Satyrus are an Italian doom metal band and this is their debut album.
Based on the classic sound of doom in the vein of Black Sabbath and Pentagram, and then updated with modern influences from the realms of sludge and stoner, Rites contains 45 minutes of satisfying doom metal.
Overall the music is slow and dark in tone, backed up with rhythmic riffs and unhurried groove. The songs are full of fuzzy distortion and sinister moods. Some of the guitars have a bluesy stoner edge, while others have a slightly more occult doom feel. It’s all very foreboding and doomy, (as you would expect), and the songs are enjoyably presented.
Sticking closely to the preordained template of doom, Satyrus nonetheless offer up a strong collection of tracks for the listener’s appreciation. All of the parts of the music are well-realised, with the drumming in particular catching my ear, with good beats and gratifying delivery. There are also some damn good solos too, and I like the singer’s voice. Rites is a strong package, and doom-worshippers are well-advised to check this out.
Fans of the aforementioned bands, as well as of bands like Monolord and Electric Wizard, should give this a spin.
Wonderbox Metal 