Metalcatto
It’s been a while since we checked out some Thrash. I must say, this year hasn’t been all that bad in that area, but Thrash comes and goes in waves, and this one hasn’t impressed all that much yet. Yes, Stargazer liked the new Warbringer, but I was just OK with it. However, Executionist is debuting with Sacrament of the Sick, and I’m always in the mood to give young bands the opportunity to surprise me—even if it rarely happens. The real question is: will this project have anything novel to add to one of the most explored styles in Metal?
Sacrament is fun! It’s intense, and even from the intro track, it puts you at the edge of your toilet seat. Dramatic, aggressive, but with a sense of melody that’s been missing in Thrash for some time. There are tons of tight riffs, but they don’t lose that emotional tension that ’80s Metallica and later Children of Bodom knew how to deliver. It’s been a while since I felt the adrenaline in an album, and Sacrament does exactly that—it makes you feel the danger, and I love dangerous music. Besides, it dares to be political in a nuanced way. To those of you who don’t want politics in your music, I say: people, this is Thrash…
I could go on about how Sacrament is packed with exciting elements—such as great guitar work with solos that actually go somewhere (it almost made me think of The Black Dahlia Murder), rancid and visceral vocals, and drums that do their job without being overpowering. And yes, there is some tasty bass. Honestly, the production is fine for a debut album. For being such a young band, everyone actually sounds professional. My ears don’t usually get that privilege from the newbies.
Their look makes it obvious—they totally help grannies cross the road.
I might sound more excited than a dog in a butchery, but there are a few things to polish—mostly for Executionist‘s future. The first half of the album is freaking bombastic, the middle creative, but the final two tracks overstay their welcome slightly. Sacrament is at its strongest when things are short. I’m sure the band will eventually write amazing longer tracks, but for now, the short rides are the best. Some of you might find the lyrical content a bit in-your-face, but it’s not like… this. Hence, I’m OK with some subversive thinking.
Executionist is the new kid in town, but it came into the grocery store swinging with a chainsaw (please don’t do this, it’s a metaphor—you know…). It’s made a lasting impression, with riffs that stay with you long after you’re done with the album. That’s all you want from a mean and hostile release. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to keep my plot to overthrow the government going. (That’s a joke, of course—wink wink!)
Label: Independent
Release date: 16 May, 2025
Website: https://executionist.bandcamp.com/album/sacrament-of-the-sick
Country: USA
Score: f*ck it, 4.0/5.0!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 