- NWOBHM
"Satan: Suspended Sentence" emerges as a pivotal chapter in the British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) saga, encapsulated within the grooves of a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Formed in 1979 in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Satan, as they were known during this period, underwent occasional transformations with different band names. This album stands as a poignant milestone in their career, serving as the precursor to a name change to "Pariah." "Suspended Sentence" echoes the NWOBHM spirit, marking a transition in the band's musical evolution.
In 1987, amidst the shifting tides of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), Newcastle-based band SATAN released their second album, "Suspended Sentence." This LP, a departure from their debut, marked a significant evolution in their sound and solidified their place in the metal scene.
Historical Context
By the mid-1980s, the NWOBHM movement had begun to fragment, with bands exploring new sonic territories. Some leaned into commercial hard rock, while others ventured into thrash or power metal. SATAN, however, forged their own path, embracing a more melodic and progressive style on "Suspended Sentence."
Musical Exploration
"Suspended Sentence" showcased a band unafraid to experiment. The album's ten tracks are a testament to their musical growth, featuring complex song structures, intricate guitar work, and soaring vocals. Songs like "Suicidal Justice," "Vandal (Hostile Youth)," and the epic "Avalanche of a Million Hearts" demonstrate their ability to craft dynamic and captivating compositions.
Controversies
The album's title, "Suspended Sentence," and its cover art, featuring a figure hanging by a thread, stirred some controversy. However, this controversy only served to heighten the album's intrigue and solidify SATAN's reputation as a band that challenged norms.
Production Team and Studio
"Suspended Sentence" was produced by SATAN and engineer Roy M. Rowland. The album was recorded at Sanctuary Studios in Yorkshire, England. This collaboration resulted in a polished and refined sound that showcased the band's musical maturity.
Line-Up
The line-up for "Suspended Sentence" featured Brian Ross on vocals, Steve Ramsey and Russ Tippins on guitars, Graeme English on bass, and Sean Taylor on drums. This line-up's chemistry is evident in the album's tight musicianship and cohesive sound.
NWOBHM Heavy Metal
Steamhammer – SH 0069
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1987 Germany
This album includes the original custom inner sleeve ( OIS ) with black background colour and white lettering. One side has a collage of band photos and on the other side are all the lyrics of "Suspended Sentence"
Roy "Macaroni" Rowland - Producer and First Sound Engineer
Roy Rowland aka "Roy Macaroni" Rowland is a sound engineer, who during the 1980s engineered a dozen important heavy metal albums. Some of the bands he has worked for are: Kreator, Lääz
Steve Rispin - Second Sound Engineer
Steve Rispin is a British Sound Engineer, during the 1980s he has produced records for bands like: Coroner, Sabbat, Satan and others.
Recorded from 9 to 19th March at the Firehouse Studios, London
Sound mixed at Livingston Studios, London
Artwork by Bill Colwell
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Satan is a British Heavy Metal band that was formed in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, in 1979. The band is known for its aggressive and fast-paced music, which has made them one of the most influential bands in the Heavy Metal genre.
The band was formed by guitarists Steve Ramsey and Russ Tippins, who were joined by drummer Sean Taylor, bassist Graeme English, and vocalist Brian Ross. The band's name was inspired by the controversy surrounding the Heavy Metal genre at the time, with many people accusing the music of being Satanic.
Satan released their first album, "Court in the Act," in 1983. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it established the band as one of the leading acts in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. The album features some of the band's most well-known songs, such as "Trial By Fire," "Blades of Steel," and "Break Free."
The band's second album, "Suspended Sentence," was released in 1987. The album was a departure from the band's previous sound, featuring a more melodic and progressive style. The album was well-received by critics, but it did not achieve the same commercial success as the band's first album.
Satan disbanded in 1988, but the members continued to play music in other projects. In 2011, the band reformed and released a new album, "Life Sentence," in 2013. The album was well-received by both fans and critics, and it marked a return to the band's classic sound.
Satan's music is characterized by its fast and aggressive guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and intricate song structures. The band's lyrics often deal with themes of rebellion, anti-authoritarianism, and the occult. The band's music has been cited as an influence by many Heavy Metal bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.
Satan's influence on Heavy Metal is evident in the fact that the band's music has been covered by many other artists, and the band's logo has become iconic within the genre. The band's influence can also be seen in the popularity of the NWOBHM movement, which helped to revitalize the Heavy Metal genre in the 1980s.
NEAT 1012 , 1983 , United Kingdom
"Court in the Act" is the first official full-length album by the British (NWOBHM) Heavy Metal band: SATAN. .
Learn moreSteamhammer – SH 0069 , 1987 , Germany
"Suspended Sentence" was Satan's last album before they changes their band-name in "Pariah".
Learn morePariah was not a new band formed in 1989. It was a temporary name change for the British heavy metal band Satan, formed in 1980. The members of Satan decided to release "Blaze of Obscurity" under the name Pariah, likely due to concerns about religious connotations associated with their original name.
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