When you think of Metal Blade Records, it's hard not to think about New York. It's not surprising then to see Brooklyn's own SANHEDRIN now on the label, with their most recent release, "Lights On," due out on March 4, 2022. Featuring clean, strong vocals (Erica Stoltz), a tight rhythm section (Erica Stoltz - bass; Nathan Honor - drums), and excellent guitar work (Jeremy Sosville), this Heavy Metal trio just seems to be getting better with each album. Bottomline: "Lights On" is a very good album and speaks volumes (no pun intended) to the trajectory the band is on.

"Lights On" comprises eight tracks and clocks out at just over 43 minutes. Thematically, it centers on awakenings-to the harsh realities of our current world culture and societal issues; to our own passions, both good and bad; and to larger, more existential ponderings. In fact, the album seems to be structured along those very themes. The album cover, which depicts a shadowed entity moving aside the facade of a sweeping city to reveal a burning city, emphasizes this theme of awakening-and an alarming awakening at that.

The first three tracks, the ones with the socio-cultural perspective, come across a little didactic. This is one instance where clean vocals work against the band because you can clearly hear each and every word. Maybe it's because everyone has been bemoaning the state of the world lately or maybe some of the lyrics just seem little forced-either way, I found myself working to block out the words and trying to lose myself in the riffs and solos. Guess I prefer my culture lectures to come from South American Thrash bands 🙂

It's with track four, "Change Takes Forever," that the band seems to become less self-conscious and just lets the music take charge . . . which matches the idea of an awakening to or exploration of hidden passions. Similar to the desires they explore, these three tracks- "Change Takes Forever," "Code Blue," "Scythian Women"- come on hard and heavy and are the best tracks on the album. The final two tracks, "Hero's End" and "Death Is A Door," are a mixed bag with the compositions taking on multiple movements. Of the two, "Death Is A Door" is the strongest. It's also the album's longest track and affords the band plenty of space to expand and explore their sound.

Altogether, "Lights On" adds up to very strong album for SANHEDRIN. With clean vocals, the tight economies of a trio, and solid NWOBHM sensibilities, the album will appeal with a wide swath of metal fans. And while you won't find much boundary testing or innovation on this album, what you will find is straightforward execution and an undeviating focus on rock-hard Metal.