Pulverised Records is one of those labels that mainly represent the sound of the underground, and this release from the US black/death thrash metal outfit Sathanas is no exception to that rule.

The band was originally formed in 1988, released a demo that contained one really cool song, got credit for that and then died. Sathanas was reformed years later with a new line-up, comprising of main man Paul Tucker, Bill Davidson and former Acheron drummer Jim Strauss.

‘Crowned Infernal’ is a good release in many ways, but I find it hard to get totally enthusiastic about it. It’s not as if the trio doesn’t play well. They execute the eleven tracks efficiently, no doubt. The particular ‘it’ is simply not there. No ignition. Perhaps it’s the complete lack of versatility of Tucker’s vocal or the in my view not altogether successful mix and production. This is the subtle difference between sounding old-school and just plain outdated. Sathanas tend to be in the latter category.

Definitely approved - but hasn’t revolutionised the world of metal.

Recommended: Hymns from the Shadowland (excellent short solo) and the title track.