By the Hands of the Devil


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Type: LP
Released: May 3, 2011
Label: Moribund Cult Records

Running Time: 58:40

1. By the Hands of the Devil
2. Shades of the Unlight
3. Demontia
4. Before the Flame
5. Bleeding Hearts of the Damned
6. Black Hilted Knife
7. Revival
8. Fallen Angel
9. Inferior Worlds
10. Norweigan Wood

 

Lyrics

Recording Members:

Leviathan Thisiren- Vocals
Patrick Evil - Guitar
Anthony 'Evil Hobbit' Lopez- Drums
Margar- Bass


Additional Information:

Recorded at Flatline Audio, Westminster, CO July-Sep 2010
Produced, Engineered, Mixed, & Mastered by Dave Otero
Layout and Design: Evil Hobbit, WebSlave
Cover Artwork: Joe Petagno

Comments

The new SATANS HOST album is the most killer album in 2011 so far...it totally blew me away!!
-Oliver Weinsheimer, Keep It True Festival Organizer


Satans Host is right now the best Colorado band.
-Frank Menapace, Program Director/DJ KMSA 93.1FM Grand Junction, Colorado


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Reviews

Chronicles of the Black Sword: CD Review -October 18, 2013

One may say that Satan's Host is one of those 80's bands that have found a resurgence in the new millennium, sometimes even finding the due recognition they didn't receive back then. Well, yes and no. In one way, the return of Satan's Host with original vocalist Harry Conklin has gained the attention of the metal world, because of the cult status of their 1986 album, Metal From Hell. However, as the band as a whole is concerned, it is not actually a complete "return" for them. Long story short, Satan's Host was the band Harry Conklin joined after Jag Panzer's first break up. After the "Midnight Wind" EP in 1987, Harry went on to found Titan Force, and Satan's Host went on a very long hiatus.

They actually came back in 2000 with a new vocalist, and a very different musical approach. From the classic metal band it was, Satan's Host transformed into a black metal band, releasing five albums and a live DVD from 2000 to 2010. So, the comeback was actually more than ten years ago. However, the band stayed in the underground black metal scene in the USA, probably distancing some of the classic metal crowd with their new sound. Honestly, I have heard very little from this lineup, but the little I have listened to sounds like some very macabre and decent black metal (I am not a big fan of black metal, but I can appreciate it).

In any case, the recent excitement about Satan's Host is that in 2011 Harry Conklin came back after Jag Panzer's recent break up. It is not uncommon nowadays for a classic, underground band to resurface in the digital age and sound just as amazing as they did before. But in this case, the story is different: they actually sound better than before. And that is what brings us to "By The Hands Of The Devil", the first album with this lineup. One could have expected them to just go back to the classic "true" metal style that has become more prevalent in the past decade, and that could have been cool. However, they could not deny their black metal resurgence, so one would think there is an impasse. On the one hand you got a band that has been playing black metal for the past ten plus years, and on the other hand one of the most memorable and beloved vocalists of the heavy metal/power metal world. So, what do they decide to do? Of course...mix power metal with black metal, duh!

What?!

Yes, if we are fixated with putting names on things, the best description for what you hear in this album is just that: blackened power metal. You may ask: is that even possible?! Well, don't ask me and listen.

By the time I am writing this review, so much has already been said about this album, some hailing it as THE best release of 2011. I can't say for sure, I didn't really listen to many things from that year, but it doesn't seem implausible to me.

What we got here, as I said, is a sort of hybrid between power metal and black metal. You got the constant barrage of blackened drums assaulting your ears, but you also got a sensitivity for lead guitar work, some progressive elements in terms of song structure and progression, and killer, clean solos. One minute you got the black metal blast (along with a classic high pitch scream), and the next you got the mid paced lead guitar work, then it punches you in the face again with fast tempos...its great.

While it is not completely unheard of to mix heavy metal sensibilities and pure black metal destruction, there is something to be said about what is going on here. Off the top of my mind I can think of the band "I", which is a side project of Abbath, Immortal's vocalist, which in many aspects was a hybrid sound. From a more speed/power side, I think of Seven Kingdom's first album, which had thrashy and power metal lines connecting very well with extreme vocalization, and one song on that album is a take on the possibility of marrying power/speed with black metal (the song "Winter Comes"). But, what we got in "By The Hands Of The Devil" is not the innovation of thinking about the concept...but executing it flawlessly.

The songs in this album are constantly testing your ears and pulling your attention to it. Every song has its own personality and evolution, but with this I don't mean inconsistency. On the contrary, every song feels like the logical next step of what this sound can bring to the table. That's what makes it so special: it sounds like the most successful scientific experiment you have witnessed. It can't be said enough: after this I cannot wait for what they are going to bring us next.

All of this and I haven't even talked about the vocals. I could say: well, what you'd expect from Harry Conklin Yeah...but its still an understatement. Conklin is one of the best and most dynamic true metal vocalists, and his appearance on this album forms a part of the whole. He does high pitched metal screams, and sometimes shows how well he can do the demonic, black metal growl, when needed and when it works in favor of the song. His vocals are spot on, right up there with the best he has done with Panzer, and they are of the top distinctive elements of what this album offers.

As for the lyrics, they haven't changed much from the 80s. Satan worship at its cheesiest and finest, and great to sing along, even if you happen to not be in a satanic ritual at the time, and just waiting to catch the next train. I have to mention though, that as a bonus track they did a version of The Beatles' song "Norwegian Wood", with appropriate satanic lyrics, which I just found hilarious. Its definitely a metal version, buy just imagining the original mellow version, but with these lyrics, is the icing on an already artery-clogging cake.

As a side note, I originally thought that in a live set, they wouldn't play much of their arsenal from the black metal period. However, I was dead wrong. I learned that they released a 25 anniversary compilation album called Celebration: For The Love Of Satan, which includes two new songs and re-recorded versions of old songs, from the Metal From Hell period and the black metal period. For most people who have never listened to their black metal material, hearing them now (and with Harry on vocals) can almost feel like a follow up album to "By The Hands Of The Devil", so definitely check it out. In many ways they are making this sound even more concrete, so that is definitely another gem and great companion to the album reviewed here.

- METALURGIA

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Mind Over Metal: CD Review -November 22, 2011

The band crossed my plate earlier in 2011, though. Turns out the band has been rather prolific in their latest incarnation, and By the Hands of the Devil is just superb. The overall tightness, the fluidity of tectonic tempo shifts between menacing movements, and the brilliant re-imagining of "Norwegian Wood" (originally by The Beatles) that invokes church burning in the name of Satan ("Watch out for the splinters!"). It's amazing to watch a band so deftly leap between dark power metal and melodic black metal, but you witness it in places like the title track and "Black Hilted Knife"—this is how you elevate above the cheese.

Ever sure-footed, they approach the brooding "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" using an appropriate eerie atmosphere without slipping far into melodrama. And remember the "not far into" aspect, because some drama is essential; it's part of the allure, really. The eight-minute tour de force "Before the Flame" underscores that, as both Conklin and Pat Evil pull out a multitude of tricks and techniques, interwoven with a damned catchy chorus. I hope this next 21st century decade embraces the new and improved Satan's Host. (Oh, and does anyone else hear echoes of the main riff to "Breaking the Law" about two minutes deep in "Fallen Angel"? No big… just saying.) 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

- MetalMattLongo

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Teufel's Tomb: CD Review -Oct. 27, 2011

Jesus fucking Christ now I have a reason to listen too Satan's Host!, Harry Conklin is back on the microphone! Ever since I first checked into this band (Satanic Grimoire period) I thought they made a piss poor attempt to pull off the black/death metal style and needless to say i wasn't impressed. That was before I heard the debut album Metal From Hell, that CD was full of speedy heavy metal done with some excellent vocals. I can't find that album anywhere so the band needs to re-record it or reissue it! But until then I have By the Hands of the Devil to tide me over.

If you have not heard Harry's vocals then you have no idea what your in for. This guy has one of the most impressive ranges, he's up there with greats such as Dio and King Diamond. Everything from Rob Halford-esque high notes to lower singing is covered on this album, I see the vocals as another instrument which adds another element to this awesome album.

I guess I would describe THIS Satan's Host as black/power metal (never thought I would ever use that haha). There are a lot of riffs in here which contain a good deal of melody and speed, the lead work while not really outstanding is enjoyable. The drums though..holy hell can Anthony Lopez play!, he alternates between standard 4/4 drumming, blast beats, gallops, off time patterns, and fast double bass runs all the while playing some nice fills in between everything!

The production is just as it should be, POWERFUL! This is a very modern sounding metal record with a punchy low end and the vocals taking center stage. I do not like the kick drum sound, it has this clicking sound to it which I'm assuming is because drum triggers were used. Other than that By the Hands of the Devil sounds very good.

I think the songs get better as the record progresses, with "Fallen Angel" being the best of the bunch. "Black Hilted Knife" and "Before The Flame" are very good as well. The lyrics are about, you guessed it Satan! The lyrics are a little cheesy but for the most part are written well. The songwriting is diverse, each song contains a bunch of tempo and key changes that are pulled off well. By the Hands of the Devil is also catchy. The vocal harmonies and guitar riffs will be stuck in your head for weeks.

There is a cover song on By the Hands of the Devil, they chose to do the Beatles classic "Norwegian Wood". I like the Beatles and Rubber Soul was my favorite album by them so I was more than curious to hear how Satan's Host was gonna pull this one off. Musically they turned a mellow all acoustic song into a screaming up tempo metal monster, and it's pretty damn cool! Lyrically however, they chose to change the lyrics to make it a very anti religious song, which I can get behind but some of the lines are a bit cheesy. I know "Norwegian Wood"s lyrics don't fit the album so I applaud the band for changing them.

I love this album and am very glad that Satan's Host decided to pursue the Metal From Hell style as opposed to the boring blackened death metal they churned out for awhile there. I will seek out Harry Conklin's other band, Jag Panzer to hear some more of this guys excellent vocal ability. I could definitely see people who aren't even into power or traditional metal liking this. It's a lot faster and heavier than a lot of power metal I have crossed paths with. If your a fan of albums like Holy Diver, Melissa, Killers, Sad Wings of Destiny, and Number of the Beast, but also like black metal then you will absolutely love this album.

Rating- EXCELLENT!!!

- Eric Bocchino

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Metal Nightmare: CD Review -August 19, 2011

With the news that Harry Conklin had rejoined the band, I have to say that I was not exactly sure what to expect. Would Satan's Host go back to the heavy metal sounds of the debut? Or would Harry have to learn to sing in a black metal voice? As it turns out, neither of these ended up as the answer. Satan's Host 2011 sounds like a classic heavy metal band with a traditional sounding singer, but with black/death metal tuning and distortion. What that means is that this incarnation of the band has a sound that you've probably never heard before. On first listen, it may take your ears a song or so to adjust to what you're hearing. In fact, you're going to want to actively listen to this album, rather than put it on as background music for whatever you're doing. The opening song, the title track, kind of sticks out in my opinion, as it's the most black/death styled song on the album. Is this better than "Metal From Hell"? I'd have to say it's not. But that album is a true underground occult metal masterpiece that gains more of a cult following every year. So really, a comparison is unfair. It's like comparing the original Mercyful Fate releases to the ones they did after they reformed so many years later. It just can't be done, due to the high regard the originals are held in. But the simple fact remains that this album by Satan's Host is most likely the sleeper hit of the year and should not be overlooked.

- Metal Nightmare

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Metal Maniacs: CD Review -August 12, 2011

I'm bipolar when it comes to my music mood, one day it's obscure U.S. power-prog metal, doom, grind/crust, and the list goes on to include shit like 70's prog and Turkish psychedelic so when something catches me at the opportune time…it REALLY catches me as this one did.

This band is an insitution!!!! They've been around for decades, they have roots in essential 80's acts like Jag Panzer, and they somehow mix Mercyful Fate/King Diamond horror/Satanic themes and epic vocals with hints of classic 80's thrash in the riffs, and throw in a massive pile of classic Judas Priest here and there and that's in one fucking track!!!!! I'm not going to go into details on this one, there's no need to, if what's been said isn't enough to get your metal head saliva surfacing and your heart rate up then there's no hope for you. Just buy this fucker and experience it for yourself!!!! This one truly does HAVE IT ALL!!!!!

- Janet Willis (Defecation of the Divine)

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Scumfeast Metal 666: CD Review -August 12, 2011

A few years ago SATAN'S HOST played a gig at a local club and unfortunately I had to miss it. Yeah Black Metal gigs are tough for me especially on Wednesday nights. The club also serves as a practice space with various rental rooms in the back. Two friends of mine, whose band was practicing in the back that night, caught SATAN'S HOST's set. I think they were touring in support for their The Great American Scapegoat 666 release which came out in 2008. Anyway my friends told me it was a great set which I missed albeit hardly anyone was there. So listening to this new one, as well as 2009's Power Purity Perfection 999, is a constant reminder of greatness missed. For me the greatness of this band lies in vocalist Harry "Tyrant" Conklin who everyone knows from the Power Metal act JAG PANZER. (He goes by the name Leviathan Thisiren with this band) It's the power and range of Conklin's vocals (like a cross between King Diamond and Bruce Dickenson) joined with the music which makes this sound like MERCYFUL MAIDEN. Personally I'm not a big JAG PANZER fan, OK honestly I don't like em at all which is why I couldn't even review their newest long player this year but I like SATAN'S HOST. To me they're the dark side of the two headed coin and this head has the face of the beast on it.

By the Hand of the Devil is this band's best release by far in their long career which goes back to 1986. The clean arching majestic yet dark vocals laid upon the dark and dirty riffs with a solid rhythm section foundation which excerpts power. Guitarist Patrick Evil rivals Conklin's soaring falsetto vocals with his more cleaner melodic solos which are hot enough to cut steel. Certain cuts add background gang shouts that would be perfect for a crowded club audience to participate in. Yeah as long as it's not on a Wednesday night, right. There are a few newer bands these days who try to conjure up the ghost of MERCYFUL FATE. Some come close while others fail but mask it in their stage costumed theatrics. This is the only act today who are worthy to have their name mentioned in the same sentence with MERCYFUL FATE. Listen to Conklin's screams on the opening title track, "Revival", "Before the Flame" or on "Black Hilted Knife". I promise that you will turn to stare at your copy of MERCYFUL FATE's Black Masses 12", which you have tacked onto your wall (what doesn't everybody have there's up on their wall?) and ask "is it you"? OK that's pushing it .

This release breaks into many parts. The first half being more of a galloping classic metal structure with the second half starting out more heavier with songs like the previous mentioned "Black Hilted Knife" and "Revival". "Fallen Angel" has an almost thrashy URIAH HEEP feel to it. There's no keyboards of course but if they were to slip in some Ken Hensley Hammond organ in there it wouldn't hurt especially since Conklin sounds like he's conjuring up David Byron's best theatrical vocal prowess albeit from the darker side. Just to note Patrick Evil plays much faster than Mick Box ever could. "Inferior Worlds" is another tribute to 70's Heavy Metal cloaked in black. And if that's not enough for your sick twisted minds (think about it you are listening SATAN'S HOST people) there's a bonus track of the band covering "Norwegian Wood". Now I'm really sick of the BEATLES because I've been punished by hearing their music overplayed all of these years. But if memory serves me I do believe the lyrics are not "I once saw a church. Burn to the ground. Smoldering ash. I danced in the flames. Unleashing Hell. Sworn to Satan". What a way to end a record.

Rating: 5/5

- SCUMFEAST METAL 666

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Damned by Light: CD Review -August 10, 2011

Satan's Host has returned to the moods of their debut album "Metal from Hell" along with the return of their original vocalist Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin (known from Jag Panzer and Titan Force).

The band released numerous black metal albums with traditional growl-vocals between their debut and this album. The vocalist L.C.F. Elixir did an exemplary job on those albums, and I myself enjoyed his good articulation. Still, as a diehard "Mr. Tyrant"-fan, I have to say that I practically went crazy from joy when I heard that Harry will be making a comeback to Satan's Host. At last I got the album in my hands, and the question is: was it worth waiting for?

I think it was. The album is a hefty package of raw black/power metal with satanic themes, and it surely doesn't lack in blastbeats nor solos. The drumming is nearly impeccable, with almost machine-like precision. Someone might find the drum sounds too clean, and I might've wanted them to have a bit more rawness. There's nothing to complain about in the guitar- and bass-playing either. When interesting riffs are added to tempo variations, we're talking about a fascinating entity. The playing style hasn't really changed since the previous albums, so I believe that the songs would've worked well with the previous singer as well.

Harry's vocal performance is near perfection, from the clean high vocals to hoarser ones. He's the best heavy/power metal singer today, without question! My own favourites from the album are the blasting "By the Hands of the Devil," "Demontia" with its high amount of variation, and my absolute favourite "Fallen Angel." The Beatles-cover "Norwegian Wood" is a succesful and fun rendition as well.

Satan's Host doesn't settle for being a poor man's Jag Panzer, but represents a wholly different style direction, even though the vocals are of the power metal-styled, fairly high-pitch type. The album is a damn good package. I just would've wished the overall sound had more jagged edge and rawness.

