Not many bands embody the saying “it was ahead of its time” like Sadist does. A band that has been crafting complex, quirky, and creative Progressive Death Metal since before many of us were born, it continues to push boundaries with its signature sound. Firescorched was a total hit in my eyes, proving once again that this project sounds like no other, and wherever it goes, its style remains undeniably unique. That said, Something to Pierce has a high bar to reach, and I find myself on the fence about it. I’ve been hurt too many times before to get my hopes up too quickly!
It’s a relief to hear that Sadist hasn’t lost the playful nature of its music. Something to Pierce continues the band’s tradition of throwing listeners into the weirdest sonic landscapes while still retaining that unmistakable 90s Death Metal vibe. While this album feels more Tech-Death influenced than some of its previous releases, it still comes across as the natural next step Atheist might have taken if it’d continued evolving. The album is tight, dynamic, and fun, but it also introduces moments of sadness and melancholy, particularly in its middle and later sections. This shows that Sadist can paint more than just one emotional scenario, adding depth to its already eclectic style.
As usual, the bass lines and guitar work are a standout. The production carries that old-school warmth often missing from modern Tech-Death, giving the album an almost analog feel. Don’t worry, though—there’s no distracting white noise here, aside from the moments of pure weirdness that Sadist loves to dive into. These quirks give the music an ethereal quality, almost as if the musicians were somehow connected to Dream Unending. But, of course, this is Sadist, so there has to be something to critique—otherwise, it wouldn’t be Prog Death, right?
Something to Pierce isn’t a radical departure from Sadist’s previous work, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, how much stranger can it get? The songwriting remains as idiosyncratic as ever, which I know won’t sit well with those who crave consistency. The album’s mood swings might not feel the most comfortable or traditionally Death Metal, but if you’re already a fan of this kind of randomness, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. Just don’t expect a dramatic rupture from its past efforts.
In a way, I’m conflicted about Something to Pierce. On one hand, I’m in awe of everything it represents and how a band with over 30 years in the game can still school us all on risk-taking. On the other hand, the unpredictable has become Sadist’s bread and butter, which makes me wonder how much actual evolution there is here. It’s a strange feeling when a band manages to sound both different and the same within one album. Is that a sign of brilliance, or do I just need more acid to fully grasp this madness? Who knows? Either way, Sadist remains a fascinating enigma in the world of Metal.
Label: Agonia Records
Release date: March 7, 2025
Website: https://agoniarecords.bandcamp.com/album/something-to-pierce
Country: Italy
Score: 4.0/5.0! I might be wrong, but screw it!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 