As always, fucking unbelievable! The Japanese pride and leader of the black/thrash bands have returned to unleash yet another eight menacing tracks of pure rage and ferocity. I'm sure that I don't really need to inform Sabbat fans how great this is, since they already own it, and if you don't like the band, either your parents are sisters or you're a functional retard because there is simply no other explanation. Gezol's loyalty to his fans is undying and these guys have and always will play solely for the love of the music.

However, for those of you who haven't heard it yet and are expecting Satanasword to pick up exactly where the straightforward Karisma left off, you are in for a few surprises. Although I don't want to ruin all of the suspense, rest assured that there will be some shock value here - particularly in the vocals, which actually become layered and clean at some moments (especially on the 14-minute epic "Nekromantik"). The riffing is as brilliant as ever and the solos are incredible, which is at this point simply a well-known trademark of the band. Other highlights include "Dracula", "Death Zone", "Angel of Destruction"... ah, fuck it, everything is a highlight, right up to the shattering 5-minute instrumental that closes this monster off.

Absolutely nothing comes to mind that I would give a higher recommendation to.

© 2000 hando