SADIST

Sadist is the fifth full-length studio album by progressive death metal act Sadist. It´s also a kind of comeback album for the group after a 7 year recording break. Sadist last album Lego (2000) was a great disappointment for both fans and critics and because of the bad reception Sadist were so discouraged that they split up. The same lineup that recorded Lego reunited in 2005 and began working on their next album. Since Lego turned out to be such a disappointment I was a bit reluctant before purchasing Sadist knowing that the lineup was the same that recorded Lego. After listening to the album my worries fortunately turn out to be unfounded and it´s safe to say that Sadist have returned in great shape. Ready to conquer the world once again with some excellent progressive death metal.

The music on the album is comparable to earlier excellent releases by Sadist such as Tribe (1996) and Crust (1997) ( especially the latter). Which means progressive death metal with a raspy/ growling lead vocalist, heavy yet melodic guitars and Sadist trademark use of keyboards and an excellent and skilled rythm section. References to acts such as Death and especially Pestilence are obvious IMO.

The production is very well sounding and professional. The sound is powerful and even close to symphonic at times which suits the music well.

Sadist is both a welcome and a powerful return to form for Sadist and they should once again be regarded as one of the leading forces in progressive death metal. A 4 star rating is a matter of course.