SADIST

In fairness, even the debut was no misfire in SADIST's case, but it is precisely their second album that allows us to say they have truly blossomed to their full potential. Whereas the first disc was recorded by a trio consisting of guitarist and keyboardist Tommy, drummer Peso, and Andy doubling as vocalist and bassist, we now have a quartet: replacing Andy are vocalist Zanna and bassist Chicco, which had a very positive effect -- both the vocal and bass parts sound decidedly more interesting on this release. Beyond the greater technical complexity, one should also note the use of "progressive" elements -- for instance in the instrumental "From Bellatrix to Betelgeuse," and the same can be said of the vocal tracks as well. SADIST have transformed into a prog-death outfit. The keyboard parts deserve special mention: replacing the fairly simple atmospheric passages are theatrical intonations that create an atmosphere of some kind of magical ritual. There is no need to even discuss the guitar -- there were no problems with it on the first release either, and it was essentially Tommy who carried the entire album to the highest tier. Here he has taken another step forward: the solos are far more expressive, while the riffs have gained greater clarity, distinctiveness, and a qualitatively new energy. How much of a death metal release this really is -- that is another question, and I leave it to the listeners to decide. The reissued version also features wonderful bonuses: the first is a cover of the famous "Wrathchild" from IRON MAIDEN's second album, performed considerably faster than the original -- while the legendary Englishmen play it in about three minutes live, SADIST clock in at two and a half. There are also six minutes of live instrumentals -- the aforementioned "From Bellatrix to Betelgeuse" and a stunningly beautiful guitar solo by Tommy, both tracks taken from a 1996 concert in Turin. Overall, this is an album that is virtually impossible to fault -- it is nearly flawless in every respect: original, sounds incredible, expertly recorded, and the musicians' professionalism is beyond reproach.