Rating: 9-/10

- Trez

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Metal Review: CD Review -July 19, 2011

You like power metal, right? Who doesn't, after all, occasionally yearn for keyboards and wenches, widdly guitars and dragons, quintuple-tracked fake choirs and hymns in praise of the righteousness of the almighty George, Thunder-Unicorn Savior of the Realm of the Mead-Besotted Heaving-Bosom? Still, as unbelievable as it sounds, not everyone can get down with that brand of power metal, and perhaps even as you read these words a poorly blinked-back tear brushes your cheek at the memory of having been ruthlessly mocked for your pastel-colored collection of the soft stuff. Have no fear, friend: Satan's Host is here for you. With absolutely zero apologies to the wenches, dragons, and George the Thunder-Unicorn, Satan's Host is here not just to piss on your rainbow and set fire to your lute solo, but also to throw sand in the eyes of anyone who ever dared mock your Fairyland albums.

But now, a caveat: Having blithely and completely ignored the entirety of Satan's Host's career until now, please don't expect a finely nuanced comparison of where the new album fits into the band's oeuvre or any shit like that. Here's what can be said with all confidence, though: By The Hands Of The Devil absolutely screams Heavy Fucking Metal from every single pore, and is one of the most muscular, hard-charging, blistering riff-fests of the year. Oh, and have I mentioned Harry Goddamned Conklin? The man is absolutely on fire here, careening through a master class in perfectly-contained vocal theatricality, trading in glass-shattering high notes for venomously-spat lows, bright and clear tones for dirtier timbres, power metal belting for understated black/power rasping, and all on a fucking dime. Hell, his acrobatics are so seamless that he occasionally calls to mind Mercyful Fate even though he sounds nothing like King Diamond.

The basic musical blueprint is a thick, no-nonsense American style of power metal, but with plenty of punch added by extra-thrashy riffing, blast-beating, and minor-keyed tremolo riffs. It's not quite the truly blackened power metal of constantly-underrated Italians Stormlord, and really, connoisseurs of power metal might scoff at applying the label in the first place, given that there are enough nods to thrash, black, death, and generally extreme heavy metal throughout By The Hands Of The Devil to give the most meticulous genre-scribblers out there five hundred aneurysms. Nevertheless, power metal is the spine of this righteous beast of an album. In particular, if you belong to the huddled masses that have sworn fealty to the lords of old – think Helstar's Nosferatu, Jag Panzer's Ample Destruction, the first two Metal Church records, Iced Earth's Night of the Stormrider, and so forth – then Satan's Host may rightfully be the new ruler of your fiefdom.

The chorus to the opening title track is insidiously catchy, which is particularly noteworthy given the bizarre intervals of its melody. Make sure to spot the guitar's preview of the vocal melody in the pre-chorus; small songwriting flourishes like that are what elevate a good band to a great band. And make no mistake, this band is the real deal: riffs, vocal hooks, gnarly-ass Satanic lyrics, crisp and beefy production, tasty solos, and a metric shit-ton of attitude. "Shades of the Unlight" is effortlessly melodic and offers up some killer soloing before it even decides to get down to business, while "Demontia" tosses out some Maiden-esque "whoa-oh-ohs." The biggest change of pace comes with "Fallen Angel," which largely trades in the burly American power metal for a much more European style. Conklin peels most of the layers of grit from his voice to emerge with a bell-tone purity that complements perfectly the sprightlier, major-key melodicism. It may be the floweriest thing here, but don't think for a minute that turning Continental equates to wimping out, as the background flurry of blasting drums and tremolo guitar melancholia that dominates the last minute or two of the song launches early Edguy into Norway circa 1993.

To be fair, By The Hands Of The Devil is not a flawless record. Most of the songs go on for maybe a minute longer than necessary, and the album as a whole could have been trimmed a bit to maximize its impact. And sure, the cover of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" is only about half-inspired, and half-goofy-as-shit (although it must be said that rewriting the lyrics to encompass such lofty sentiments as "I once saw a priest / burn in the flames / of Norwegian wood" is untouchably badass), but y'know what? Satan's Host is approximately ten times more heavy metal than you or I on this record, and all of our petty quibbling bounces off its armor like so many acorns chucked at an aircraft carrier. There are better albums out in 2011, but there are none that will make you feel as big and strong as this album. Total metal wizardry.

Rating: 8.5/10

- Dan Obstkrieg

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Metal Believe: CD Review -July 14, 2011

Satan's Host are, without a doubt, one of the most original and underrated "artefacts" from the '80s to recently return from the grave in the 21st century, with almost half their discography released after 1999. While in their past releases they have gone into more black metal territory with growler L.C.F. Elixir, here comes "By the Hands of the Devil," with their old friend Leviathan Thisiren, effectively changing the sound entirely. The man is, basically, a combination of some of the greatest heavy metal frontmen of the 80s: Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, King Diamond with a little Messiah Marcolin on top for good measure. But he's also so much more than that - his role is of the utmost importance. His amazing tone and great versatility allows the band to traverse doom, thrash, black, death and old-school heavy metal almost effortlessly and combine them all into something all their own. Another interesting thing that allows the band great freedom is the fact that their very talented and technical guitar player, Patrick Evil, uses 8-string guitars which allow him to go towards really low, "evil-sounding" notes (other artists who use 8-string guitars include Meshuggah and Dino Cazares).

But aside from this novelty, does "By the Hands of the Devil" stand up as an album? Are the songs strong? I can say that they are, but they're also an acquired taste. As a listener, I must note that the record starts a bit slow and takes a while to get into the meat of things (I've found this point to be "Before the Flame"). The whole record is an exercise in nostalgia, as one can start going "Oh, there's Slayer, and Mercyful Fate, and Judas Priest, and Candlemass, and Sabbath, and Venom," and so on and so forth, but that's not a bad thing. So few have been the cases when a band the age of Satan's Host can bring something new to the table, at least they're bringing the old stuff with great gusto and with a strong sense of craft. It is very much a case of playing to one's strengths and allowing one's self to experiment, not just burn through 40 minutes of straight-up thrash or black metal.

The absolute surprise for me came towards the end of the album, and that is "Fallen Angel," which is a neo-classical, Dio-inspired straight-up '80s metal song that is catchy as all hell and a welcome change of pace from the uber-fast, satanic tracks up to that point. Dammit, I wasn't born in the 1980s, but somehow, I'm getting nostalgia trips listening to this album - which, again, is not a bad thing if it's done right. In this case, it is done perfectly - from the chorus, to the Maiden-esque instrumental bridge, to the harmonised solos. But if it would've been an 100% homage, it wouldn't've been so great, so the band infuse their own style and thus create something original, but familiar enough to be quite the metal anthem. When you couple this with the idea that's it's coming from a band with Satan in their name, it's all the more intriguing.

The main issues I find in the album, however, are the repetitious riffs and solos at times and the slightly unfocused songwriting. Some tracks also feel a little longer than they should, like the title track or "Before the Flame" or "Inferior Worlds."

To conclude, "By the Hands of the Devil" is an incredibly solid and surprising album, reeking of the best things about old-school metal and smelling of classical music that will please fans of both extreme metal and lovers of the classics. They deserve more exposure than they have! Definitely recommended!

Rating: 8/10

- Dan Niculescu

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Dave's Underground Laboratory: CD Review -July 14, 2011

I can't help but be amused by Satan's Host. One of the most mediocre melodic black metal bands ever to have eked out a "career" spanning over 20 years, past releases from Satan's Host that I've heard have ranged from the nearly unlistenable to the unintentionally hilarious. Then something happened. Well regarded melodic vocalist Harry Conklin rejoined the band after almost 25 years away. The result has been nothing short of cathartic as, all of a sudden, Satan's Host have taken a giant leap towards broad respectability with By The Hands Of The Devil.

By The Hands Of The Devil is a professional blend of melodic metal à la Iron Maiden or Dio with the trappings and speed of blackened thrash. Very well written, tightly played songs highlighting Conklin's soaring vocals cement Satan's Host as a force to join the ranks of bands such as Ghost, In Solitude, and Portrait, bands that are at the forefront of a retro, yet new and refreshing, form of dark, melodic metal for the masses. In fact, so good is this album, especially given the band's past, that I wouldn't be at all surprised to see By The Hands Of The Devil grace more than a few year- end Top Ten lists.

Make sure that you get your hands on the edition that ends with an unbelievable cover of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood," complete with a change in lyrics that all black metal historians will greatly appreciate.

Dave's Grade: A

- Dave Schalek

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Metal.TM: CD Review -July 11, 2011

Translated from German

There is so happy today predicted that the traditional heavy metal, as it emerged in the eighties, was dead. Not so far that no new high-quality publications exist (well, there are also listeners who see it that way, but we can now once again left out) - which this year was indeed refuted to satisfy - but that today, just for no space Innovation is here. Simply put, the classic heavy metal its limits have been reached. And yet there are always bands that put in it to tear down the limits of traditional metals and to position themselves somewhere in between. Earlier this year it was the Irishman from DARKEST ERA, with its excellent mix of worn Epic Metal, Folk and a dash of THIN LIZZY amazed so some offset. And now the Americans are trying SATAN'S HOST working to expand the boundaries.

They have since 1977 (with interruptions) SATAN'S HOST exist quite a few changes of direction behind him. On the abysmal produced debut "Metal From Hell", which is nonetheless viewed by some as a classic, yet they played heavy metal of the classical school. After resolution, unification, and singers played one change from the 1999 then released EP "In Articulo Mortis" Black / Death Metal of the American character. And now, 2011, appears with "By The Hands Of The Devil" a mixture, as it could hardly be more ambitious. After all this work trying to SATAN'S HOST the feat Norwegian black metal and classic heavy metal to connect.

What is already implementing ambitious reading is apparently even harder. Because at the first Hördurchgängen you know somehow not quite know where you are. Firstly, the skin-side fraction out incredible riffs, the other is at times drowned out by all the double bass, the riffs so this is a bit too much in the background. Also, the desired symbiosis of the two styles is proving difficult. For although the music is on "By The Hands Of The Devil" really can not categorize exactly what to say only that it is the men actually managed to position itself between the two styles, but somehow missing the last kick at the hearing. Of course, everything is made technically very good, as for example, are terrific, dynamic tempo changes, which are also well supported by the drums, or the relevant riffs and some very cool solos, but somehow does not want the spark so completely skip. This is because the songs seem forced at times too much in a corset, too much work to tempo changes here and there and are simply long-winded.

Also, production technology is "By The Hands Of The Devil" is a double-edged sword. Firstly, the whole is mixed well, only the drums are at times too much in the foreground, on the other one spoiled the production ANY black metal feeling, not simply because it somehow fits. To powerful and clear production. To this extent one could actually the album as Heavy Metal with Black Metal influences see, but what makes the aspect of the outbreak destroyed, but the album can stand in a slightly better light, since you do not rangeht with false expectations.

Observant readers up to this point should be noticed that I did not mention anything about the singing. This also has a good reason, because decency as the dessert is always presented at the end. And so it should be in this case also. Because of the vocals is none other than Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin (JAG PANZER, ex-TITAN FORCE). And just this has been the debut "Metal From Hell" altotajo and ventures now, 25 years later, again behind the microphone stand. And what can I say, the Tyrant seems to deliver one of his best vocal performances from all. Where "By The Hands Of Devil" now and then weakens musically, it's his voice that makes every (!) Song an adventure. Conklin only makes songs like "Before The Flame," "Black hilted Knife" or "Fallen Angel" two strikes to finish first. We have always felt that the instruments simply follow the voice of the Grand Master that he along with him. Because Conklin really covers everything from the album, from deeper layers up to incredibly high vocal screams, it's all represented. One should simply listen to one of the times above mentioned songs, and you will notice how much the album Conklin imprints its mark. The Lord shows here a dynamic and varied as they are rarely heard. And then sometimes when he goes into the higher vocal ranges, then probably almost everyone's jaw remains permanently below. Quite honestly, if not an album with John Arch was at the start, then I would be here speaking of the vocal performance of the year. Totally amazing how the Lord is with its 48 years so I really almost nothing you anything any current singer can stand in the shade. ! World Class

Rating: 8/10

- C. Titian

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Metalitalia: CD Review -July 10, 2011

Translated from Italian

After an entire career spent in the underground more pure and uncontaminated, the name of Satan's Host is suddenly leaped to the headlines when it was rumored back in formation of the legendary Harry Conklin behind the microphone. Let's say the return of the singer Jag Panzer had already played in bands at the time of their debut in 1986 with the good "Metal From Hell". The return of the singer has meant that the sound of our underwent a drastic change compared to the tracks by which he had funneled several years now: and then abandoned the extreme pretensions of the last album, where our men had staked everything on a proto-black death quite effective and Satan's Host recur to the public with a platter of pure American heavy metal, marked with concessions to the more complex and darkeggiante sound of Mercyful Fate. On the other hand Conklin's voice would be ill-adapted to the extreme latitudes and then the choice is ultimately turns out to be sensible and effective. This return to the roots in place by heavy American combo will give them more visibility certainly, though hardly able to take hold outside the small circle of enthusiasts. The music on "By The Hands Of The Devil" is a fairly good bill, although it is nothing transcendental fact, the structure of the various passages in the work tend to look a little like 'all and are strongly based on a rather varied guitar playing but much flattened on the canons of the genre. Here is an atmosphere that recalls both the late ottantiana Jag Panzer (as is normal) as the Sanctuary. The heavily Satanic inspiration that characterized the band's previous albums is here reproduced especially at opera, and musical characteristics are used only in some of the vaguely sulfurous darkest episodes, such as the excellent "Demonte". Conklin's voice is so called to give a solid songwriting definitely convincing but at times a little 'trivial. Harry pulls out his part exhilarating performance, insisting on medium-high tones that are his true forte. The album, taken some ingenuity too, would also have been excellent if it were not songs that last just too much (over six minutes on average) and arrive at the end is not an unimportant. Sure, it's always nice to hear the sound heavy with stars and stripes made by people who know by heart the matter, but perhaps preferred Satan's Host in their most crude and ignorant, and therefore more enjoyable and effective. That said, "At The Hands Of The Devil" is definitely a job well done and recommended to all lovers of the sounds listed above and re-captures a band that, thirty-five years after its birth, still wants to play heavy music in a their purest forms and pristine. Respect.

Rating: 7/10

- Luke Filisetti

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Metal Express Radio: CD Review -July 10, 2011

"Satan is laughing, spreads his wings". There is almost no chance that you guys didn't know that famous line from the godfathers of Heavy Metal. For those who are reading this line for the first time, it was written by Black Sabbath for the old "War Pigs" hit. The connection to Satan's Host is mostly directed towards all that surrounds Satan. It might be an obsession, but in a weird way it gave birth to a new evil along with powerful music that let it loose. By The Hands Of The Devil via Moribund Cult Records is not the first issue of Satan's Host and surely these guys can't be considered as the inventors of the wheel but they did make their mark on blackened Heavy Metal.

Satan's Host has always been a side project of the one called Leviathan Thisiren. Thisiren is actually Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin, the vocalist of the Jag Panzer/Titan Force fame. This project has been laying around since 1977 only to release a satanic debut in 1986 with Metal From Hell. Weird as it may be, especially after listening to their music, Satan's Host didn't release a thing before bands like Mercyful Fate or Venom that were, and still in the case of Venom, in the same vein as this band's morbid imagery. After Metal From Hell, and right before the release of the band's second album Midnight Wind, The Tyrant left to form the Heavy Metal band Titan Force. The band continued without him, yet, it was never the same. However, 2010 marked the hellish return of Leviathan Thisiren to the vocal post.

Aside from being respected from his ventures with Jag Panzer and the "on hold" Titan Force, Conklin gave back Satan's Host their rightful evilness. Although this guy is no Black Metal growler, the band with him, felt satanic in an atmospheric way, than it was without him. Moreover, with Satan's Host you might notice how truly powerful and diverse Conklin's voice really is. Some of the better works as "Black Hilted Knife" and "Revival" marked the importance of Conklin's return and his influence on the band's music. However, not only Conklin's return made an impact on this release. Conklin's crew on Satan's Host, in particular the band's constant guitarist Patrick Evil, played in a superb form. These guys were enormous in their playing abilities. Playing such powerful extreme Metal music along with undeniable Heavy Metal crackers is not a walk in the park and here their experience screams its guts out.

As for the evil themes, one can look to the past. Mercyful Fate and Venom, as examples, took their Heavy Metal music into a troublesome theme. However, that same theme was a part of Metal's history and foundation. The connection to Satanism is what usually black, evil, red and sinister were and in many ways one of the greatest interests of Heavy Metal. Those two famous bands gave classic NWOBHM the first groundwork of what we know as Black Metal. So you probably ask what is so important or what more is there to say about Satan or Satanism or anything like that? Well, quite a lot as it seems.

In the case of Satan's Host, especially on By The Hands Of The Devil, it was actually a Black/Death Metal, partially Norwegian, music, with both modern and old school twists, with clean, yet with an upstart melodic vocal pattern. This pack of devilish wolves destroyed with other amazing hitters as "Fallen Angel", "By The Hands Of The Devil", "Before The Flame" and "Inferior Worlds". Such an astounding mixture between classic Metal vocals and extreme sophisticated music is the band's most remarkable achievement. Although the entire material does not bring a ticket to hell and back, this release is the closest thing to a true marriage between heaven and hell, and not in the way Virgin Steele once put it.

