Above the Light

Sadist, the top group of progressive death metal from the nineties, although compared to other big names in this trend, the least appreciated and, unfortunately, not even perceived much better today. Anyway, the enormous talent of this Italian band has already appeared by the discussed "Above The Light" - an album that neatly combines death aggression and progressive patents. The contribution for this, of course, is the ingenuity of the group's mastermind, Tommy Talamanca, who is the guitarist and keyboardist (sometimes simultaneously!), but also a not inferior rhythm section in the form of vocalman/bassman Andy Marchini and drummer Peso. It's all the more impressive, because the Italians on their debut managed to sound similarly intriguing as their friends from Cynic, Atheist or Pestilence, and at the same time differently enough not to confuse them with anyone else.

The trio from Sadist were one of the first in Europe that they dared to introduce keyboards to the death metal as a regular instrument, even more interesting than Nocturnus! However, the attractions do not end there. Apart from keyboard madness, "Above..." can pride itself on a great interweaving of lighter motifs (i.e. clean or with a piano) and sharper ones - the first example "Hell In Myself", explosive, very melodic guitar solos, perceptible bass, a large dose of aggression (still a bit thrashy), the classic in this formula vocalist's screech or surprisingly solid production conditions (well, maybe apart from the snare drum and kick drum). In short, an explosive mix, but logically thought out and not altered in any way, even with two keyboards instrumentals (although "normal" guitar solo appears in "Sadist"). The regular songs should be mentioned...as all of them, because everyone is shocking with the genius and the accumulation of the above-mentioned ideas!

Albums such as "Above The Light" also perfectly show where the essence of prog-death is. In addition to the fabulous technique, the style of Sadist is distinguished by a great atmosphere, remarkable melodies, sensible faster tempos or decent use of the keyboards. At the same time the Italians were able to arrange everything with order and composition. It's not a common thing in this style.

Originally on: https://subiektywnymetal.blogspot.com/2021/10/sadist-above-light-1993.html