SADIST was formed in 1991, and have gone through a slew of record label signings as well as many tours. Agonia Records signed them for their latest release, their ninth studio album titled "Firescorched," which contains nine new tracks. "Accabadora" opens the album. It begins with some chanting that segues into a very heavy bottom end. Audible and dancing bass work can be heard along with the harsh vocals. The song has a swinging quality to it, almost like zombies are dancing happily in a gravesite at the midnight hour.

"Fleshbound" moves with a faster groove and man does Jeroen's bass work shine once again. The chorus features some nice melodies, and then the sound drops to tense bass notes until it picks up again full steam. This is some oddly pleasing music, that's for sure. "Finger Food" opens with some eerie keyboards until the gang kicks it into high gear. Though this is undoubtedly Metal, they flirt with Punk sounds here and there, especially considering the pacing of the music. "Burial of a Clown" begins with some eerie bell tones before the main riff comes grumbling in, bubbling up like a pool of hot, back oil. The tight speed at which the band plays is noteworthy, as is the melodic guitar solo after the second chorus.

"Lola" begins with piano notes and strings. The band doesn't fail to surprise me here on the album. It's a charming sound, though a bit solemn. As the main riff kicks in, so does the melody. They keep reinventing themselves here and I suppose that is at the very core of Progressive music. "Aggression/Regression" begins with a heavier and faster pace. Try not tapping your foot or banging your head to this morsel. The chorus is dark and brooding and augmented with some background ambiance.

"Three Mothers and the Old Devil Father" is a mouthful that opens with slow and harrowing tones. The drums move at light speed while the keys maintain this almost jovial sound. "Trauma (Impaired Mind Functionality)" begins with a heavier tone again with fantastic bass guitar work. The punishing tones are dialed up a notch here as well, ending with a flurry of activity which segues quickly to clean guitars. "Firescorched" closes the album. Opening with tense tones, it moves forward with heavy staccato rhythms along with some electronica in the background. The sound drops for a few bars, then returns with a more determined fervor.

Fast, furious and a bit on the odd side, what would possess such a seasoned act to keep forging ahead after all this time? Simple. The love of what they do fuels their creativity. Considering all of the other elements they bring along with their butchering sound, the band has wiped away any notion that they are just riding out their glory years with the same old sound. Indeed, this is energetic, invigorating, and even melodic at times. Bravo, fellas, bravo.