Rating: 8.5/10

- LIOR "STEINMETAL" STEIN

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BloodChamber.de: CD Review -July 8, 2011

Translated from German

Worth when it comes to SATAN'S HOST is once again a glimpse into the history books started in 1977, the band released whopping nine years later, her pretty legendary debut album "Metal From Hell" on the Sangesgott Harry "Tyrant" Conklin, who had recently at JAG PANZER dropped out, was an impressive business card gave. The original pressing is the way today as one of the most sought after rarities in the entire U.S. metal area, and this only in passing. The band disappeared in any case shortly thereafter without a whimper from the scene, and Conklin celebrated only with TITAN FORCE, JAG PANZER later considerable success. Not until the late 90's picked himself up guitarist Patrick Evil SATAN'S HOST, and awaken fully backing Replaced team back to life. It emerged in the next decade at least five studio albums that were not fully appreciated by anyone outside the narrow band environment, and really the legacy of the force more bad than good management. Actually, the train left for the band was so long ago, but then suddenly in the last year of the Tyrant (or as he calls here: Leviathan Thisiren) on the mat to tie in with his childhood love at last the old days

And lo and behold, the new book "By The Hands Of The Devil" presents the master in top form and is expected to pass as one of the biggest surprises of the first half of 2011. The Tyrant has really pulled out all the stops here and sings with so much heart and soul, as I have long not heard from him - just great! The bulky, very hard heavy metal needs this enormous presence of the Americans but also to develop fully. Content SATAN'S HOST go under the name of the Satanic rail a la THE DEVIL'S BLOOD, GHOST, or BLOOD CEREMONY, nerves here but not with friable Hard Rock still a fine production, but tables instead we double bass, blast beats, sawing guitar walls and even a pig hot singers, and are therefore most likely still be legitimate heirs by MERCYFUL FATE - even if with such a comparison can only lose, of course.

But the fact is that sophisticated breakers like "Shades Of The Unlight", "Revival," the title track or the incredibly cool cover Beatles "Norwegian Wood" very well go to the Twelve, and show the competition problems, the long nose. SATAN'S HOST have reported back so impressively in the business and should be relevant to the clients listed quickly on the shopping list. This Leviathan Thisiren is thanks!

Rating: 8/10

- Michael Hauptmann

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Metal Kaoz.com: CD Review -July 3, 2011

There is only one solid fact here. A Metal album featuring Harry Conklin on vocals cannot be disappointing. One of the most charismatic - if not the most impressive - American singers in the entire Metal history is again here ready to devour our ears with his multi-talented voice in this new SATAN'S HOST album. Well, Harry may be mainly known via his works with fabulous Power metallers JAG PANZER but it should be state here that SATAN'S HOST is not a project but rather is the newest album of one of the oldest US Metal bands. Let's roll...

SATAN'S HOST was born in the mid-to-late 70s in Colorado by guitarist Patrick Evil, while Conklin (aka Leviathan Thisiren, back then) joined in after he firstly departed from JAG PANZER. Their debut "Metal From Hell" was released shortly after, offering lessons on how cult/underground occult furious Power/Speed Metal was played by non-commercial bands at the time. Pressed by a small independent label, "Metal From Hell" now is a scarce item for vinyl collectors; disbanding not more than a couple of years ago, SATAN'S HOST was reformed in the late 90s with a more evil image and music even crossing the Death/Black borders. Rare self-financed or obscure recordings added little in the old band's fame, but it was 2010 and the awesome frontman's return to the band's ranks that SATAN'S HOST's name begun circulating again.

"By The Hands Of The Devil" is the product of this reunion and I admit I was not waiting to listen again to stuff from this US act since their post-80s works did not have something exciting to offer for my taste. Well, this 2011 comeback sounds…diverse and…interesting. On one side it's the voice of this man sending shivers down your spine plus some classic American Power Metal elements in the music reminding of the supremacy of this genre. On the other side more extreme parts - even featuring blastbeats – come to conflict with the aforementioned sector resulting in a mix that surely needs lots of spins to be personally evaluated. What surely needs to be praised is the guitars work that actually sounds as 'Metal' as needed in today's bastardized music, plus the production which is thunderous and brings the eerie doomy atmosphere of the songs as forth as required.

We have VENOM, MERCYFUL FATE and JUDAS PRIEST making out with DEATH, DISSECTION and MORBID ANGEL in this album and this is not some truth distanced from the American band's recent past. Still, with some more notable numbers, a heavier but sharp sound and the precious addition of Harry Conklin, "By The Hands Of The Devil" stands out as the next best album of this unholy quartet after their 1986 debut. It is not a helluva comeback, but it surely can please both open-minded classic metallers and flexible extreme Metal aficionados. Warning: give it a multiple evilized try...

Rating: 7/10

- Grigoris Chronis

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Brutalism.com: CD Review -June 28, 2011

Of all the artists signed to Moribund Cult Records- known best for its acceptance of underground black and death metal- Satan's Host is probably one of the more prolific and well known ones. For once, they aren't black and death metal, so their sound tends to be unique when it stacks up against all the other things Moribund usually release which each have their differences, but can tend to have a rooted sound that is all similar. Despite Satan's Host turning for more of a black and death metal sound during the 90s, lately it seems they've been sliding back into their original heavy metal style they developed in the late 80s, and 'By The Hand Of The Devil' merges black metal blasphemous titles and lyrics with the rumbling and catchy hymns of heavy metal within the music. Tracks like "Shades Of The Unlight" and "Fallen Angel" sound almost along the lines of melodic metal or power metal much in the way of a band like Iced Earth. Despite their dark qualities, the music can be very upbeat and energetic at times in a positive way- especially when it comes to the vocals- which is basically the antithesis of how one would expect from black metal. So, for those who are hearing Satan's Host for the first time, it may take some getting used to the fact that these guys are on a more general black n' death metal label.

However, Satan's Host do feature a few 'black metal' parts within their music. Despite the switch throughout the years, one can still hear traces of snarls and growls within a track like "Inferior Worlds." It's not a strong presence, and often more in the background than the forefront of the music, but these little bits only add on to Satan's Host intrigue because without them some might consider them 'just another heavy metal band.' By merging both styles together, Satan's Host offer a unique blend of dark heavy metal that lives up to their history of being a pretty decent group ever since they made it in the 80s. The best track though would have to be "Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned..." as it is slow, foreboding, and different from everything else on the album, which helps make it stand out. The overall tone sounds like Pantera's cover of "Planet Caravan"- dark, haunting, and atmospheric- with how the vocals go for more of a mournful chant compared to the usual singing. It's not a ballad, but more of a gothic heavy metal eulogy. The guitars and drums are extra repetitive and quiet, but that helps adds heaps to the atmosphere. In fact, one could consider this kind of music more terrifying than any of the more blasphemous black metal artists that are on Moribund's label right now.

Rating: 4/5

- devilmetal747

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Metal Curse: CD Review -June 16, 2011

A little background is in order here. Satan's Host was started in 1986 by Jag Panzer's singer, Harry Conklin (under the stage name Leviathan Thisiren), when he decided to do something a little more Satan-positive. Less than two years later, after only one album (Metal from Hell) and an EP (Midnight Wind), he'd had enough, and left to join Titan Force (the band, I mean, not the team of misfits who pilot the Titan Maximum super-robot, which would have been much cooler). Everyone figured that Satan's Host was over. I mean it was his band and all. Well, him and guitarist Patrick Evil, who reformed SH in 1999 as a Black/Death Metal band with L.C.F. Elixir on vocals. Why did Patrick use the same name for what was stylistically a completely different band? No idea. And now, after more than a decade with five full-length albums, an EP and a DVD of Black/Death Metal, Elixir is out and Conklin is back in. And, yes, Satan's Host has returned to being Power Metal, or perhaps more accurately, traditional Heavy Metal with really aggressive drumming. What will they do when performing live now? Just not play any of the Elixir-era songs, which comprise the vast majority of the band's catalog? Or is Conklin going to Power Metalify them? I feel pretty safe in thinking that he's not going to try to sound like L.C.F. Elixir. All that aside, taken completely by itself, By the Hands of the Devil is solid Heavy/Power Metal, with a tremendous production and the aforementioned aggressive drumming helping Patrick Evil's riffs considerably. Conklin even does some interesting vocal tricks occasionally, like the excellent multi-tracking near the middle of "Before the Flame." The bonus track (unknown which versions/formats have it) is a kind of re-imagining of The Beatles "Norwegian Wood" that's so different from the original that I almost started a flame war on metal-archives.com for daring to refer to it as a cover song. I had a difficult time figuring out this album, but if you can tolerate Conklin's vocals, and don't mind the stylistic flip-flopping, it's worth the confusion.

Rating: 8

- Ray

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Hardrock Haven: CD Review -June 12, 2011

Translated from Greek

Long running, devil worshipping, American heavy metal crew Satan's Host is back with a new album entitled By the Hands of the Devil. It's the band's seventh studio offering, and it's generating a fair amount of buzz, due in large part to the return of original vocalist Harry "Tyrant" Conklin (of Jag Panzer fame), who hasn't appeared on a Satan's Host album since the band's cult classic 1986 debut Metal From Hell. The band has been active since that time of course, but Conklin's return gives the band a real boost.

As soon as the blistering title track kicks in, you know you're in for something special. The band had been going in a more straightforward black/death direction in Conklin's absence, but now that he's back their sound has taken a very Mercyful Fate-inspired turn to take full advantage of his considerable vocal talents. The blastbeats and neck-snapping speed metal riffing are still there; they're just accompanied by a powerful voice that runs the gamut from soaring, powerful wails to piercing screams to mournful intonations and even a good, solid death metal growl on occasion. Honestly, Conklin's performance alone is more than enough reason to buy the album, but it doesn't hurt that By the Hands of the Devil has high caliber musicianship, impressive production, well-written songs and a truly wicked cover image. And while the lyrics are suitably demonic, compared to the utter blasphemy of the average Norwegian black metal band, Satan's Host's brand of devil worship seems a bit contrived and almost quaint.

It seems pointless to list the album's best songs when they all kick ass like this, but if you're looking to sample the album's better moments "By the Hands of the Devil," "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" and "Fallen Angel" ought to me more than enough to seal the deal. And the band's sinister rendition of the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" is a fantastic way to close the album.

If you're one of the few die-hard fans who remember Satan's Host from their early days, hearing By the Hand of the Devil for the first time will be like rediscovering an old flame. If you missed the band the first time around (and you're in good company) and have been digging the resurgence of classic sounding, evil natured heavy metal that Ghost, Portrait and In Solitude, you'll want to add Satan's Host to your sinister playlists as soon as possible.

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.75/10

- Justin Gaines

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Rock Overdose: CD Review -June 2, 2011

Translated from Greek

The SATAN'S HOST is a project created by singer Harry "Tyrant" Conklin (Jag Panzer kaiTitan Force), 1977.To the band disbanded for some years, when he decided to go to Titan Force in 2011 and finds them epanasyndedemenous the Tyrant returns vocalist named Leviathan Thisiren used to match the style of the group.

Can the band name and title of the album refer to black metal situations, but ultimately what dominates this album is missing power heavy.Den course any such elements in some songs, you will find some black and some blastbeats vocals, but the dominant line style is aggressive Barbati dark heavy metal.

O guitarist Patrick Evil spreads debauchery riffs, that sometimes springs from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and others from contemporary black metal.Katafernei to combine comfort without excess hosts, and gives power to the tracks.

The voice of Harry "Tyrant" Conklin and deserve criticism, as it is known abilities, just here and enriched by a chorus that add more volume.

The rhythm section more than adequately transform the style of the disc and is not afraid to incorporate even death metal elements.

Briefly a disk will probably satisfy a wide range of listeners from all metal genres.

- Panos Warlord Bougalis

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Lords of Metal: CD Review -June 2, 2011

Well, you may now forget anything you have read from me in the last couple of years, concerning Satan's Host. The man that patiently told about the true nature and direction of the band, Eli Elixir, has stepped aside. I can't find the exact reason just yet, but his extreme vocal style has made way for the dark, but clean vocals of Harry Conklin. Where have you heard that name before? To start off, from the very early past of Satan's Host, but more likely is it that you associate his name with Jag Panzer, the band in which Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick once played in too. Conklin still continues to sing in Jag Panzer and in Satan's Host he goes by the name of Leviathan Thisiren.

The music knows the distinguishing elements of doom and death, replenished by hints of modern influences like black and even bits of grind, but the way Conklin fills it in, it makes it sound as if the whole character of the band has become a lot more open. Which you like better is still a matter of perceptions, but personally I must it took me some time to make the adjustment, but all together it is a combination that Works.

Rating: 79/100

- Ramon

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Metalattorney: CD Review -May 30, 2011

I have been a big fan of Satan's Host since discovering them a few years back. Of course when I found out about them, they were more of a blackened thrash metal band with raspy vocals and long, riff-driven songs. I was aware of their earlier material with Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin of Jag Panzer from the 1980's, but had not had the opportunity to check it out. Sometime last year, it was announced that The Tyrant was coming back to Satan's Host. I was not sure what to think. I like Jag Panzer, but I also like the blackened thrash output of Satan's Host. What was going to happen? What would I think of this reformation?

Well, to put it simply, this is a contender for Album of the Year.

Holy shit, this is a great album. This is very dark American power metal with some almost death metal style riffing at times. It is aggressive and nasty stuff. The guitar work by longtime guitarist Pat Evil is terrific. Whether it's a particularly heavy riff or an incendiary solo, Evil is truly an underrated guitar master. The guitar really drives the album, as is the case for all of the band's material. This is a powerfully melodic album but still remains dark enough to satisfy those fans of their previous sound.

The vocals are extremely impressive. Conklin has always had one of the best voices in American power metal, and now he brought it back to the darkness that is Satan's Host's music. It matches surprisingly well, even bearing similarities to Mercyful Fate's early material. His soaring style contrasts with the dark and heavy riffing, but it still just sounds great together.

I am particularly impressed with the surprisingly powerful "Fallen Angel", which will likely be among my favorite songs of the year by the end. It is an amazing song that sends chills down my spine.

There is still a lot of time left, but so far, this is the Album of the Year.

- Metallattorney

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MetalCore Fanzine: CD Review -May 26, 2011

SATAN'S HOST/By The Hands Of The Devil (Moribund Records) This band put out an album probably before a lot of you were even born and now they are back and this is one great release. They are not black metal as the name might suggest, but more of a power metal and metal style. They also throw in some thrash and heck it is just Satan's Host that's all. The band even got back to the original singer, who is in Jag Panzer and he shines on this with his clean, but aggressive (not deathcore) style of vocals. The music on this is like a breath of fresh air. Production on this is great and I love the cool and original guitar sound on this too. This some with the name, will lump in with all the black metal band's, but this is one of the best releases I have heard this year and is a great, original slab of Satan Host style metal.

- CHRIS FORBES

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Xplosive Metal: CD Review -May 26, 2011

Being in a band that has had a 34 year career span, having been around since the late 70's and still able to release a killer album is no easy task. Well you would almost think that it's near impossible to still have a flame left but Satan's Host make it all look too easy. This American metal band knows how to capture a U.K. sound. Signed to Moribund Cult Records, a label widely known for its Black Metal releases, the band has released an album that is a treat for all power, death and black metal fans.

Original vocalist Harry Conklin returns for 'By The Hands Of The Devil' with band mates Patrick Evil on guitar, drummer Evil Little Hobbit and Margar on bass. The combination of these musicians is faultless. Conklin's vocals soar louder and better then ever before. Teamed up with Patrick Evil's exalted riffs and shredderific solos you just can't go wrong. The rhythmic duo also does its share in creating an original yet established metal sound. The album did start off a bit slow for me but picked up by the third song 'Demontia' which is one of my faves on the album. Other tracks that caught my attention and an extra spin where 'Black Hilted Knife', 'Before The Flame' and 'Norwegian Wood' (definitely worth checking out!).

I really enjoyed listening to the album. 'By The Hands Of The Devil' is an hour's worth of crushing tunes that is absolutely necessary in all metal cd collections. Run out and pick up this album, you will not be let down.

- Caroline Restiaux

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Fine Print Magazine: CD Review -May 23, 2011

Twenty-five years after their timeless debut Metal From Hell, Satan's Host have reunited with original singer Harry Conklin for By the Hands of the Devil, a much-hyped return to their early sound after the band spent the last decade playing generic Norwegian-style black metal. (Then again, isn't it all?) By the Hands of the Devil might not measure up to the classic Metal From Hell, but it's a fine effort nonetheless – there's no question it's much better than anything else the band's done since then.

Metal From Hell was a truly unique mix of early thrash metal and U.S. power metal, topped off with one of the two best vocal performances Conklin's ever put to tape (the other being Jag Panzer's amazing Ample Destruction). Granted, the album was also hindered a bit by a truly atrocious mix, though it still managed to shine in spite of it. This time around, the production is much better – rather than a wall of indistinct mush, the instruments are all quite clear in the mix, and only the drums sound a bit processed. They're also the one real point of contention with the album.

Musically, aside from "Black Hilted Knife" (definitely the album's low point) bandleader/guitarist Patrick Satan Evil dropped most of the Norwegian BM influence … which can only be a good thing. The two main elements kept for By the Hands of the Devil are the triggered drums and frequent blast beats – more distracting than anything else and not really suited to some of the riffs they back – as well as a decent amount of double-picked guitar riffs. Melodically, though, they're a lot closer to classic power metal (i.e. not the the flouncy, cloying, saccharine bullshit spawned by Helloween's two Keepers albums) than corpse-painted Scandinavians singing about shit like frost-crippled treerealms.

