Review Summary: "Why did you pass me up, I'm one of the best thrash releases of 2011!?!"
Decent modern thrash is hard to come across nowadays due to the misconceived need to fuse other elements such as "soft metal" and melodic pastures. The roots of thrash have always been a rebellious type, focusing on aggression and anger. The best place to go for thrash in its rawest form is the old school acts or better yet, the old school bands that are still using the same proven formulas in their modern endeavors. Although formed in 1989, King's Evil first LP was released in 2001, and their second in 2011. This major interval spacing could only mean a few things; amongst which the group was either lazy about putting their music together or they were very patient in taking the time to make sure their catalogue was of the greatest quality. I happen to believe the latter.
With the possible focus of quality or quantity, at the height of King's Evil musical career, they present their fans with everything they're capable of into one "meal", to which they call "Sacrosanct". You can really feel the tender care placed upon each passage and transitional section right from the opening track. "Trace of Insanity" allows for the riff to be felt just long enough before a new one enters, complimenting the last. Distinct features of the stylized riffs are the use of riffing each note with a harmonized picking style, found on "Stab in the Back" and variously throughout the album.
I was surprised to see the second of half of "Sacrosanct" to be less aggressive than the first which was a bit disappointing to me. This was immediately realized in the middle of "Gaze into the Brain", where poorly composed riffs throw off the flow of the album, making this track the weakest. Although the second half isn't as aggressive as the first it still has its "thrashy" standout moments, such as "Impudence of Brutality" which holds a progressive nature that builds into one hell of an executed solo. The less aggressive elements in the second half allow for a more balanced listen, giving rise to interlude patterns found in "Leviathan".
Overall this is a solid album. With the "lighter toned" second half fusing a mellower disposition it can be enjoyed by a larger audience. 2011 passed by quickly, and unfortunately a few solid metal albums were left behind; "Sacrosanct" being one of them.
