Hailing from The Netherlands and formed in 1998, Progressive Thrash/Heavy Metal band SACROSANCT released three albums in the early 1990’s. Their first three albums were heralded as “sophisticated Thrash.” Then, they took a long, and I mean long hiatus. 25 years. SACROSANCT now returns with the even more powerful, still complex, but catchy “Kidron,” featuring their new singer Max Morton, who outshines the album with his clear, dynamic and unique voice. “The album combines all our trademarks, has a unique atmosphere due to all the circumstances we had to go through and is accessible and complex at the same time,” comments Randy Meinhard.”

The album has nine songs, and “Marching Days” is first. The opening tones are both dark and harrowing, and the vocals are delivered as evil whispers. Sweet vocal and guitar harmonies enter, but the song remains quite somber. “Prince of Clowns” has a sturdier, but still dark landscape. The harmonies in the guitars help to lift it up a bit, but it still lives in that serious and sober area. The lead breaks are fantastic as well. “Coming of the Scorpion” has ominous opening tones, as the title suggests, and sweet piano notes. It moves slowly, to allow the somber tones to really soak in. The melody is a nice addition, and the bass notes are bossy, It isn’t an overly heavy song.

“Gethsemane” has a bit of a faster pace, but still with that similar sound of fate, seriousness, and something nefarious around the corner. The way that the drums and bass combines with guitar harmonies gives me a Power Metal feeling. “Doorway of Dreams” has a hard driving beat, fueled by towering guitar riffs, a crushing mid-tempo pace, and guitar and vocal harmonies, and it might be my favorite on the album. “Before it Ends” is longest on the album, at nine minutes, and it lays a heavy, emotional sound at your feet. You can really hear the accomplished singing of vocalist Max Morton as well. The main riff carries a lot of power with it, and meaty bass notes are in tow.

“The Pain Still Lasts” closes the album, and it’s another slow, poignant song that capitalizes on a lot of emotion, especially in the vocals. The guitar fills in the background help to thicken up the song, and you can feel the torture in his voice. This was a solid album, combining elements of traditional Heavy Metal with Power Metal, and even some Progressive Metal. As indicated in the bio, twin guitar harmonies and the sweet voice of Max is much of the focal point on the album, as well as an honest emotional quality to the music.