SAÜC is a Catalan Heavy Metal from the town of Balaguer. They were formed in 2017 and have found their rhythm early on. Four years after their formation they released their debut album "Eterna", and now, another four years later, they are back with their sophomore album "Catarsi". And before you ask, SAÜC sees themselves as a pure Catalan band and therefore uses their native language in its lyrics. I like that fact, as it gives the pronunciation and expression of what is to be mentioned the right intonation and weight. What also I very clear is that they are very conscious of the matters that are going on around them, and they are not afraid to address them, in the songs. On this occasion they have taken a direction that, in their own words, is more introspective and critical. Thus, in addition to talking about ideas, emotions, and the mind, there are also aspects of social criticism, such as bullfighting in "Bèstia" and gender-based violence in "Després Del Silenci".

As for the musical of it all, this is pure Heavy Metal as is seen and heard to come from more bands within the Spanish and Catalan borders before now. Which is pure and simple, straight forward music, but with the kind of intensity. What SAÜC does right is give space to all the emotions that flow through the music, which allows the music to be really Heavy most of the time, a little less intense when needed and even slower and more Melodic and eloquent when asked for. A good example of the latter is "Series Tu",  a power ballad If I ever heard one. And form  me there is no escaping the fact that I am thoroughly enjoying what I hear on "Catarsi". It might have a contemporary sound and belong in this decade, but the way SAÜC is addressing it all will also take you back to the eighties and nineties of the last century, when it was still acceptable to be a little more timid and maybe even honest about your feelings, instead of intense and even angry as a lot of people require or experience nowadays.

What helps in that respect is that the sound on "Catarsi" is quite open and very transparent. It gives the music room to breathe, when necessary, but also is capable of making it feel like you're trapped in a claustrophobic and oppressing environment when the subject is asking for it. SAÜC have made a very decent and solid attempt with "Catarsi" and should be able to attract the attention of a lot of the traditional Heavy Metal enthusiasts as well as those who are not afraid of something new.