The songs are solid – maybe a bit long for their own good at times, but overall standout "Before the Flame" feels much shorter than its eight minute length. There's a decent amount of variance between the songs here – not quite the schizoid approach on Metal From Hell, where you can expect something totally different from one song to the next, but enough that the lengthy album doesn't feel too repetitive. One of the main divergences is their tribute to Dio, "Fallen Angel," which skews far more towards the power metal side than anything else here, and to good effect. The bonus track, a cover of "Norwegian Wood" with the lyrics re-written about Norwegian BM church burnings, is more or less a novelty.

Conklin's vocals are much stronger than they were on the latest Jag Panzer album – not quite on par with Metal From Hell or Ample Destruction, but certainly better than most of what he's done in the decades since then, and that's no small feat. It's a truly great performance throughout the entire album, and almost all of his melodies are strong and memorable. Lyrically, it's more of the same Satanic occult schtick that the band have used from their formation – no surprise there, really.

Still, after a decade of indistinct black metal, By the Hands of the Devil is a damn solid return to form. Conklin's vocals and Evil's guitar playing are top-notch, and most of the songwriting really hits the mark. Recommended, so long as you snag the Metal From Hell reissue as well.

- Adam Douglass

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Metalholic Magazine: CD Review -May 19, 2011

When I saw the newest effort by Denver's Satan's Host come across my desk, it immediately caught my interest. I'll admit – initially it was simply because of the name of the band. But as I dug a little deeper and started listening, I realized that By The Hands of the Devil, which is the band's seventh full length album had much more to offer than just a cool and evil sounding name.

Production is crisp and clear on this album. Satan's Host features a veteran group of members, led by mainstay guitarist and founder Patrick Evil. Returning to the lineup after a stint in Titan Force is vocalist founding member Harry "Leviathan Thisiren" Conklin (Jag Panzer) and drummer Evil Hobbit. Says Evil of the reunited founders: "I felt that me and Harry had some unfinished business from before, and how things have progressed lately I felt now was the best time to go ahead and take this to a whole new level."

At the production helm is long time producer Dave Otero (Cephalic Carnage, Allegaeon) who has produced most of the band's work. Immediately noticeable, and a reminder that this used to be a power metal band, is Conklin's shrill vocals, with his amazing range taking front and center on this record. In counterpoint, Patrick Evil's guitar-work is reminiscent of Scandinavian black metal, featuring the fast-hand black metal style common to that genre. Hobbit's drums contain a healthy dose of blast beating, and are perfectly synced with the low-end rumble of Margar's four string.

Of the ten tracks on By The Hands of the Devil, only two clock in at under five minutes. The band kicks off this latest effort with the title track, a galloping piece that showcases Conklin's vocal talents backed by a flurry of double kick-drumming and speedy riffing.

The pace slows down considerably for "Shades of the Unlight" and "Demontia", before leaping back into the blistering eight-minute-plus "Before The Flame". This track is the centerpiece of the album – if there's one track that sums up what Satan's Host is about musically, this is definitely it.

We once again get a chance to catch our breath with a shorter piece entitled "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned". This could be considered the weakest track on the album; it is slightly repetitive and doesn't add much to the album as a whole.

If listeners are looking for the blacker side of the band, they will find it in the sixth track on the album, a piece entitled "Black Hilted Knife". This is slated to become the album's single. It is by far one of the heaviest tracks on the album, and once again shows off Patrick Evil's black metal style guitar-work.

Interestingly enough, the album closes with a Beatles cover, which one may think might not fit in on a record such as this, but amazingly enough it does. The band makes the classic "Norwegian Wood" their own, and this is what I consider to be one of the highlights on this album.

By The Hands of the Devil combines the majesty of power metal with the evil, raw presence of European black metal. Therefore, it will fit into the collections of a wide variety of fans. This album will appeal to fans of anything from Emperor, to Cellador. Once again, Satan's Host has done an admirable job of living up to their reputation as the bringers of "Metal From Hell".

Rating: 7.0/10

Notable Tracks – Norwegian Wood, Black Hilted Knife, Before the Flame

- Doron Beit-Halahmi

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Rottinghill: CD Review -May 16, 2011

Translated from German

In 1977, in Denver, Colorado started a band called "Satan's Host." In 1986, the debut album "Metal From Hell" and 1987 "Midnight Wind" EP. Only in 1999, reported back the Americans. And now 2011, they re-released with original singer Leviathan Thisiren (aka Harry Conklin, "Jag Panzer" and "Titan Force") together and have to "By The Hands Of The Devil" on a number of levels, incredible album.

Before the hearing I'm here to an underground black or death metal band, as is also usual for Moribund Records. All the more surprised I was when I got the first sounds of singer Leviathan Thisiren's ears. Clear vocals à la "King Diamond" or "Mercyful Fate", which I had not expected. However, what I had expected even less, was the music that is somewhere between einzukategorieren Black, Death and classic Heavy Metal. On one side are black metal riffs and blast beats, on the other hand, classical guitar work, melodic solos and the clean vocals just mentioned. Just for this unusual, yet fantastic mix of styles, the men working my respect and a fat increase in the valuation deserve.

Well, the style mixtures works, but the four Americans and what it takes to make it a good album? Yes, definitely! Vocally, there is really nothing wrong. Who classic heavy / power metal clean vocals like it is here have a field day. Yet this is Mr. Leviathan Thisiren so varied approach to the thing that it is a joy. At times his singing reminds me of Ronnie James Dio (RIP), then back to King Diamond or Rob Halford (Judas Priest), but does begin to sound for a copy of the three. He knows how to use his voice always fits and thus gives each of the ten pieces of his personal touch.

But musically, the band boasts some. Much of it is really fast to the point, Double Bass and Blast Beat very often on the menu. However, there were plenty of breathers incorporated into the songs to loosen the material is something that has managed this without any problems. Guitar technically you move it, as already mentioned, between the Black Death and classic Heavy Metal. Fast black metal-shredding makes it difficult to metallic staccato riffs and melodic solos. Best example is the song "Revival" is.

Add to that the rich, clear sound, which puts all the instruments in the right light, but fortunately it never looks artificial or even plastic.

Listen to as though I could actually call each song, especially I want to emphasize, however, "Fallen Angel", which reminds me in places to Mr Dio, and "Before The Flame". as a bonus track's way, a pretty successful and above all very independent "The Beatles' cover of" Norwegian Wood ".

Finally, I can only express a strong buy recommendation to friends of Heavy / Power Metal, which also appeals to a slightly harder, faster pace. Maybe I'll give a little more easily the highest mark, as some of my colleagues, but "Satan's Host" deliver really at Large, and that is certainly one of the best, most innovative and diverse heavy metal albums of the year, and have earned it so certainly . 10/10

- Florian Moser

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Jukebox Metal: CD Review -May 16, 2011

By The Hands of The Devil is Satan's Host's first new record since the 2009 return of founding vocalist and Jag Panzer front-man Harry Conklin, his first with the band since their 1986 debut Metal From Hell. Jag Panzer fans unfamiliar with Satan's Host's remit will be in for a surprise if they're hoping for more of the same from Conklin. His vocals are as strong and melodic as they've ever been with Panzer, but the music here is much harder and heavier, at times recalling Iced Earth, at others all-out thrash. On the more traditional-sounding tracks this works well, on others a similar mis-match in musical and vocal styles as occured on the Charred Walls of The Damned dominates. The title track gets unnecessarily fast while the vocal melodies remain reasonably slow, matching the original ominous riff, for example. Black Hilted Knife and Inferior Worlds are basically thrash tracks, and Conklin tries his best to match the style, but his voice just isn't suited to it (he does a terrific job on Inferior Worlds all the same). Nevertheless the album maintains a very coherent feel and pace throughout except for track eight, Fallen Angel, which adopts a completely different style and guitar sound to the rest of the album, and sounds like it could be a Dio cover with much higher vocals. The limited edition of the album also features a closer which is also a little out of place, being as it is a re-working of The Beatles' Norwegian Wood, complete with new lyrics about a burnt-down church and a distinctly Devin Townsend feel. It has its minor problems, but By The Hands of The Devil is a very solid pure metal release, and a very heavy one. It's possibly Satan's Host's best album for a while, and certainly a lot stronger than Jag Panzer's latest effort. 4 / 5

- Andy Lye

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Vehement Conjuration: CD Review -May 16, 2011

Having gone through various phases during its lengthy career, from the classic heavy metal of late 80s to the blackened death metal of late 2000s, Satan's Host is now back with the original singer from Metal from Hell era, namely Harry Conkling. The result on By the Hands of the Devil is something like a mix of the two previous approaches, combining the darkness and Satanism of black metal and heaviness of death metal with Conkling's clean heavy/power metal vocals.

And quite an interesting and successful combo it is. There are few bands who truly interest me in the field of power metal singing, but when it's mixed with the utterly dark instrumentation and atmosphere, it all works. The eponymoys "By the Hands of the Devil" makes sure of this already with its adventurous song progressions and epic chorus. Other noteworthy mentions of the album's first half are "Demontia" and the interlude-of-sorts "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned", the latter being a hypnotic, ritualistic and beautiful wandering amidst clean guitars and tom drums. I'm not able to spot as good tracks on the second half, but The Beatles cover "Norwegian Wood" is a little surprise there, being an upbeat and folkish piece with church burning lyrics. I drank of the blood, Dark Lord Satan...

With a modern and in-your-face clean production, and an overdose of rather clinical and unnecessarily precise blast beats, By the Hands of the Devil might not have the charm of the scruffy Metal from Hell that I personally really like, but this album is clearly a well-thought whole that maybe runs for a little too long, but comprises some quite damn good compositions nonetheless. This could turn into a vital record for some of those who merely enjoy the most extreme of metals and despise classic high-pitched clean singing, because his/her opinion might just change after hearing By the Hands of the Devil. The album has been in relatively frequent rotation and will continue to do so - a sign of a good record. 3 / 5

- Vehemency

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POWERMETAL.DE: CD Review -May 9, 2011

Translated from German

The cult band to Evil Patrick and Harry Conklin invents an impressive synthesis of BM and U.S. Metal.

If active for over thirty years of band that once in 1986 published an underground classic with a cult singer afterwards but moved a long time with a completely different oriented vocal acrobats in style foreign climes, suddenly gets the idea, the old singer back to and to get a fresh start, that can properly go into the trousers. So I was with all the excitement a little skeptical and not optimistic, was considered for the "Keep It True XIII" announced in 2010 that Colorado's proto-black metal band SATAN'S HOST with none other than Jag Panzer Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin alias "Leviathan Thisiren" climb on stage and would be making a comeback. When then confirmed, was that a new album is planned, the emotional roller coaster ride was all the greater. Will the band take the grim black metal style of the very successful five albums of the last ten years, all on board and start a retro project? Will they teach the Tyrant, the growling? If it is a caricature of her ancient self, or raises it while trying to create something new?

Well, the appearance as such made me hope for the quartet from the Rocky Mountains seemed to find the happy medium and find. The legacy of the classic "Metal From Hell" quite mindful presented, the band still hard, merciless and extreme, to bear the royal singing one of the best singers of all time. My excitement and anticipation grew for the new album by the astronomic, and now that I "By The Hands Of The Devil" is already more than thirty have heard, I realize that my expectations are once again significantly exceeded. This disc creates it in unexpected perfection, the extreme influences that characterized the band in the last twelve years, to connect to the extreme and innovative at that time also, but today as a classic style of the eighties in force as if they are always together.

The key to the functioning of this fascinating synthesis is the unique guitar playing of Mr. Patrick Evil, which in 1986 - went unnoticed largely because of the poor sound of the album - some of which took a taste of what would later characterize the second black metal shaft: shimmering and Strumming whirring, the homage of the tritone, of course, all combined with structures and riffs that could be like them not for the classic, slightly thrashy U.S. Metal typical. Add to this the massive, hard accent, well produced in modern percussion Anthony Lopez ', not being afraid to use in traditional engineering circles often skeptical eyed black metal style elements such as blast beats. However, not only is worked and geblastet, but also worked with traditional, relaxed and worn passages. Once more, the perfect synthesis of exciting and songwriting throughout.

The ten pieces of the disc manage to permanently keep the voltage at a level that is not of this world. Even the many six-, seven-and eight-minute pieces are so versatile composed to be no dull moment. Looking at the beat of the CD player one is always surprised how long is the song already. Whether it is the massive, black metal title track at the beginning of the album, the superb, wonderfully melodic DIO tribute 'Fallen Angel' or the Beatles cover malicious wink at the end: Each piece is a hit! Who is the last JAG PANZER disc still asked if Harry Conklin has forgotten the high, blood-curdling screams or left out intentionally, gets to 'Shades Of The Unlight' an answer that has washed up: from bell-like screams of the very old schools, to this wonderfully contrasting shouts in the Lord shows Conklin here all his talents and versatility that you could want from a Metal singer only. It is simply unbelievable what this man is everything!

In 'Demontia' the band is working with thrash riffs bulldoze everything, contrast perfectly with the melodic bridge and run into the groovy chorus. The wonderfully dramatic Achtminüter 'Before The Flame' connects doomy elements with a healthy dose of blackness that degenerates towards the end in hellish frenzy before the relatively short and evocative repetitive 'Bleeding Heart Of The Damned' the listener a little time there to breathe. By relentlessly nasty, sometimes furiously fast, and live incredible Screams 'Black hilted Knife' is then tightened fully when 'Revival' in the positive sense of hysterical, mystical and oppressive represents and finally said before, in its structure and strong in the vocal lines reminiscent of Ronnie James Dio 'Fallen Angel' marked another high point. 'Inferior Worlds' is playing again with great mood swings between worn and grim mid-tempo speed bursts, which are never lost in unmelodic areas.

In summary therefore, I still managed to say is that SATAN'S HOST, "By The Hands Of The Devil" a throwing of a reach is that I would in a traditional heavy metal-oriented barely contained possible. There the band actually found something new to create something unheard of to which has not yet ventured into this result and the implementation of this brilliant yet no one could. Patrick, Harry and their team join the classic US-Metal with his traditional attributes with modern, but unobtrusive production with subtle, but undeniably noticeable black metallic elements of style as a synthesis of these genres would be the most natural thing in the world. By SATAN'S HOST, it is just that: a completely natural-looking bridge the gap between itself very remote locations. Thus, the quartet creates something truly new, and the instrumental and vocal on a truly impressive level, which is why for me would be anything but a top score of mockery. Especially accurately, the two genres involved here are my favorite musical home. Note: 10.0 / 10

-Rüdiger Stehle

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Blistering.com: CD Review -May 9, 2011

Talk about a coup. Re-enlisting current Jag Panzer singer Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin in the Satan's Host ranks was a stroke of genius, making an already potent band, even more potent. Indeed Conklin fronted the band in the mid-80's after Jag Panzer broke up, going on to start the shortly-lived Titan Force before re-forming Jag Panzer, but hearing him in this not-so power metal context on By the Hands of the Devil is quite the happening.

The slippery slope that is combining clean vocals with extreme metal is navigated effortlessly here, as Conklin's trademark falsetto and pitch choices fall right in line with the band's ominous chord movements and eerie melodies. When thrust up against frenzied blast-beat portions like on "Before the Flame," Conklin sounds very comfortable, able to use the more throaty elements of his voice that are often overlooked in Jag Panzer. On "Revival," Conklin channels the Satanic ghost of Don't Break the Oath-era Mercyful Fate, while on the spooky "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" and "Demontia," he's downright mystical. Again, a real coup.

Aside from the pummelling extreme death metal Satan's Host has been purveying since their re-activation in the late 90's, a healthy dosage of 80's metal goes down here, with cuts like "Fallen Angel" (where Conklin does his best Dio) and "Norwegian Woods" demonstrating guitarist Patrick Evil's deft composition and melodic ability. Best of all, this doesn't sound remotely like a power metal, or Jag Panzer album.

