Review: “Iron Rite” by Sadistic Force

The brainchild of guitarist and vocalist James Oliver, Austin Texas Blackened Speed Metal powerhouse Sadistic Force have spent the past four years wreaking havoc in a style which can be best described as Venom subjecting Motorhead to a vicious beating. Their last two albums “Aces Wild” and “Midnight Assassin” have enhanced their glowing reputation to the point where the World is fast becoming their oyster and so they’ve collaborated with Goat Throne Records for a limited run of twin track cassette tapes. Adorned by cover art from Timbul Cahyono (Witchburner, Massacre, Visceral Cadaverment) the unholy trinity who are known for their combinations of Speed, Black and Thrash Metal call this one “Iron Rite“…

…Japanese fans and those who paid a fortune for the import version of the compact disc of 2023 album “Midnight Assassin” will already know the EP title track, a four and a half minute lesson in violence that was criminally cut from the regular edition. Racing into a classic Traditional Heavy Metal riff that feels like it’s been taken from a Black Sabbath or Thin Lizzy demo, the feel good vibe is soon shattered by the evil vocal from Oliver. Ominously painting a picture of death and destruction, he leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of dark pleasures while offering up a gang chant in the chorus that will get fists in the air live. Classic in car entertainment to break the speed limit to on the open freeway, it feels like it’s going to be on the next Nascar compilation album. The rendition of “I’m So Bad (Baby I Don’t Care)” by Motörhead is the perfect partner for “Iron Rite“, the two sharing DNA in the riff department. Paying homage to a band who they have long cited as an influence, what stands out about their interpretation the most is the caustic vocal performance. Oliver doesn’t give an inch let alone take a mile and sticks to his guns where others would try and pointlessly mimic the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, helping to make this one stand out like a vicar in a tutu. This EP may not be Sadistic Force at their heaviest but it is addictive good fun [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Iron Rite
2. I’m So Bad (Baby I Don’t Care) (Motörhead cover)

“Iron Rite” by Sadistic Force is out 10th May 2024 via Goat Throne Records and is available over at bandcamp.