Metal Possession

Italy’s Satanika are a fairly prolific act. Formed in 2009, they have already released five EPs, two full lengths, a compilation and a split (at the time of this writing). Having previously listened to Satanika’s second full length, 2012’s “Infection”, I found myself looking forward to checking out another throwback ride from these Italian thrashers. “Metal Possession” is a five track EP released in 2011, with a huge added bonus of ten demo tracks from the band’s earlier years (if you consider two years ago their “early years”).

The five new tracks are intense and high speed thrash that gives more than a passing nod to the founders of all things thrash. The five new tracks on “Metal Possession” take the listener through fast paced tracks, styled after the blackened thrash of early Sodom and Destruction as well as the Exodus influenced mid-paced, fist pumper that is “Deep Red”. For the most part the guitars are a fast cross between the chugging, riff heavy style of early Teutonic thrash bands and the fast paced extrapolations of speed metal with doses of the riff then fill style of early Exodus. “Nuclear Grave”, in particular, bounces back and forth between a thrashy riff on the chorus and bridges and a speed metal fest on the verses. The intense, fret-wandering lead style is a throwback to the forefathers as well. It’s almost like being transported back to the eighties when the guitars are thrashing and the leads are blasting away to no abandon. The drums range from fast paced and choppy rock beats to blistering fast single kick bass runs. Where the drums really stand out is with the furious fills and rolls, which are scattered liberally throughout each track. Without all of the rolls, the drums would be a rather dull and by-the-numbers affair. While, we’re on the topic of the rhythm section, the bass should be noted, not only for the thundering intro on “Deep Red”, but also for the frenzied approach to the instrument that comes across like a runaway train during the entire album. Just listen to the little ditty in the middle of “Rats From Hell”: it’s fast, thick and all over the place. All of which leaves us with Satanika's sole link to the black metal world (imagery and lyrical themes aside): the raspy vocals of Cris Perverter. The vocals are a raspy shout, not too dissimilar to the likes of black thrash legends Aura Noir or Destroyer 666. They have enough force to be passable, but they are fairly generic.

Unlike Satanika’s second full length, which boasted a relatively modern and clean production while still retaining a decidedly gritty, eighties flair, “Metal Possession” is muddy and under produced. While everything is audible and seems to be in the right place in the mix, the graininess takes away from the impact of the thrashing riffs and shredding leads. Now let’s not forget about the added goodies that come with this album: ten bonus demo tracks. The ten demo tracks are similar in style and sound to the newer tracks, but just have more of a “recorded-on-an-eight-track-in-a-garage” feel to them. The true bonus demo of the day is Satanika’s excellent cover of Metalucifer’s “Heavy Metal Bulldozer”. Granted, ten bonus tracks is a hell of an added surprise, but these are by no means groundbreaking or earth shattering pieces of music.

“Metal Possession” should find a good home alongside Sodom and Dark Angel albums. While the band’s follow up full length, “Infection”, is much better on all levels, “Metal Possession” is still a decent outing and is worth finding for a low price or as a bargain bin treasure. If you dig thrash that gives all nods to the eighties, specifically the Teutonic brand of the eighties, then check this out. This isn’t as prim and polished as some, but there’s a certain charm in Satanika’s brand of throwback thrash. “Metal Possession” showcases five new tracks and a boatload of extras, but I’d check out “Infection” first.

Written for The Metal Observer:
http://www.metal-observer.com/