How this album is able to successfully toe the line between all worlds of extreme metal is a marvel, and we're not exaggerating. By the Hands of the Devil is too good to go unnoticed, and is a rare commodity because of its usage of all clean signing in the context of aggressive metal. Thirty-four years (!) into the game, Satan's Host continue to improve with age. They're like fine wine, of the most evil kind. Whatever that is. Killer stuff, this is. [8.5/10]

-David E. Gehlke

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Obliveon: CD Review -May 6, 2011

Translated from German

Now buy it now! Point. Now for all SJetzt immediately! Point. For all the skeptics who remain still and read on, I say why: The time seems to have come of old warhorses, the surprise now with albums on the scene, as in the case Flotsam & Jesam, Hell and Accept. Sun versa Sangesgott Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer) back to his old band to Denver, Colorado, where he had sung in 1985, the debut album. And they create with adept Ultra Speed ​​Galoppdrumming, tempi changes, panic riffs, fantastic leads and still catchygeren choruses than a grenade Jag Panzer album that does it all. Specifically, is particularly striking that Mr. Conklin already in the opener (title track) demonstrates remarkable all the octaves of its gold throat. The high level of the songs holds together with its rapid pace until the end, apart from slower parts in "Shades Of The Unlight" and the hit "Fallen Angel", but again and again by the experienced death metal drumming by Evil Hobbit, so is the name of the artist are held up. Regardless of the degree of threshed speed I hear here and there even a Doom-Part. I think I'm turning right through completely. Finally, I mention the kick ass black metal rhythm section in "Inferior Worlds" .... Awesome! For the perfect cover to Joe won Petagno (Motörhead and Marduk), and for fat production, Death-producer Dave Otero responsible. Such a mix of Death (Blast Beats, bass, riffs) and old-school (Melodic Power) Metal (lead and vocals) is not like any band I know. Is there one, it would be measured from now on this album. "By The Hands Of The Devil" should heave in the band so far not reached heights, and Harry Conklin even closer to Ronnie James Dio's throne. The Intermezzo "Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned" has indeed an interesting rhythm, but comes over to monotonous, for which I disconnect half dots. For those who do not bother, this is an overwhelming ten-point album. It also changes the devastated Cover Beatles "Norwegian Wood" as a bonus track anything. Record of the year. Buy now, however! Rating 9.5/10

- JX

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Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles: CD Review -May 6, 2011

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, SATAN'S HOST release their ninth studio album and welcome back their original vocalist, Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer), into the fold. Definitely not fitting into the standard uber black/death mold of the majority of the Moribund roster, Satan's Host instead delve in the extreme power metal idiom, with hints of black, death and doom inserted judiciously to keep even the hardest of bangers engaged. Very much a diverse and unique album, the veterans have succeeded in creating a well written release that is timeless in its appeal (similar to Grand Magus' recent Hammer Of The North opus). Accolades go out to drummer Anthony Lopez, who pummels the heck out of his kit, creating a welcomed edge to the sound, and to the returning Conklin at the mic. From clean to crazed King Diamond gymnastics to gargled growl to Halford-ian squeals, his inclusion here proves to be an inspired decision which sends this album skyward. Evoking memories of Candlemass, Priest, Maiden, Mercyful Fate and a host of others, By The Hands Of The Devil is a stellar album that should be embraced by both the old and new guards. (Note: Includes an over-the-top version of Norwegian Wood that has to be heard to be believed.) Rating 8/10

- Chris Tighe

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NeckBreaker: CD Review -May 4, 2011

Translated from German

In 1986 an album was released on which to this day the spirits of divorce ... SATAN'S HOST's debut "Metal From Hell" is loved by some underground activists, but also by many especially because of the grottig sounds (if it can even call it that) only smiled wearily. Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin contributed the vocals to the album on Metal US-/Power, but in the meantime, the band recorded several records with Growlgesang and style correction in the direction of Death / Black Metal. At last year's Keep It True Festival, there was the reunion with probably the best Metal singer who walks the earth. The "Tyrant" or as he called for SATAN'S HOST - "Leviathan Thisiren" - convinced ago and it was already played two songs from the new album. Now the wheel here and goes by the name "By The Hands Of The Devil".

The opener is also the title track that goes off pretty fast with blast beats and high-speed black metal Geriffe. He does not ignite on first hearing, but after a few Hörgänge is a piece from the only cool. Conklin's voice alone has no peer. The high screams, for which he is known at the end of the song coupled with the rapid instrumentation bring to mind an almost! Meanwhile, gang leader slams Patrick Evil and heavy riffs from his guitar in coffin shape, thus ensuring plenty of variety. But the band works a lot with atmosphere, such as the smooth intro to "Shades Of The Unlight" or "Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned". Particularly suitable even comes Harry's variable organ, which also has heat as power to completely convincing in quieter passages. Bids will remain many guitar melodies that do not wear out quickly and still hang in the ear.

In addition to the targeted set screams, there's also often shouts or sometimes even growls, which work especially in super exchange. Even the guitar solos are very successful, because a lot of feeling is in the game by Patrick Evil. The last year already live demonstrations of "Black hilted Knife" (more like death metal heavy, and later powerful stomping) (!) And "Norwegian Wood", a Beatles cover (epic-rocking Black Metal with sharp vocals) fell very good. A summoning ritual you feel when equipped with hypnotic chorus "Revival" recalls ... "ThiSiren" more than lives up to its name! "Fallen Angel" might actually come from a JAG PANZER the last albums. Catchy chorus and a great U.S. Metal riffs, coupled with rich drumming.

SATAN'S HOST delivers with "By The Hands Of The Devil" from a killer album that suggests that they were not in this form. Crunchy guitar leads take on pumping bass lines, drums and thunderstorms Schrammel riffs in perfect harmony with a devilishly good song. In the first few rounds of the clear-present drum sound disturbs a minimum, but he actually fits well with the rest of the production, the gaudy, but not over-produced sounds. These days it's hard to create something new that really grabs the listener, but SATAN'S HOST've made it with your combination of Black, Death, U.S. and Heavy Metal. The piece offers enough variety of tempo changes, have bad sound, but also quiet, melodic passages and easily connect ass! ANYONE who complains to Heavy Metal fan should give this album its own! Rating: 9.5 / 10

- Kevin

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From the Dust Returned: CD Review -May 2, 2011

Harry Conklin is keeping his calendar full in recent months, first with the ended hiatus of his mainstay Jag Panzer, and now by rejoining his sinister alter consciousness Satan's Host. Now, while the Tyrant has not fronted the band since their unsung classic debut Metal From Hell in 1986, the Colorado cult has hardly been inactive. At least not since the other members got their shit together at the turn of the century and released a string of albums that flew below the radar of many. Titles like The Great American Scapegoat 666 (2008) did display some ardent potential, but with Conklin back in the fold, they're a far closer approximation to their former, glorious and blasphemous selves.

Obviously, through the gulf of 25 years, studio production capabilities have advanced readily, so this is a far cleaner aural visage than Metal From Hell itself. But despite that, there are clear differences between this and Jag Panzer. Conklin explores the same general range and pitch as he has for the past decade in that better known entity, but the musicians marry this to a more malignant mixture of traditional heavy, power and even the occasional melodic black metal outburst ("By the Hands of the Devil", "Black Hilted Knife"). The guitars are far more potent and less processed than, say, Scourge of the Light, but they're not without their own melodic distinction, fused into the thundering footwork and campy occult lyrical concepts. What's more, the band will erupt into these climactic sequences like the gang shouts of "Demontia" that will force every non-poseur in miles to suppress an impish grin.

The depths of this album are simply loaded with memorable, arching vocal hooks ("Inferior Worlds", "Fallen Angel") and escalating overtures ("Norwegian Wood", "Revival") that will easily support your investment, and what you're left with is a beautiful osmosis of classic 80s Jag Panzer and Mercyful Fate, which, if you've got even the faintest shred of dignity or taste, will initiate an abyssal erection a quarter century in the making. For Conklin to reintegrate himself so effortlessly back in this long submerged outfit is a miracle in of itself, but to then produce a work superior to anything he's written with Jag since Ample Destruction is mind boggling. By the Hands of the Devil is very easily recommended to anyone who appreciates dynamic, memorable heavy metal basked in a hellish undertow. Now to cross my fingers that I don't have to wait 25 more fucking years for this to happen again. I may have lost my hearing by that point, if not my life. Verdict: Win [8.5/10] (one voice has stood defiant)

- autothrall

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Apoch's : CD Review -May 1, 2011

Satan's Host originally started out as a late eighties Heavy Metal act. Among the list of members was vocalist Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin on vocals, later known for his time with the band Jag Panzer. However, by the time the band's second album was due out, Harry left to work with Titan Force, and the band split up. In 2000, Satan's Host had been reborn and released Archidoxes of Evil, adorning a more traditional Black/Death Metal approach. While fans will know this history already, some may not have known that Harry Conklin has returned to Satan's Host as vocalist, joining bassist Marcus Garcia, drummer Anthony Lopez, and guitarist Patrick Evil to belt out some more blackened Heavy Metal madness. But, with the established concepts of what Black Metal is today, is there really any room for this incarnation of Satan's Host?

The band has always been known for long track and album lengths, and By the Hands of the Devil is no exception, clocking in at just shy of fifty nine minutes, ten tracks long. For the most part, the album is a very interesting mixture fo traditional Heavy Metal compositions with some of the staple foundations of Black Metal. The title track "By the Hands of the Devil" starts off the song, and it's honestly not the best start for the band. It seems as if the music had been composed prior to Harry's return, and the band still wanted to use it. The vocals feel completely out of place against the prodominantly Black Metal musical backdrop, as well as come off being a bit too over the top in the first place. The song feels more like a Progressive Metal song as well, perhaps is a band like Communic had decided to compose a heavily Black Metal influenced release. Luckily the music starts to take a more Heavy and Power Metal approach after this track to better suit the new vocal style.

But some tracks do wind up working out better then others. As the title track feels more an endurance test, wanting to skip past it only a short ways in, "Before the Flame" becomes one of the most impressive tracks for this release. The song seemlessly blends Heavy Metal and Black Metal together with the right amount of Power Metal vocals that feel a little restrained, but in a good way, best suiting the music without conflicting the music being played entirely like the title track. The music here continues to build from the start, it has plenty of strong, fast, and sinister passages musically that are simply fantastic, and everything just feels right about this epic, yet rather sinister track. It also has enough changes to the music and extra elements added, such as a random gutteral-distortion added to the vocals as they build up to that sort of moment, leaving the listener wanting to sit through the entire eight minute song without a problem. "Black Hilted Knife" also comes off like this, though the music definitely has a stronger Black Metal presence, and at times even an old-school Stoner Rock vibe that could be contributed to acts like Black Sabbath in some of the slower bridges performed. The song shows a fantastic vocal range that, again, doesn't go over the top, and the music really works with it to cast an epic Heavy Metal atmosphere to the song while still creating a darker atmosphere, though this time not necessarily sinister, but more dark and mystical, almost ritualistic and occult-like. The vocals also hit a rhaspier traditional Black Metal style in a chanting formation after you hit the half way mark of the song, which aids that atmospheric overtone, and lasts for quite a while without the band overusing it thanks to the music that seperates the two sets of chanting.

This is practically like a night and day difference. From "By the Hands of the Devil" into "Demontia", the album seems to really take itself in the wrong direction. These tracks feel like they last forever, and with the title track you'll constantly be checking to see if the song ended, only to find that sensation of it lasting forever is literally the song feeling like it'll never end and hasn't done so yet. The vocals are often too much and really feel too far over the top, and clash horribly with the music that seems to know the direction it wants to go, but just ultimately doesn't work out and becomes rather bland. The vocals also seem to stick to one annoying approach of being a higher style with no letting up, hence the over the top aspect, and it really just starts to anger the listener due to the lack of range and how off they feel against the music in a Progressive sense that was performed in a way that even Progressive acts wouldn't use. Even fans of Harry from other bands will be fed up with his performance on these tracks, and fans will more then likely want to just remove the material entirely from whatever media device they are using to play it. "Demontia" seems to show the band starting to get their act together though, as the songs do seem a little more compatable with Harry's vocals, which seem to start toning down here, but not by much. Again, it's at "Before the Flame" where everything starts to work out well, and we're given plenty of great tracks full of energy, sinister, or ritualistic overtones that accentuate the best of the group's Black Metal and Power Metal worlds.

The only song that comes after "Before the Flame" that doesn't really seem to do much is "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned". The song clocks in at three minutes and forty three seconds, much shorter then any other song on here, and you can tell it isn't meant to be a typical song like "Before the Flame" or the lighter, more Heavy Metal inspired "Inferior Worlds" with a seven plus length, or any of the other shorter tracks here. Instead this song doesn't really seem to go anywhere and becomes more like an interlude or pause in the madness that both of these styles create for this recording. The music feels more somber and reflective then anything else, though the drumming does incorporate a bit of a tribal feel with some low, deep clean singing. In a sense, it feels a bit like listening to a Danzig song, though the vocals aren't as deep, and there's not as strong a Rock sense to the music. When it does pick up, it just feels like it picked up because of a natural progression in the performanced, but again, it never feels like it reaches it's final destination, now does it feel like it's part of the following track, "Black Hilted Knife" either. There is, of course, "Norwegian Wood", a song that closes out the album and actually feels very out of place, and it should, because the song is a Satanic parody of the song "Norwegian Wood" by The Beatles, being about the church burnings, and it's actually quite a horrific tale which includes a priest being burned alive in that church that the main character of the tale admits to setting on fire, watching happen, then dancing to the blaze.

Given the strong closing track "Norwegian Wood", it's pretty evident that it's lyrics may upset some strong Christians out there, but if one happens to be listening to a band called Satan's Host, either he/she has a sense of humor, or lost their faith in the first place. Aside that, the track is quite enjoyable, though out of place, and in interesting take on such a classic. By the Hands of the Devil is a truly genuine piece of Metal, and the band manages to nicely blend together the Black Metal and Heavy Metal influences that the members have worked with throughout much of their careers. The only problem is the first three tracks feel like a test of willpower and endurance, making you want to swear off future Satan's Host releases, as well as even Jag Panzer. However, when those three are done, the album picks up, becomes a much more solid effort, and an album that will leave a lasting positive impression on the listener, tarnished only by a few songs. Rating 7.5/10

- Unknown

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Metal Psalter- Don Rottenbucher: CD Review -May 1, 2011

After releasing the career-defining Power ~ Purity ~ Perfection… 999, Colorado's Black Metal underground legends Satan's Host lost long-time vocalist L.C.F. Elixir. The band quickly found a somewhat shocking replacement with the return of original vocalist Leviathan Thisiren. Thisiren is better known as Jag Panzer's Harry Conklin and was Satan's Host vocalist on their Satanic Power Metal debut, Metal From Hell. The difference between Elixir and Conklin is night and day and imaging Conklin's range to soar over the band's trademark Thrashy Black Metal would seem a bit out of place. But on By the Hands of the Devil, Satan's Host doesn't even look to the past, they continue on with Conklin giving his career-defining performance.

The opening title track shows that Satan's Host did tweak their style slightly to allow room for Conklin's abilities. However, the tweak is actually a logical progression for the band as they have, since 2006's Satanic Grimoire: A Greater Black Magick, continued to expand their Black Metal style to incorporate more complex structures, heaps of melody and Doom-drenched riffs. "By the Hands of the Devil" continues the progression, relying heavily on juxtaposing Doom riffs and blasting passages while Conklin stretches his range, from snarling growls to even blowing past young Halford-heights towards the end of the song. "Shades of the Unlight" starts out slow, building the riffs while Conklin soars. The track eventually picks up to a Blackened pace. Again, Conklin will turn heads by adding snarls and Satan's Host shows that Black Metal can be melodic and not lose any of its bite. "Demontia" throws in some seriously Doomy riffs and growling chants into the formula while "Before the Flame" teeters somewhere between Iron Maiden and Immortal. "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" clearly channels Black Sabbath's "Planet Caravan" in both mood and style. The slower, haunting passage quickly leaps into the assaultive "Black Hilted Knife." Conklin really stretches his vocal chords with some of the high notes but also finds room to growl and snarl while guitarist Patrick Evil rips out riff after riff. The spectacular track moves effortlessly between Black, Traditional Metal and Doom and makes for one of the finest moments on the entire disc.

Satan's Host really pushes the genre's envelope with "Revival" and "Fallen Angel." Both tracks employ much more melody than the majority of the material on the album. While "Revival" is still a Black Metal song at heart, the undulant riffing, heaps of melody, shredding and Conklin's performance push the song into uncharted territory for the genre. "Fallen Angel," on the other hand, shifts from the Black Metal foundation and employs a much more traditional Metal slant. While Conklin commands the track, the real star is Patrick Evil who lays down some seriously jaw dropping riffs, melodic hooks and solos.

"Inferior Worlds" gets back to the more Blackened material with much more sinister riffs and even a great, haunting atmosphere. Conklin expands his use of the snarled vocals while the band shows they aren't afraid to really experiment with several tempos. A twisted cover of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" closes out the disc. Completely Blackened and with new lyrics about the church burnings from the members of Black Metal bands in the 90s, the song closes an intense album with a bit of humor.

If anything, By the Hands of the Devil shows that not only is Satan's Host a class act, but also able to effortlessly weather a significant change in vocal styles. Fans of the band's previous albums will undoubtedly be a bit thrown off upon first hearing Conklin, but by the second song, it's pure Blackened bliss. Satan's Host now has the ability to reach beyond the Black Metal genre and will undoubtedly ensnare fans of bands like Forbidden and Nevermore while still appealing to those that like Waitan and Dissection. Not only has Satan's Host completely outdone and redefined themselves musically here, Harry Conklin gives the vocal performance of 2011. By the Hands of the Devil is easily one of the best albums of the year. Absolutely essential. Rating: 5/5

- Don Rottenbucher

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Metal Psalter- Chris: CD Review -May 1, 2011

Underground legends Satan's Host might very well be one of the first U.S. metal bands to incorporate satanic imagery into its music. Sure, Coven predated this concept by nearly a decade, but for Satan's Host has been around since the late 70's and has always painted a very dark picture of evil in its music. From the mid-80's offerings of Metal From Hell and Midnight Wind, the band has maintained a staunch following below the surface and shows that the years haven't seen the unit let up a bit.

