The easiest thing to pull off in heavy metal is being a generic time capsule band. Yet, among the hardest is being a time capsule band that actually sounds unique. Greece’s Sacral Rage manages this task and more with debut full length Illusions in Infinite Void. Of course, it helps that they are choosing to take a snap shot of one of metal’s most exciting eras—that wondrous time from about ’86 to ’92 when experimentation was truly blossoming within the thrash and speed metal arenas.
That is not to say there is anything at all experimental about them in 2015, but when thinking about their influences now, there is as much Watchtower, Coroner, and Rust in Peace here as there is Annihilator and Metal Church. All these years later, metal from that exploding era still has a certain freshness to it. Somehow, Sacral Rage has found a way to tap into that freshness, delivering an album that is as technically impressive and nuanced as it is crazily energetic.
For a certain type of fan, Illusions ought to incite the rarest of devilish grins. This album is unabashedly and wickedly fun without even remotely approaching kitsch. Rather, it relies on the universal truth that if you write killer metal, it will be entertaining by its very nature. Sacral Rage achieves this with every vocal wail, jittery thrash riff, and intense forward drive.
That said, this still may only appeal to a certain type of fan. The reason is the vocal work of Dimitris K, whose soaring exospheric vocals sometimes rise so high that they’re running into GPS satellites. In this way, Illusions may remind some of early Watchtower, but unlike the ragged (bad) vocals of Jason McMaster, Dimitris is refined. He often comes across as an even higher flying Russ Anderson, a man with whom he shares a ‘tude- and aggression-infused approach to vocal inflections (put a good ear on “En Cima Del Mal” for that). Dimitris is a key reason why Sacral Rage has a character all their own, despite all influences being worn proudly on sleeves.
But not the only reason, thankfully. Supporting his banshee wails is a well-oiled machine of ever-so-slightly-technical speed/thrash metal. Everyone is given time to support, time to lead, and time shine together. But none of the feature spots ever take away from the whole, rather they simply add a touch of spontaneity. From the thrash-Maiden of “Into Mental East” to the Dave-Mustaine-meets-Chris-DeGarmo-and-Andy-Sneap euphoria of “Inner Sanctum Asylum,” this album aims to please both those listening and those performing. Want a bass fill? Spin “Panic in Urals (Burning Skies).” Feel like some expert use of hi-hat? That’s about everywhere. Want a dynamic solo from with an equally dynamic accompaniment? Give “Lost Chapter E.: Sutratma” a spin. In short, Sacral Rage absolutely refuses to wear the minimum pieces of flair.
Lots of name dropping in here? Heck yeah, but that’s just the point. Sacral Rage has found huge success despite their time capsule approach. In fact, they’re all the better for it, because while the obvious influences are drawing you in, the ace songcraft and irresistible charm will firmly take hold. Been a fun first quarter for bands molding throwback styles into something fresh, and Illusions in Infinite Void puts Sacral Rage right at the front of the pack.
