Sadistic Force – Midnight Assassin (Goat Throne Records)
Wednesday, 11th October 2023
Originating in 2020, guitarist/vocalist James Oliver has been very prolific when it comes to releases for Austin, Texas-based blackened speed metal band Sadistic Force. He would release two EP’s with a mysterious Hell Troll percussionist and digital single “Lagoon of Doom” before scouring the local scene for permanent musicians to fulfill his vision. Enter bassist Blaine Dismukes and drummer Jose Alcaraz who joined for their first full-length album Aces Wild released in October 2021. Since then they’ve issued a split album with Hellrot, played shows across Texas, California, and even Scotland to now enter the second full-length phase for Midnight Assassin.
The lyrical themes tackle horror/terror topics of serial killers, stalkers, and necrophiliacs, matching the sinister, dark, and violent proceedings the listeners will take in musically for these nine tracks. A short, 80’s-oriented synth-horror “The Unseen Force” intro soon gives way to Oliver’s heads down speed riffs that burst forth during “Corpsewood Curse”, his playing injecting a mix of melodic runs against some progressive measures, while the rhythm section moves between steady metal grooves and speedy/blackened transitions. His lead skills are quite exemplary, intertwining a flurry of licks against some Maiden meets neoclassical sweeps to make “Speeding Black Leather Hell” and “The Butcher’s Apron” standouts to that regard. Beyond the speed metal foundation, the trio know when to whirl in blackened /cultural terrain – specific main musical hooks and screams during the title track or “Howl for the Horde” conjuring elements of Venom, Midnight, and Hellhammer. The primitive tones / production values match the older metal aesthetic the band wishes to achieve – bare bones as if you know what to expect when hearing these songs at louder volumes when performing live.
Favorites change daily – the Motörhead meets Sodom-esque “Nuremburg Nights” plus the rather early rock ‘n’ roll vibes throughout “Campaign of Sin” keep Sadistic Force versatile and dynamic to satisfy a wide array of metalheads through Midnight Assassin. Keep this in mind if you enjoy the raw spirit of early speed/heavy metal with the extra musicianship-oriented sophistication used to flavor the aggressive proceedings.