By the Hands of the Devil is the latest entry in the black book and it's a welcome hybrid of 'traditionally-black' music just a few notches above the NWOBHM sound, yet relevant and solid enough to warrant inclusion among the likes of Venom. That said, Satan's Host can certainly handle its instrumentation far more prolifically than the Newcastle counterparts; sharp guitar riffs and the familiar booming Harry Conklin vocals make this latest release well worth the wait. While former vocalist L.C.F. Elixir did a fine job commanding the helm, nothing beats the Conklin doomy crooning that usually ends with a falsetto note or two from Hell. Dare I even venture to say, he sounds better now than he did 20-years ago? While I really enjoyed The Great American Scapegoat 666 from 2008, the foray into black metal, while good, was along the lines of your typical black thrash. It seems a return to form is just what the metal fan ordered, and Host delivers it with a mine shaft cart ride straight into the abyss of evil. I love this album after two listens and it exceeds personal expectations above and beyond.

At times it's difficult to believe this band hails from Colorado, but Host indeed ventures up from the abyss of…Denver. Geographic anomalies notwithstanding, the early 80's U.K. sound is all over this record, especially in "Before the Flame", which feels like a mesh between Iron Maiden and a very small infusion of Dissection's Somberlain sound. It's subtle enough to warrant a raised eyebrow here and there, but it does make the song a personal favorite. The break from Jag Panzer does seem to fit well with Conklin as he shows that his voice and style are still quite incredible. Aside from the stellar vocals, the music is so punishing in spots that it literally makes this fan proud to claim the band as one of "ours". From the slow, mood-breaking songs like "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned", which haunt the corners of the mind, to the furious "Black Hilted Knife" which has enough fast-slow-fast breaks to make King Diamond himself dizzy, this album simply has no weak spots anywhere; it's modern-day heavy metal without diversion or pretense, and the fact that more of these albums are popping up this year is one that I'll be happy to take into consideration at year's end for my Top Ten list; it may have to be Top 20 at this point. The cover of "Norwegian Wood" by the Beatles is really a dark take on the song, all the while retaining a 'fun' element to the tone. Really, how can you blacken the Beatles? As a fan of the Fab Four since 1976 I appreciate and applaud any metal band having the testicular fortitude to take on a cover of such magnitude. The clean, sharp production on this record also makes this old man thankful for the current array of tools at our disposal to manifest such crisp sounds, making already fine music all the more amplified both is sound and presentation. When I think back the anorexic production on Midnight Wind I cringe beneath my ardor for that classic album.

We in the states receive a lot of flack (most deserved…look at MTV) for the demographic being so, well, musically-challenged, if you will, and within such constraints great bands like Satan's Host get virtually ignored for the mundane Slipknots and Disturbeds of the world. While the mainstream revels in the strictest regiment of simplistic, diluted music to whet the palate, we look to the bands that put out albums like By the Hands of the Devil to right the scales of the underground accordingly. Rating: 4/5

- Chris

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Arizona Metal: CD Review -May 1, 2011

Satan's Host Fuse Black Metal and Power Metal Like No One Else Can

Harry Conklin has finally returned to Satan's Host and his presence has never been appreciated more than on By the Hands of the Devil, the latest release from the Colorado outfit. This could easily be called the band's best album to date. Conklin's vocals sound amazing, Patrick Evil's expertly crafted riffs and solos provide the sense of evil and dread, Anthony Lopez is by far the best drummer ever to have graced the band with his presence, and Margar provides a smooth backing on the bass.

Satan's Host has always defied genre boundaries. They play like a black metal band, but Conklin sings like this just another power metal band. While fans may have initially been skeptical, any doubts that have not yet been washed away will be with one listen of By the Hands of the Devil. The pounding drums and menacing guitar complement Conklin's voice in a way that is totally unexpected, yet totally rewarding. Although he has lately been preoccupied with Jag Panzer, the fact that Conklin found the time to record this album with Satan's Host is something metal fans everywhere should be thankful for.

There are quite a few awesome songs on this album, but before the songs even start the cover art presenting a chaotic mirrored image of Hell across three sections dazzles the eyes. The cover art is as multifaceted as the music contained inside. The title track kicks things off with a delightfully evil bang, but the first real gem of the album can be heard in the third track, which goes by the name of "Demontia." This may be the first gem, but it is certainly not the only one. "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" provides an eerie break around the halfway point of the album, which allows the listener to rest up before the ferocity of "Black Hilted Knife" kicks in. The crowning achievement of the album is "Fallen Angel" which cannot be described as anything but a simply awesome song that any metal fan must hear. The album ends with the wickedly cheerful "Norwegian Wood" chronicling that old classic favorite pastime of Norwegians: church-burning.

Satan's Host are something truly unique, which is all too rare in metal these days. They offer a little something to please everyone. They are evil enough to please black metal fans, yet have the soaring vocals to please power metal fans. They have the grinding drum beats and the shredding solos. The only negative thing that can be said about this band is that they do not play enough shows! While you are waiting to see Satan's Host live, I highly advise you to pick up By the Hands of the Devil. You won't be disappointed.

- Unknown

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Metal Storm: CD Review -April 30, 2011

Satan's Host began as a respectable blasphemous heavy metal outfit. Then they broke up. Then they reformed, blasted the world away with their Satanic-themed blackened death metal onslaught, then set out to release By The Hands Of The Devil.

Harry Conklin of Jag Panzer fame is back manning the mic, and his piercing clean vocals dominate the album. The instrumentation is typical of a heavy metal album, but Patrick Evil apparently forgot his pick at home and had to use one of Abbath's, and the Evil Hobbit was dreaming of Inferno before the recording process, making for a blatantly black metal influenced heavy metal opus.

And it rocks.

These guys make it obvious how comfortable they are with their instruments, ripping through an hour's worth of energetic magnificence with ease. P. Evil and Conklin don't shy away from letting their audience know they have the chemistry of true metal veterans, as made apparent by their songwriting prowess. Songs ebb and flow without missing a beat, the band in sync from the word go. They don't try to reinvent the wheel. They don't introduce any foreign concepts.

They just kick ass.

Perhaps the best part about this release, sticking with Conklin's vocal abilities, is how far and apart the band members set themselves from Jag Panzer. You know with Christian Älvestam you're going to get, for the most part, a Scar Symmetry clone. While that might please a lot of his fans, Conklin just sticks to what works with this album, for the sake of the band. And that - unfortunately for Panzer fans - includes not sounding like a Jag Panzer clone (although fans of the band will undoubtedly find similarities within each track).

Of course there are drawbacks to an album that mixes the "why so serious" of black metal and the "rock out with your cock out" of heavy metal. The styles obviously clash, even with Conklin's voice doing everything in its power to unite them. The Satanic lyrics are more cheesy than anything Glen Benton's managed to conjure up thus far in his career, and the repetition leaves you wondering why they made an entire album of songs that sound so similar.

That being said, By The Hands Of The Devil is an easy recommendation for fans of Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, mixing classic heavy metal and polished black metal about as good as you'd expect anybody to be able to.

Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 7
Production: 8

- Troy Gallant

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Le Chant Du Grillon: CD Review -April 30, 2011

Translated from French

Formed in 1997 in Colorado Satan's Host released two albums in 1986 and 1987, then follows a break of more than 10 years. Since 1999 the group chained the exits and By the Hands of the Devil is the eighth album and sign the 34 year history of the American combo.

If you do not like heavy you can go your way as the music played by Satan's Host presents a good deal. Particularly in terms of voice when it goes up in acute but also in the structures of guitars offer numerous processions. Behind the microphone found Thisiren Leviathan, which is another Harry "Tyrant" Conklin, singer Jag Panzer and Titan Force. The guitars are handled by Patrick Evil who sends us a shovel galloping riffs from the NWOBHM. While behind the rhythm section is tough, double and blasts are legion and are referred to the power-metal.

I must admit I did not know this group before falling on By the Hands of the Devil so I can not compare this new skeud with their previous accomplishments (and particularly the contribution of Harry Conklin instead Elixir of LCF). The album consists of 10 tracks for a period around the time the guy turns and with enough variation so as not to stuff ourselves. We pass a "Shades Of The Unlight" which reminds me of King Diamond "Demontia", very melodic choruses group then "Before The Flame", with 8 minutes, showing great variations in vocals, both melodic, dynamic and incisive, with the bonus of excellent solos unbridled. Everything comes together perfectly without remaining confined in the same genus and "Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned" can take a break with a title much more sedate, the bass stands out for its texture and the vocals are deeper, while the flirts with the percussion battery.

While "Black Hilted Knife", despite a battery that shatters again, drags a little in length it goes again with "Revival". Piece that uses the same components, a rhythm section ultra-massive vocals to pierce your eardrums with some groups and interventions with heavy guitars trashy aftertaste, some leads high-fly and a solo fast and perfectly executed. On a 100% heavy one also finds "Fallen Angel", with very good title inspired leader and a singer who always keeps the house much. "Inferior Worlds" is a bit less inspired although still very good vocal passages with alternating clear and aggressive songs, but the tempo is winded and riffs with no real flavor. The album ends with "Norweigen Wood, recovery of the Beatles, from which emerges a light spicy fragrance.

Satan's Host presents the NWOBHM style of the day juggling between old-school apparel and modernity.

- Chronic Olivier

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The Metal Crypt.com: CD Review -April 19, 2011

Satan's Host is a weird band. They started out in the 80s as a sort of NWOBHM band, then broke up for 12 years, and when they got back together they switched to a full-out Blackened Death Metal band, which they have been over the last five albums. Now, with original vocalist Harry Conklin (Yes, that Harry Conklin) back at the helm, they are still playing riff-heavy and dark metal, but with the Tyrant's booming metal wail out front.

With clean singing, this is obviously a very different work than their last few albums, but not as different as you might think. This is still ruthlessly heavy, dark, and Satanic as fuck, it just has the benefit of Conklin's powerful vocals as the center attraction. The combination works surprisingly well, as Conklin is a real veteran, and infuses this with hooky vocal melodies and really sells it. That said, this does not sound like Jag Panzer or any of Harry's other Trad Metal projects, as there is a definite atonal Death Metal riff sensibility at work, creating a fresh and compelling sound. Fans of dark and aggressive Heavy Metal will absolutely want to check this out. Rating- 4.25/5

- Sargon the Terrible

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Santa Fe.Examiner.com: CD Review -April 17, 2011

When originally formed in 1977, Colorado's Satan's Host (just a stone throw from Albuquerque) were the side project of vocalist Harry "Tyrant" Conklin (Jag Panzer and Titan Force), who sang on the Metal from Hell CD. Subsequent albums were released under the leadership of the mighty L.C.F. Eli Elixer, but now, with By the Hands of the Devil, the Tyrant is back!

Once again going under the moniker of Leviathan Thisiren, Conklin leads Satan's Host on this new CD. Although the band's core sound does move more toward a power-metal-driven approach, the death and black elements of previous albums remain to give the proceedings a darkened edge. The band's power comes from guitarist Patrick Evil, whose riffs continue to enthrall. Evil taps into the realm of New Wave of British Heavy Metal, his rhythms galloping furiously while his leads hint at undisclosed melodies that suddenly erupt in all fury.

The death metal facets of the band come through in its rhythm section, as drummer Evil Little Hobbit (Cymetre and Eternal Internment) smacks lightning on his kit while bassist Mangar (Torrid Flesh) generates thunder that echoes forever. And then there Thisiren, whose powerhouse vocals soar from track to track, his low-end crunch augmented by lung-ripping, high-end screeches. Thisiren also uses background vocals to good effect, sometimes even crafting chants that will get the blood boiling (listen to the beginning of the rousing "Before the Flame").

The band this time out explores variety, crafting hard-hitting songs such as "Shades of the Unlight" and "Black-Hilted Knife" (death-metal gallop) and slower, heavier compositions such as "Demontia" and "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" (where Thisiren uses a different vocal approach). Lyrically, the band mix genres, tapping into supernatural horror, science fiction, and even politics to craft philosophically interesting songs that sometimes twist cliché to good effect.

With By the Hands of the Devil begins a new era of killer music. For fans interested in a more melodic and power-based approach to death and black metal, one that takes full advantage of power metal and New Wave of British Heavy Metal, then this band is for you. By the Hands of the Devil has its hard and heavy moments, but you'll need to have your air guitar handy.

- Octavio Ramos

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Defecation On The Divine Radio: CD Review -April 17, 2011

I'm bipolar when it comes to my music mood, one day it's obscure U.S. power-prog metal, doom, grind/crust, and the list goes on to include shit like 70's prog and Turkish psychedelic so when something catches me at the opportune time…it REALLY catches me as this one did.

This band is an insitution!!!! They've been around for decades, they have roots in essential 80's acts like Jag Panzer, and they somehow mix Mercyful Fate/King Diamond horror/Satanic themes and epic vocals with hints of classic 80's thrash in the riffs, and throw in a massive pile of classic Judas Priest here and there and that's in one fucking track!!!!! I'm not going to go into details on this one, there's no need to, if what's been said isn't enough to get your metal head saliva surfacing and your heart rate up then there's no hope for you. Just buy this fucker and experience it for yourself!!!! This one truly does HAVE IT ALL!!!!!

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Zware Metalen.com: CD Review -April 17, 2011

Translated from Dutch

With Satan's Host you get a little metal history home. When the band in 1977 took first steps, they made more true heavy metal. Over the years the band changed a lot of genre. The boys arranged easily with the hype of that time: Black Then again, sometimes death, and now, heavy / black / death metal with an old school touch. The band picks up on this new album also here the old singer Harry Conklin on what the music gives that little extra.

Satan's Host knows black and death metal elements can be combined with the classic structure and sound. The wall of such drums are definitely black metal riffs while some mention the death of brother unmistakably originate. Take title track By the Hands of the Devil, for example. Black metal riffs while the drums and more voice to heavy / power metal tends. The whole album breathes increases also the 1980 atmosphere, with a 'tamer' image of Satan than the true cult black metal kids. The intro and riffs Demontia his death while then all the vocals once again prove that it is slower and quieter than the usual bluster. This album is indeed very well mixed. The old atmosphere is chasing the band have certainly handled by the cock forward drums and guitars come in to let its rawest. On this album you can find a cover of Norwegian Wood back. Or that I thought at first. The men have their own black metal full text put under bloody murdered priests and burned churches. Well done and well done!

Get ready for a dip into the history of your favorite genre, but this album takes you on a journey through time. Do you hear what this Sabbath? Of course! With a pinch of old Maiden? Of course! Very successful album for all I care not disappear from the player! Rating 72/100

- Neven Lieze

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Metal Army America: CD Review -April 12, 2011

With a band name like that, one might justifiably assume that Satan's Host blasts out some blasphemous black/death, right?

Yes….and no.

"By the Hands of the Devil" contains ten songs if we incBy the Hands of the Devil is a bit more than that, really, because this eighth(!) LP from the band signals the return of Jag Panzer's Harry 'The Tyrant' Conklin to the ranks of Satan's Host, more than twenty years after singing on the Midnight Wind and Metal From Hell efforts from the mid-80s.

Believe it or not, The Host actually has a history which goes back to the late seventies, although you'd be hard pressed to guess that fact based upon how solid and workmanlike By the Hands of the Devil is, overall.

While not exactly blowing younger, hungrier bands out of the water with their brand of traditional, Mercyful Fate-styled metal meets extreme devil worship, Satan's Host presents an aesthetic unique enough-the blending of Patrick Evil's tasteful guitar licks with The Tyrant's ever-piercing wail-to earn them a spot, if not at the top of heap, among a select few creative souls out there trying their hands at something different.

Indeed, Satan's Host is, at the very least, a unique entity at best; an aggressive, near-extreme power metal act with balls to spare and ideas which should earn them some respect points at the end of the day. Rating: B-

- Metal George

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Queen of Steel: CD Review -April 3, 2011

Translated from Spanish

Talked a little more than a year with the launch of that until a few days, was his last studio. In the year 2011, just released the eighth long-term under the name of "By the Hands of the Devil", which will fulfill the aspirations of his fans with his Black / Death of quality.

"By the Hands of the Devil" contains ten songs if we include the song "Norweigan Wood" as a bonus track, the truth is that the level does not decrease much less compared to previous albums. With a style that draws on various sources ranging from Death, Black, Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal mainly, SATAN'S HOST know how to give our ears subjects with a combination of all these genres and the best way well, writing songs like "Shades Of The Unlight", "Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned" and "Revival." Each theme is different and thus, SATAN'S HOST demonstrates its versatility to adapt to different styles of ends without ever losing its own identity. The role of the guitar is essential in a band like this, and riffs that set the trend of their sound, so the guitarist Patrick Evil continues to meet with a vital task. For his part, we Thisiren Leviathan vocalist with his powerful voice coils typical of Heavy Metal, which is clear, what you really like the JAG PANZER singer also. In another development, the production is excellent and thus the disc is rounded to one hundred percent

If you like the music rich and varied influences of Heavy Metal voice, pure and simple, and SATAN'S HOST "By The Hands of the Devil" is your disk. Score: 9/10

- Sergio Fernandez

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HellRide Music: CD Review -April 3, 2011

Black power metal!!!!! Vocalist whose legacy begins with Jag Panzer!!!! King Diamond/Merciful Fate crossed with Helstar, Dio (in the vocals at times for sure!!) and even some Heathendom ?!!!! Well, whatever the hell this is it's melodic, intense, evil, and HUGE…it's as classic in sound as it is essential!!!!! It's nice to hear this stuff continuing after all these years and labels like Moribund that typically churn out a 50:50 mix of great black/death bands to standard black metal clones (never bad but usually not exceptional to my ears as my age and experience has me forever bonded to the older established stuff). This release is just unbelievably aggressive and yet sophisticated and cinematic without ever slowing down or drifting into noodling and theatrics, plus it's very very Satanic/horror themed!!!!! Like King Diamond, Satan's Host is an essential for metal fans across the style board, as it has all that you could want evenly throughout the album. I could see this release on Brainticket/Heavy Artillery/Stormspell/Emanes Metal/Metal-on-Metal and suiting the roster perfectly, so expect all things dark and melodic, classic metal, but definitely taken to the next dimension in both the execution and compositions, this is stellar stuff!!!!!

