Review
Satan's Wrath
Galloping Blasphemy

Metal Blade (2012) Jon E.

Satan's Wrath – Galloping Blasphemy cover artwork
Satan's Wrath – Galloping Blasphemy — Metal Blade, 2012

As a disclaimer of sorts I tend to look at bands overplaying the "we're so evil, look at us" card as cheesy and heavy handed. Hence my lack of interest in this record originally between the name and the press release claiming the members need to spread the word of the evil master himself i couldn't help but look at my computer screen in a puzzled manner. Does any band truly expect anyone to be shocked or amazed by how evil you are at this point in time? Could this possibly have any bearing on the music itself positive or negative?

Well consider me more puzzled.

After the first run through of this album i found myself not only enjoying the songs but feeling the conviction in the vocals and playing. At this point we could mention that the songs and band are the brainchild of one Tas Danazoglou, formerly of British mainstays Electric Wizard. While that could only give a slight idea of where this band is coming from it would fail to truly prepare anyone. The band trade in guitar work that is still a nod to the past but in a slightly different way. Now including classic thrash style riffs and the demonic feel of first wave Black Metal. This tends to match quite well with the overall ideas displayed lyrically.

There is a fervor displayed in these songs that makes them catchy while remaining consistently heavy and interesting. While there is anything incredibly groundbreaking in the style the songs are composed intelligently allowing the ideas to feel fresh and interesting still. This is a record that could create converts for satan (ok maybe not). Regardless what this will not do is be easily forgettable. The songs are strong and make you want to hear them repeatedly.

8.3 / 10Jon E. • December 31, 2012

Satan's Wrath – Galloping Blasphemy cover artwork
Satan's Wrath – Galloping Blasphemy — Metal Blade, 2012

Recently-posted album reviews

Totally Slow

The Darkness Intercepts
Refresh Records (2024)

I find Totally Slow a hard band to categorize. Their brand of melodic, hard punk is familiar and comforting -- rooted in ‘80s hardcore, ‘90s skatepunk, and post-something guitar-driven rock. The press release namedrops Dag Nasty and Hot Snakes, among others, which I think are good starting points. But while it’s familiar, it’s absolutely not a carbon copy. Like their forebearers, the songs … Read more

Steamachine

City of Death
Records Workshop (2023)

City Of Death is the third album from Polish noise makers Steamachine. Having dabbled in a few metal styles over their career, City Of Death has a heavy carnival influence to it which I have to say I really like. It's interesting just how much more sinister things sound when you pump eerie, jingly circus sounds amongst very dark, heavy, … Read more

Faulty Cognitions

Somehow, We Are Here
Cercle Social Records (2024)

The opening track on Somehow, We Are Here is a statement. Yes, Faulty Cognitions is a punk band with members of Low Culture, Shang-A-Lang, Nocturnal Prose,and more. Yes, this shares a lot of commonalities, but it’s also a new band with a new sound. The band humbly says they were going for an early, jangly R.E.M. vibe but self-confess that it has more of a Replacements thing going on … Read more