia. The past holds too much agony that people conveniently forget. For me, there’s less attachment to this sound. It’s fun, but after several albums replicating the magic, I’m starting to get too used to it. There’s nothing technically wrong here—it’s well-executed Heavy Metal—but there are no new twists or turns.
Just like the coelacanth, Satan proves you don’t need to be fancy to excel. Crimson is another solid, consistent album from a band that’s mastered the art of the epic comeback. It might not be my favorite, but it’s an admirable level of consistency that nostalgic fans will deeply appreciate. Satan is the band you can always return to for solace and comfort, with reliable riffs that never feel generic. Heavy Metal may be dead, but Satan lives on.
Respect to the OG!
Label: Century Media Records
Release date: 13 September, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/officialsatanpage
Country: USA
Score: No solace for you! Or 3.2/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 