Release set for May 3rd 2011, so prepare to crank this one loud and be transported onto heavy metal oblivion

- Jbwillis

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Interviews


PowerMetal DE Interview- October 20, 2011

-Rüdiger Floor

With "By The Hands Of The Devil", the Colorado metallers to Patrick Evil and Harry Conklin of the hottest for me so far candidate for album of the year 2011 at the start, which was rightly been to the top finishers in our May sound check. The band leader and returned Sangeswunder stand us in detail on this question and answer.

Rüdiger floor: First of all congratulations on your new album "By The Hands Of The Devil"! For me, the disc has become an impressive statement, and this is an impressive step beyond the predefined boundaries of the genre beyond. It is a blend of traditional Heavy Metal and Black / Death Metal, as it has never happened in this way. As you can see your accomplishment itself, and you had been in the studio felt that it would here enter new ground?

Patrick Evil: In the studio I've always felt the same as when I SATAN'S HOST albums for accepting: A catch fire and passion, the energies that have built up in me, and to capture on the album. For me, each recording an album, something big and shattering, because I love to drive the metal and the music, and not just because I want to do something that nobody else has done. But I do know already that moves in the world of music when we get down to compose a new album. Albums that have nothing to say and do not inspire me to disgust me. If you are an artist and you make it to record an album, then you should feel in you and an unknown supernatural force that guides you going to create something great.

Ruediger: With "Keep It True 2010" you are again with your original vocalist Leviathan Thisiren (aka Harry Conklin) climbed onto the stage. This naturally leads us back briefly in the past. Why is the band before the release of "Midnight Wind" broken, and how you came just now to your interim singer Elixir LCF again be replaced by Harry?

Patrick: Now when I go back to the days of "Midnight Wind" look, then Harry and I were the only members that focused on the recording and songwriting. We were able to find any other musicians who worked on the same level as us. So we are just scattered, without us really dissolve. We have always known that we had to put something done, and we always wanted to eventually go on again. Now we have got an opportunity that offers not all: we can again be applied when we have then stopped and put together our faith and passion in SATAN'S HOST. Our former vocalist left the band Elixir LCF already anyway, and we were looking for a singer, when Harry suddenly had time and contacted me to ask if I had time to play the KIT. I said yes, and I also told him that SATAN'S HOST in the last ten years have been active on and now need a new singer in order to continue where we left off so long ago.

Ruediger: What was that from your point of view, Harry? SATAN'S HOST Why did you leave in the eighties, and how could succeed the current reunion? How hard was especially the timing, considering that "By The Hands Of The Devil" and "The Scourge Of Light" indeed appeared almost simultaneously?

Harry Conklin: At that time the record company went bankrupt and the band so we could finish the recordings for "Midnight Wind" never. As for the reunion, which came to me asking if I would be with SATAN'S HOST KIT for the 13 available, as we were with TITAN FORCE, JAG PANZER headliner at KIT. Especially the Greek SATAN'S HOST fans have always loved and were very eager to get us to see the original line-up. Pat has the line up then solidified, and then we started writing new material for a surprise, which ultimately ended with a complete work. Meanwhile, was "Scourge ...", which really should come three months earlier had moved from SPV, and so we came to the fast overlap. When I first started back to jam with SATAN'S HOST, I was just about to complete the JAG PANZER project and was therefore open to new things.

Patrick: Deep inside I knew from talking to Harry that at JAG PANZER and TITAN FORCE not everything went as pleasant and as passionate as it should be. So I knew right away that SATAN'S HOST for the gates would be opened wide in order for Harry as a singer to be the driving force and his main band now. So it was always, when Harry and I met together in the past. The chemistry and magic between the two of us voted every time we worked together and wrote music. In short, I just knew that Harry would devote himself fully SATAN'S HOST.

Ruediger: Some of you have your 1986 debut "Metal From Hell" was released, and even then you had a distinctive style. That was simply not the "ordinary" U.S. power metal, but - also considered purely musical - something more extreme. How would your band's stylistic development from the 1986 debut, the era of 1999-2009, to describe Harry's comeback? For me this not a case such as the widely used scheme is only progressively removed from the roots and then regressively give back to those is turn on, but you is the rare feat of successfully mix old and new SATAN'S HOST to connect positively and is a step to go further. Not least because I like the album so well.

Patrick: That which you can listen to "By The Hands Of The Devil" is for me a natural evolution of our original vision, as we so long ago for the first time put together. Previously we could only take the hard and try to catch the fire kindled in us, because we all who sat behind the mixing board, frightens. Today there is so much easier to be creative without having to worry about, that someone has a heart attack when he sees himself confronted with the energies that radiate from us.

Ruediger: Harry, as it looked for you in the years when you were not in the band? Did you keep an eye on the band?

Harry: I'm sorry to say this, but no! I was very taken with fitting by JAG PANZER and TITAN FORCE. But I was glad that Pat & Co. have done more. They had the last four albums and a huge following because I wanted with the new recording does not shake too much. You can hear the new songs a lot of death metal elements. Except for the Growl element when singing, the music has not changed my opinion. In addition, Pat, Anthony and I have a surprise for the fans. Makes you focus on something soon ...

Ruediger: Patrick, you're SATAN'S HOST after the reformation in 1999, directed in a more extreme direction. How did the return of the former band, and what has influenced you the time stylistically, to pursue this path? Played the second wave of black metal nineties play a role?

Patrick: What inspired me were the hatred and lies, which impose on the government and the religions of the world, and the fact that a large part of human history only account of which was lost. The second wave of black metal I've never considered large. That it exists, I was well aware, but for me it was just an extension of what already existed before.

Ruediger: So let's travel in time much further back. Metal Archives says that the band was formed in 1977. What between this year and "Metal From Hell" was done, is for most fans in the dark. Can you make it there for enlightenment?

Patrick: Well, we have just rehearsed for years and originally we labored. "Metal From Hell" was recorded in 1984, but came out for financial reasons in 1986. Previously, we had recorded a demo called "Satanic Panic", which we applied to record companies. The only labels that were interested and we responded, were Web Records and Metal Blade Records. We decided at that time with "Metal From Hell" Web Records, and the success was so great that Metal Blade eventually wanted to take on "Midnight Wind". However, then increased from two band members in order to walk different paths, and thus the band was done at that time.

Ruediger: While we're at "Metal From Hell" and "Midnight Wind" are: One is a sought-vinyl rarity, and the other has not even never officially released. There are two of lousy sounding Bottlegs. That the fans have a great interest in decent editions, is no big secret. Is there something in the pipeline?

Patrick: Yes. Our record label Moribund Cult has plans to release both albums in decent shape. Likewise, it is an album for the 25th Give our anniversary debut disc, which commemorates the entire career and will include new recordings of various songs from the past 25 years. With Leviathan Thisiren on vocals.

Ruediger: More on that later. Let's go back once the new album: What keywords you are one of the ten pieces in fast-forward?

Patrick:
'By The Hands Of The Devil' - reveal historical lies.
'Shades Of The Unlight' - unleash unseen spirits.
'Demontia' - Those who meet the unseen spirits, is dismantled.
'Before The Flame' - After removing your lights and you will stand in front of the flame.
'Bleeding Hearts Of The Damned' - in humility before the flame, you realize that you're a bleeding heart of the damned.
'Black hilted Knife' - In order to control the unseen spirits can, you need a tool.
'Revival' - If you control the unseen spirits, then you will be brought back into yourself.
'Fallen Angel' - After the self-awakening within yourself, you see the fallen angels shine glorious as the morning star.
'Inferior Worlds' - When everything is finished, will reveal to you that you live in a smaller world.

Ruediger: And what's the deal with the bonus track itself?

Patrick: I chose the song because I've always loved the Beatles, and because I had always liked it when the Beatles, when George Harrison wrote the song. I always had the feeling that George Harrison was the black sheep of the BEATLES, and SATAN'S HOST as the black sheep of the metal, it was a very logical thing to choose this song. In the processing of the song 'Norwegian Wood' I have been guided by the original interpretation of the lyrics by George Harrison, who is burning down the house of his friend. I have connected with the Norwegian folklore and the fact that churches were burned because they were in places where once stood the Viking heritage. Ultimately, it is somehow in our version to the same as the original.

Ruediger: 'Fallen Angel' reminds me a lot of the BLACK SABBATH The Dio-era works. Is this by chance, or a conscious tribute?

Patrick: This song was originally supposed to be already on the "Midnight Wind" album. We have written it in 1987. At that time, Harry and I observe the honor of Ronnie James Dio at the sound check for the "Sacred Heart" tour allowed. Then Harry and I went home and were so inspired by Dio, that we wrote together, "Fallen Angel".

Ruediger: Harry, your announcements at KIT over burning churches and nuns was apparently not any fun. Such people take the world seriously?

Harry: It was not my intention to make jokes, but to move me in the context of that what SATAN'S HOST believes. I commanded a show that should have all the evil and ghostly elements. As for his own faith, SATAN'S HOST never showed weakness in the past.

Patrick: People make far too much thought to what is said in the context of a show. The root of the problem is to know that they must free their soul and their spirit. Beyond the boundaries of religious education.

Ruediger: How seriously you take even the satanic themes of your lyrics?

Patrick: For me personally it is a representation of how we live, and respect that we Offer and Protest of the earth, the great "Lady Belial", on which we live. You can draw from our lyrics, whatever you want. We are certainly not a religious organization, but a metal band that writes about what interests us even.

Ruediger: Harry, how it feels in this context of actually playing in your various bands such different roles? What SATAN'S HOST, JAG PANZER and TITAN FORCE have in common and what separates them? And what influence on your stage roles as Harry Conklin, Leviathan and Thisiren has Tyrant?

Harry: Yes most of the lyrics come from Pat and Anthony. However, if I get the opportunity to breathe the song my life, I am doing just that - but in the context of SATAN'S HOST. And I'm never one from an untrue statement or untrue opinion. Everything has the full support of the whole band. Each of the band brings something different again Tapet: JAG PANZER "Tyrant" is a larger than life, tough, vigorous personality. He takes what he wants when he wants and he has no regrets. TITAN FORCE "Harry," I am. Concerned about the future of humanity, loving, hopeful and audacious. SATAN'S HOST "Leviathan Thisiren" is an evil lord of darkness. A son of the abyss and one of the four identities of Satan. He is powerful, cunning, lustful, and vindictive. His second name was given to him by Satan, because of the siren-like qualities of his voice on 'Strongest Of The Night' from the "Metal From Hell". I hope the fans see me in all these forms on the stage: As a widely talented, infamous Motherfucker!

Ruediger: As you've actually experienced the whole gig at KIT? It seemed to me that many a traditionalist, was not quite as warm with the instrumental hardness, but still outweighed the positive reaction, or not?

Patrick: My best memories involve the whole kit to the meetings with all the fans and their love for all the music that was played on these days. We felt warmly accepted by each and I've met anyone who had had a problem with what we have done.

Ruediger: For me, this one gig in 2010 was already enough for me to be absolutely 100% sure that your new album would be a milestone. The gig was just unbelievable musically inspiring and "Love it, or hate it" response from the public parts of it made me even more convinced. You are on the right track: No Retro Reunion event like many other bands, but you have to enter uncharted territory and the will to walk with your head against the wall. Did I make the right impression?

Patrick: Yes, you! SATAN'S HOST is not just a metal band, but we are an institution for all our fans.

Ruediger: What you have always been excellent, some great artwork. Since this is still legendary debut and then there are all the work that Joe Petagno has made for you. Is it a privilege to work with the Hofzeichner of Motorhead?

Patrick: Yes, I think we are very happy that such a talented artist is willing to work with us and our vision to see through.

Ruediger: How does it actually made with the distribution of your labels in Europe? If you get your discs anywhere? I am sure that there will be a big demand.

Patrick: Yes, at one Moribund works very hard to ensure that all fans worldwide can get our new album and our back catalog.

Ruediger: What is next for you now because with you?

Patrick: We are currently working on many tours on offer and also you can you be sure that SATAN'S HOST will publish at least one new album per year. In the near future is the first anniversary album that is reminiscent of the last 25 years. With completely new recorded songs from the past as well as completely new compositions.

Ruediger: And exactly this special album is already in the wings. It is in the name of "CELEBRATION - For The Love Of Satan" and listen to the 11/21/2011 come on Moribund Cult in stores. For further details you can in the news look up. At this point I remain sincere thanks to Patrick and Harry for the interview! Link

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Blistering Interview- July 25, 2011

-David E. Gehlke

Already one of the more imposing figures in the American underground metal scene, Colorado's Satan's Host got a shot of massive adrenaline when former singer (and current Jag Panzer throat) Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin rejoined the fold in 2010. An unlikely fit given the overriding power metal plane Jag Panzer has been on for several years, and the proto-death/black metal slant Satan's Host has been riding, yet on the band's latest By the Hands of the Devil, it fits like a glove. A leather glove with a pentagram on it. Oh yeah.

Indeed By the Hands of the Devil blurs the difficult line between extreme metal and melodic singing, a feat that few, if any have come close to perfecting. Across the board there are sauntering, fascinating songs that ooze guitarist Patrick Evil's trademark evil and eerie riffage, while Conklin's effortless, yet stratospheric delivery manages to elevate songs like "Before the Flame," "Revival," and the Dio-inspired "Fallen Angel" to regions Satan's Host has never quite been before. And as we indicated in our review of the album, getting Conklin back in the fold might have been the coup of the year.

Drummer Anthony Lopez was kind enough to take some time to be interrogated by Blistering on the re-entrance of Conklin, the writing process for the new album, and why they're the most hip Satanic metal band to emerge from the Rocky Mountains. Read on…



You've been at this for over three decades, but the band is arguably as strong as ever. What can you chalk that up to?

Anthony- I think it's all Patrick's drive and passion for playing guitar, he has that thing slinged around him cranking new riffs all the time. He is constantly making new tunes and he never stops thinking about the music, regardless who has been in the band and at what juncture, the true driving force of Satan's Host is Patrick. At the moment what makes this band the strongest is the current lineup and everyone's commitment to make brutal Metal for the masses as Satan's Host.

-With the positive reaction each of your studio albums has received, does that make you more motivated to produce even better albums?

Anthony- to outdo yourself from the last record is an understatement, we really have it instilled to come out with something special. All the past albums are gems and have reached a new level of success from the one before it, we naturally grow, refine, and invent new textures and colors in the signature Satan's Host sound, one thing I can say is you can put any Satan's Host album on and know it's us. We are always motivated, it's what we like to do, we have true passion to the legacy.

-What were the reasons behind the split with Eli Elixer?

Anthony- Eli left Satan's Host, he wanted to go to a more primal dark black Metal vibe, and we wanted to keep Satan's Host evolving to new uncharted territories, basically musical differences, we wish him luck!

-What ultimately led to Harry Conklin rejoining the band? Was it easy to get back into a working environment with him?

Anthony- Well Eli left us and we were left hanging and Patrick and Harry have been in contact for years, so the whole Keep It True festival thing came up and we all decide to keep the band going with Harry upfront and instead of just being a reunion, we decided to start a whole new chapter in the Legacy and forge on. Harry is easy to work with, he and Pat have a history and me Pat clicked when we started jamming, so basically Harry clicked right in like nothing. We have a great time together, it's fun, there is no bullshit or hidden agendas going on, every one of us are all on the same page and we have a lot fire and we have a lot more to say.

-Were the songs for By the Hands of the Devil written with Harry in mind?

Anthony- Yes, the man with the golden voice, lol, me, Patrick, and Harry all wrote lyrics for the album, and for me it was fun hearing these melodies in my head with Harry's voice, he has a great range and on top of that he can portray many voices, vocal textures, and emotions.

-Lyrically and conceptually, did you have to do any altering the songs because of Harry?

Anthony- no, not really, I mean a lot of it gets refined in the Studio, Dave Otero may hear something and may have Harry do many takes of many different ideas on one line, Dave does that to all of us when we are tracking, he tells you how to perform it, you do it, then he says now do this, and you do it, and you keep building it up, so with the lyrics and vocal tracks some things got refined and changed and some things didn't. But we didn't alter any of the music, not drastically anyways, once clicks and drums are down, the project's foundation is set and the layering continues.

-Putting clean vocals up against extreme metal is hard thing to do, but it sounds pretty seamless on the new album. What type of challenges did you face when putting Harry's vocals to the music? Were there any at all?

Anthony- There was really no challenge to it actually, Patrick's riffs and song writing are all ready harmony strong, has been through all the records, so basically writing vocal harmonies is all ready going on in the structure, They did a stellar job of it on Metal from Hell, Harry and Pat did, and I've been a song writer all my life and for me it was easy to write a vocal line over a blast beat section of the song because the riffs are so full of harmony that it all ready exists there, I think a lot of bands or vocalist in Metal are afraid to even try to sing like Harry does because they have clue on how to actually use their voice in that manner other than the screaming, screeching, and growling, but at the same time there are some amazing vocalist in the Metal industry that do those style of vocals that are still amazing to me, but Harry was able to pull all them styles out effortlessly because he knows how to emulate any style, he screeched, screamed, and growled on By the Hands of the Devil, its there.

