Search - Sadus :: Out for Blood

Thrash with a twist

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 05/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After listening to just a few tracks of Sadus' new album, the listener should be able to tell that this is no ordinary thrash record. Sure, it's still mighty fast, heavy, ferocious, and ripping, but it also has several differentiating elements. These elements should help Sadus stand apart from the legions of other thrash bands making appearances in 2006 (i.e. Sodom, Demiricous, etc.) For one, frontman Darren Travis' vocals on "Out For Blood," Sadus' seventh album, are abnormally high pitched (sounding like a match between Death and Exodus), and are thus a bit annoying at first (but only at first!). Next, most of these songs have audible bass parts. Steve DiGiorgio lays down some beeping, slapped bass notes which wouldn't sound completely out of place on a Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, or Mudvayne album. Thirdly, the songs on this album are quite a bit longer than, say, a Slayer song (these songs average over five minutes in length). And, lastly (and most importantly), "Out For Blood" is generally slower, more melodic, and catchier than most thrash releases. It offsets fast, bruising numbers with mid-tempo chuggers. For instance, the album opener, "In The Name Of..." is bolstered by a throbbing bass, a blisteringly fast guitar lead, and quick, pounding drums. But the next two songs, "No More" and "Smackdown," have slowly pounding rhythms (plus track two features some strange but efficient computer/robotic sound effects). Later on, "Down" and "Freedom" both fall into a catchy, if sluggish groove, and "Cursed" features an ambient intro and outro. But these slower songs are interspersed with scorching riff onslaughts. The title track, "Sick," and "Freak" all prove Sadus can still shred your speakers, as these songs are blindingly fast and have breakneck rhythms with barrages of brutal, fiery guitars. So, whether attacking the jugular or pulling back on the reigns, Sadus prove they can rock efficiently, and are (or should be) one of thrash/speed metal's most famous and recognizable bands."

Not Bad For A Comeback (3.5 Stars)

Bill Lumbergh | Initech | 06/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a 8 year hiatus since they released their phenomenal "Elements of Anger" in 1997, Sadus comes back with "Out For Blood", and this CD got a rather mix of reviews. The average review percent on the Encyclopedia Metallum was a 48%. After listening to this after being addicted to the band's previous works, I must say that this album is somewhat of a disappointment, but at the same time, has its share of stand out moments as well. First off, "Out For Blood" incorporates quite a bit of groove into the mix (i.e. "Smackdown", "Lost It All"), but it does deliver riffs that will please the 80's thrash fan ("Out For Blood"). However, if there is anything that delivers the most on this album, it's Steve Digorgio and his infamous bass skills. You can hear him play on every track, and he retains his technical abilities. Another oddity you might found on this CD that you probably wouldn't expect on a thrash disc is a synthesizer. That's right, a synthesizer. "No More" and "Lost It All" incorporate it best, at least to my ears. Finally, the lyrical content...is rather lame...but hey, the music makes up for it, right?



The CD has a way different sound from its predecessors, and it may disappoint the Sadus fan with its changes, but then again, if you want a modern thrash CD with some excellent bass work in it, "Out For Blood" is for you. If you prefer earlier thrash, however, check out "A Vision of Misery" and "Swallowed in Black" instead."

Thrash is back!

king beagley | warsaw, in usa | 05/18/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sadus features the workaholic Steve DiGeorgio, who also worked for Death and Iced Earth. this is old-school thrash at its best. thrash has not died, and Sadus is the key to bring it back! what new surprises come out for 2007 for the thrash metal genre? find out for yourself. on this album, all the tracks are worthy of a standing ovation, and if The Rock were still in WWE, the track "Smackdown" would be a good entrance theme for him. other bands to consider if you enjoyed this album are Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, Slayer, Demiricous, Testament, Overkill, Megadeth, Exodus, Flotsam & Jetsam, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, and other great present-day thrash bands. Rock on!"