Italian band SACRILEGE was a short lived band based out of Verona that started out in 1986 and split up in 1987. Unlike thousands of bands with a similar brief history Sacrilege actually got around to creating and recording material in their brief existence, and while their sole demo tape didn’t circulate in that many copies enough of them were in existence to make this band one that was remembered, and in 2013 this half hour long production was also given an official release through Italian label Jolly Roger Records.
As the source material for this production is a demo tape, the recording quality of this EP length production does leave quite a bit to be desired. If you’re an audiophile this is an album you can safely forget about, as this one is all about the songs and how interesting they are despite the poor recording quality. A production made for those who are used to and perhaps even have a special affection for the demo tapes of old, for the garage based bands that record by themselves on a borrowed ancient 4-track and music made and recorded in similar circumstances. Fairly basic stuff as far as the technical aspects go in other words.
As far as the music goes, it’s basically a theatrical variety of 80’s heavy metal we’re dealing with. At the most intense I hear similarities to bands like Blitzkrieg and even good, old Tank to some extent, while the slower paced material are closer to a band like Witchfynde – if anyone recalls that band these days. All along, whether Sacrilege are exploring the more intense, the more regular paced or the doom laden variety of 80’s heavy metal, the keyboards adds a distinct and often subtly ominous dimension to the compositions.
The token ballad, Siel, is more of a typical ballad construction, and one where I kind of got the feeling that the band’s lead vocalist does know his Robert Plant as far as vocal style goes, and perhaps his Rob Halford as well. His voice is rather interesting throughout actually, and while uncontrolled the slightly nervous delivery that is just about a mainstay adds a nifty, compelling tinge to the material here. And while all the songs aren’t all that interesting a few does shine even after all these years and despite the lo-fi recording quality.
This is a production that won’t have a broad appeal due to the limited quality of the recordings. But those with a special affection for lo-fi material and 80’s heavy metal will find plenty to enjoy on this album. Those who tend to enjoy bands that use keyboards as a theatrical and atmospheric supplement will be a key audience within this context, alongside those with a general fascination for metal bands that know their NWOBHM and their vintage doom.
My rating: 72/100
