Mercenary Press - 2021
8/10
In the seemingly bottomless pit of blackened thrash sees another one that's been picking up steam lately. Texas's Sadistic Force have only been around since the infamous pandemic, but their output has stayed consistent since. Sometimes it's fun to go back to the start, which is where they came across my radar with the debut album. Titled Aces Wild, it's a brief and digestible spin that strikes a chord quickly and makes its exit.
And I wouldn't want it to be any other way, as Sadistic Force are about as straightforward as it gets on their first full-length. Avoiding any bells and whistles, things take a raw and stripped-down approach that works in the black 'n roll vein, if you will, emphasizing groovy rhythms and simplistic leads meant to quench a basic thirst. Of course, breakneck speeds play an essential role, not often deriving from that save for a few exceptions that allow a little breakup. Topping it all off is a vocal style that has a nastier snarl that's almost too harsh for the more accessible riffing, but if nothing else that keeps things slightly interesting.
Like you'd expect, much of this isn't a listen you go to for standout moments. "Cavern Of The Wraith" early on is a solid tune with its calmer build and striking fret-chops to break away from the speedy foundation some; the solo near the end is pretty exceptional. Closer "Snowblind In Texas" is all sorts of fun as a repurposed W.A.S.P. cover, and the title track has some pretty insane drumming breaks that border on discomfort. Again, nothing overly innovative here, but done well for its craft.
In other words, Aces Wild does exactly what you'd expect, and if it's exactly what you want, it's exactly what you'll need. It even has that Motorhead vibe of gambling and drinking whiskey while heavy tones fill the air. The slim runtime certainly helps its consumption, and any fan of the style should lend it a listen.
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