For their sophomore release for Cruz Del Sur, Greek metal act Sacral Rage return for another feast of blistering early '80s speed/thrash/power metal, led by the completely over the top vocals of Dimitris K, who is part King Diamond, part Midnight, and part John Arch. That's right baby, shrieking falsetto vocals soaring to the heavens over an abundance of tech-thrash on gems such as "Eternal Solstice", "Necropia", and the barnstorming "Suspended Privileges". The rest of the band are rounded out by guitarist Marios P, Vagelis F on drums, and bassist Spyros S. These guys can surely whip things into a frenzy pretty quick, the gymnastic double bass drumming and blazing guitar riffs flying all over creation here in a maelstrom of metal fury, other hot tracks including the complex "Samsara (L.C.E.)" and the two more proggy numbers that close out the album, "Onwards to Nucleus" and the epic "The Glass", guitarist Marios once again showing his prowess on his instrument in a big way.
Lots of quality speed metal here on Beyond Celestial Echoes to sink your teeth into, all of it bringing to mind images of the glorious '80s with bands such as Mercyful Fate, Watchtower, Crimson Glory, Leige Lord, Fates Warning, Agent Steel, Annihilator, and Vio-Lence. Some pretty good company if you ask me, and a job well done here by Sacral Rage. Check it out.
Track Listing
1. Progenitor
2. Eternal Solstice
3. Vaguely Decoded
4. Suspended Privileges
5. Samsara (L.C.E.)
6. Necropia
7. Onwards to Nucleus
8. The Glass