-The nice thing about the new album is that it has an old-school feel, but doesn't sound dated. Do you feel the same way?

Anthony- I think it is a modern testament to the ages that reflects a dead on representation of what all Metal encompasses to this point. What doesn't By the Hands of the Devil have on it that any type of true Metal head would not love?? It's a complete Metal album, for Metal heads and anyone one else that knows anything about music. It has the original Rock-n-Roll Demon forging it. Yea, it is really weird feeling that old time spirit in there with all the modernism.

-A lot of things have come together quite nicely for the new album, so do you think it will introduce the band to an entire new audience?

Anthony- I think so, I feel it has already opened up a whole new market for us, plus the great reviews and comments that we have been generating globally have shown that we are gaining a lot of new fans.

-Satanic metal in general is usually a tough sell, but you're one of the few bands that does it with conviction. What sets you apart from the pack?

Anthony- Technically all music is Satanic, everyone is just scared to admit it, Music came from the Devil, according to the hypocrites, but they all sing and dance on Sunday, don't they? I think because especially with this new album we are just trying to get people in general to open their eyes, really look at everything with a magnifying glass and ask yourself what is really right and truthful and what is a crock of shit? And I think a lot of people are doing that at this point of time. I think what sets us apart, plus we are pretty scary as fuck. lol

-Finally, what's on the agenda for the rest of 2011?

Anthony- We head into Flatline Audio Studio with Dave Otero on July 18 to commence recording "CELEBRATION For the Love of Satan" which is collective of revamped songs from our catalog and two new songs to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the release of "Metal from Hell" which is being released Via Moribund Cult in November of this year. Hopefully do some shows in the fall and then holiday break and then in Jan we plan to go back to Flatline and record the follow up to By the Hands of the Devil, and then in March we head to the "Up the Hammers" festival in Greece. We are eager and interested on any offers to perform, so we invite any and all promoters to contact us.

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Lords of Metal Interview- July 19, 2011

Ramon Interviews Harry (Leviathan Thisiren) Conklin

On May 3 the new album of the American metal veterans Satan's Host was released, entirled 'By The Hands Of The Devil'. With a history of over thirty years in total behind itself, the band started to get their feet ashore, thanks to a lot of perseverance, a strong identity and a death metal style with a lot of thrash and black metal. And then all the sudden you have to deal without your singer. They didn't mourn too long about it, the band around old-stager Patrick Evil managed to get their original singer Harry Conklin (singer of Jag Panzer, using the alias Leviathan Thisiren here) back in the ranks. This altered the vocal style, with which in fact the main identity of Satan's Host, at least from my perspective the consequences of this are talked over with the new vocalist, Laviathan Thisiren.



Congratulations with the new album. Satan's Host pursues the ambition to release albums on a very regular basis. Does it feel nice to have that kind of formal agreement to fans?

Yes very much so.

Does this mean you have to rush things sometimes, to keep that promise?

No. It is always better to take the time and do it right.

Are all songs completely done, once you go into the studio?

For the most part, yes. We try to rehearse the songs as we know them. When it comes to time to record some things are more simplified and must be altered on the fly.

Do you think the music changed a lot with you vocal style?

On the contrary, my vocal style changed a lot with the music.

I interviewed predecessor Eli Elixer once and he said that he thinks the Satanic message is just as important to him, as the music that is used to bring it across. How about you?

With this band, very much so. There is an important message within these words if one is to listen. If you don't truly believe in what you are saying or doing, it conveys through the performance.

Last month you mentioned in an interview with Lords of Metal that Jag Panzer is a band in which lyrics are shared with the band before they are agreed upon. How about Satan's Host?

The same as with every band. We are a unit, a team. We must all be on the same page or the is strife and confusion an that will convey to the fans a twisted message and broken sound.

Did you feel it was important to continue the lyrics in the style of Eli?

Most of the lyrics stem from PAT. I contribute along with ANTHONY when there is a space to.

It is obvious that you are a different vocalist, but in what way are you different as a lyricist?

I just write what the emotion of the music brings about.

What was the initial reason for you to come back, as things go quite well in Jag Panzer? And was your coming the reason for Eli to leave, or the other way around?

JAG PANZER, TITAN FORCE are still working projects and there are signed contract between us all. I am functioning fully with all three bands and it is working so far.

Is your contribution to Satan's Host meant to be on a permanent basis?

One day at a time is the best way to do things.

Can you combine the two bands any bit?

Combine how? Each band is a separate entity. Each band deserves its own chance at fame and fortune. They just share the same vocalist is all.

What are the plans for Satan's Host in a near future?

There are many things we have in the near future. We are releasing a 25th anniversary CD with some material from the ELIXER era. We will have my vocal style on these songs and it should take them into a new place where the fans can really enjoy the songs and there meanings.

Will you be venturing outside your known territories a bit more, by the hands of Moribund (or the Devil)?

That is yet to be seen.

As an American, are you happy with the death of Bin Laden, or do you think it is only a symbolic kill?

I don't have a view on this.

I can't tell from here, but does this influence the popularity of your president a lot?

I don't really care to comment on political affairs. They sicken me.

Bush was a man who reigned with a bible in his pocket, maybe simply because his voters demanded this from him, who will tell. Do you feel that he endangered the attainment of secularism in the US?

Each man does the best he can as guided by the people around him (her). This country is not run by one man alone, it only has a spokesman and a headpiece or symbol so to speak. There are men and women all around this symbol that guide his direction. These puppet masters have been in place for near a century now.

What would you think if Donald Trump actually made it to presidency?

As I said. The president does not rule alone. There are others creating the deeds for him to follow.

Back to your music, I guess you're right about that politics might not be the most inspiring topic. What is most important for a fan when he (or she) wants to buy a Satan's Host album?

Quality.

What do you think of people downloading your music?

As long as we are notified and paid accordingly. I don't care. There is not much policing on the internet. There should be.

Are you already writing new material?

We write new material constantly.

Thanks a lot for all your time. I appreciate it a lot. Bye for now, I'll give you the final space to close the interview done with your final thought.

Stay true to your beliefs no matter the cost. Be true to yourself and others around you.

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XplosiveMetal.com Interview- June 28, 2011

SATAN'S HOST Interview with Anthony Lopez

XM: Let's start by getting our readers up to date on what the band has been up to so far this year.

Anthony: Well we just put out our latest album "By the Hands of the Devil" and now we are prepping up for the "Celebration" album which is marking the 25th anniversary from when "Metal from Hell" came out, we are doing a few new tunes and songs that span all the albums, we are revamping them and having Harry sing on them with his take. Also we have been rehearsing and staying ready for when the proper call to the road lands on us.

XM: 'By The Hands of the Devil' is your latest release, great work! What was the recording process like for this album? How did it differ from your other releases?

Anthony: Thank you! Greatly appreciated. We went in with Dave Otero at Flatline once again, Dave has produced the last 5 albums and we have a great working relationship with him. We have a process that works for us and him, and we are like a machine when we are in the studio. This time around was probably the most fun, most productive, and the most enjoyable. I can only speak from my experience from recording "Power~Purity~Perfection…999" , but I had a better time this time, I was well prepared and all ready knew what to expect from the session, I had worked with Dave on another album before I was in Satan's Host, so it was relatively an easy process for both PPP…999 and the new album.

XM: With so many classic '80s bands no longer putting out new material, just living on their past as nostalgia acts, why did Satan's Host break from the pack and decide to put this CD out?

Anthony: Patrick Evil is constantly writing music, it is fun to play the older tunes, but we love making music, I think we are entering our prime at this time, we have a lot of fire and we are constantly working on new material, it's in our blood, it's what we love to do. Patrick Evil is barely getting fired up with the music. We are ready for the next 30 years. Lol Plus we really never were part of the 80's nostalgia gamut, we have been putting out new albums almost every year for the last 6-7 years.

XM: Tell me a little about the songs on the latest release.

Anthony: This is Patrick's take on it and how goes, the concept for the entire album, the first song "By the Hands of The Devil" is about opening the mind the eye of the soul. To understand how many parts of history has been changed and manipulated by governments and religious organizations. We wanted to free the mind so that there is a better understanding how blinded mankind has been. The second song "Shades of the Unlight" follows up the first in that when you open your eyes it is then you can see the shades spirits all around you, you start to take notice of the environments that surround us and all that has been lost for centuries. After you notice what has gone on around you your mind falls into "Demontia". It is a time to step back and to think. Then the next song "Before the Flame" is when you think about what has been lost, the voice of Satan appears and asks if you are worthy to stand before the Flame? Many people want to sell their souls for material things but is that what the voice of Satan asks of us? It is then you get spiritual guidance and you understand that we are the "Bleeding Hearts of the Damned" a moment to reflect and gather strength and to be humble and prepare for the voyage upon maul dunes boat the other worlds. After that moment you understand to command the spirits unseen one must be prepared with a weapon of unspeakable power the "Black Hilted Knife". Once prepared you have a new lease on mortality and a "Revival" awakens within the body of flesh. With Valliant strength and pride it is a time to pay homage to all the great ones that have been lost and the understanding that we are the down trodden the "Fallen Angel" which is also about Satan. Which leads you to understand that we live in "Inferior Worlds" that have been oppressed throughout history, and the only way to set the mind free is with knowledge, determination, and persistence. That is the concept of the album we wanted. The bonus track is about the early days of black metal, a folk rendition of the history and what had gone on with the church burnings and everything else that went on in that time period.

XM: How many songs did you write to get down to the 9-10 tracks?

Anthony: We just wrote the 9 that appear on the album, and worked up the bonus track. We don't write any fillers. Patrick has tons of riffs and song ideas, and when its time, he knows what is going to make it to the album, he brings it in and we hash it out and that's what we go with.

XM: The last song (bonus track) 'Norwegian Wood' is a Beatles cover. Why did you chose this as a bonus and do you have any other cover songs?

Anthony: We have "House of the Rising Sun" that was supposed to come out on the "Midnight Wind" album, which has been bootlegged all over the planet for the last 25 years, but no, I don't think there are any others at this point. Pat was doodling with those riffs of Norwegian Wood and we just started jamming it at rehearsal and it just came to be.

XM: You recently did your CD Release Party in Denver, CO, how was the show?

Anthony: It was great! We had a great time, we just went up there plowed everyone down. They loved it, they get really excited with the new tunes and seeing Harry sing the way he does just blows people away. We had a really great vibe, really relaxed, no drama, the way it should be, we just let everyone be themselves and comes out for success every time.

XM: Satan's Host has been around for almost 30 years with continuous success, to what do you attribute this success? What do you differently as a band that allows you to keep going in a time when bands usually don't last more than 5 years?

Anthony: Well for one we have that signature sound that Patrick Evil created 30 years ago. People ask all the time why are we Power Metal now than Black/Death Metal, and I'm like "what?", all we did was bring Harry back in the fold, the music vibe has always been the same throughout the years, we put in whatever is required for the Magick of the song. We are inspired and enjoy many types of Metal, the trick is to build an arsenal of skills, I don't limit myself, I've played many other different types of music other than Metal in my life time and I've played all types of genres of Metal also, but that's me and my experience, I don't like all the stereo types and labels, in the end we are just a straight up Metal band that incorporates what is needed for the song. We play for the Dark Lord, the creator of all music.

XM: How do you feel the band has evolved within the last three decades and which album are you happiest and least happy with?

Anthony: I think the line up now is the main achievement. That has always been a deep theme in this band since the beginning, have your signature sound and have it evolve to always feel and sound fresh. I think many bands over think it, there is this thing called true talent, musicians sometimes never find it or even had it to begin with. Anyone can play an instrument, but were they born with true talent? Plus I don't think most "musicians" learn more than what they are able to pull out of themselves, are they studying the history of music, are they studying theory, have they played other musical styles, there is just so much out there that people close themselves off too because they just want to be the best at this or that, what a big cheat, no soul, no true connection, and right now we have a stellar talented line up, and trust me this band has had stellar talented people in this band from the beginning that I feel never got true recognition or the chance to carry on in the band, that's change and how that works out, well that's how it turned out. But I tip my hat to every musician that had a place in Satan's Host, because you just don't get into Satan's Host, you have to connect with Pat, and if that don't happen, you'll never get in the gates of Hell. For myself I think "Power~Purity~Perfection…999" is a stellar album, and I don't say this because it was my first album in the Host, I say that cause that album blew a lot of people away globally, we had great response to it globally, that was just me, Pat, and Eli that recorded that album, that album is pinnacle Eli Elixir, the vocals he did on that album was phenomenal, the way Patrick constructed that album was amazing, the first time we got "333" down and got it down on tape, I was just floored, I couldn't believe we had made a song like that, plus there isn't one song on that album that isn't a shining star on its own. Patrick talks highly of all the albums, I've never heard him say this is my favorite or anything like that, he is very proud of all his music, and when I learn older tunes from any era of the band, I freak out cuz it isn't much different than what we are doing now, every older tune I have done is exciting and fulfilling because there is always some crazy new thing to learn off those songs. And now with "By the Hands of the Devil" it's just another shinning gem on the legacy.

XM: If you could have been involved in the writing, recording or production of any album which would it be and why?

Anthony: I wouldn't want to be part of anything else unless I was full-fledge member of that entity, everything that comes out is what it is, why want to polish someone's else's turd? lol

XM: How do you think metal has changed from when you were a kid and are you happy with the change?

Anthony: I think Metal went down the shitter on one side, but on the flip side the underground came alive, wasn't as big or epic, it sucks that grudge killed it and that the music industry just stayed on its ass and everyone went broke and killed the money flow, even the smaller bands back in the day were making some money, anyone out today is a survivor, the true spirit of Metal is coming back, but there are all these leaches that have infested our "Metal" world and now it's a struggle to do anything. Everything has to be politically/religious correct anymore, it's a shame, Metal is Satan's, and any other Musical form out there for that regard, even all the shit music. And by shit music I mean music that is a product of commercialism and any grand architecture that is out to exploit the artist, where they found someone talented and sucked their spirit out of them, and the sad thing is that the majority of the human race went along with it! Really?? But music belongs to the Devil, even all the gospel crap. But I guess it is like that with any other thing in the world anymore, so yea I guess I'm kinda pissed off, but I just channel it into what I do and do the best I can for me, the band, and what is important to me. So now it's time for Satan's Host to infest the larger markets and hopefully get as many people to open there eyes and start thinking for themselves, it's all coming down anyways, at some point.

XM: What do you personally do during the downtime in between albums and tours?

Anthony: I do print/web design for the band, I work from home and devise plans for world domination, lol, Hang with the family, raise the kids and the mini zoo we have, lots of computer work, I'm highly educated and I actually run my own business from my home, and when it's time to do Satan's Host duties, I walk out the front door and come back when I'm done and then do more for Satan's Host stuff when I'm home too, lol it never ends! In all seriousness, we all work hard for the band in everything we do in our lives; whatever we do it has to reflect within the band. We rehearse and jam a lot too, we have too much fun doing it and it drives us.

XM: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words X-PLOSIVE METAL?

Anthony: I see a nuclear bomb going off with us cranked in the back ground!

XM: Could you just briefly take us through the band's plans for the remainder of 2011?

Anthony: We are gearing up for the "Celebration" album, we go record that in July until mid August, and then after we go into pre-production for the next full length, and hopefully some touring and shows before the end of the year.

XM: On behalf of xplosivemetal.com I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions with us. Anything else you'd like to mention or promote?

Anthony: The demand for Satan's Host around the globe grows, demand Satan's Host in your town!! City!! Metro-area!!! We want to play everywhere we can, Hailz to the Legion World Wide 9!!!! Hail X-Plosive Metal.com!!!

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Epsyrock.com Interview- June 26, 2011

By- Michael Hughes

1. 25 years a formidable force, did you ever think Satan's Host would last this long?

Pat- You always want to believe you can make your music last forever. I never thought about that in the early days.

2. You've seen a lot of bands come and go, what is it that has kept the band together for so long?

Pat- I think the love of the metal has kept us going for so long. Being able to create music and keep the fire burning within the band. The excitement of hearing what you have done on albums.

3. You've also seen a lot of changes over the years in the industry from the way label and bands operate to how technology has affected the industry. From the view of Satan's Host, do you prefer how it was 20-25 years ago when you were breaking in or now?

Pat- I think there is upsides to both old and new technology it seems it is more accessible to the media and fans these days.

4. Leviathan Thisiren is back on vocals after all these years, how did it all come together that he would re-join the band?

Anthony- Harry had been headlining the Keep True Festival for many years with Jag Panzer and became really good friends with Oliver the promoter of the Show. The European legions had been demanding for an appearance of Satan's Host, and Oliver asked him if it would be possible to do a show with the Metal From Hell line up at the KIT festival. Harry and Pat have all ways been in contact and felt they had unfinished business and thought it would be great to do a show with the Metal From Hell material and also bring our current vocalist at the time along and do some newer material since we well established, but he wanted to part of it and was transitioning out of the band at the point, so with him gone Harry came back home to Satan's Host and here we are now.

5. The world is eagerly awaiting the release of 'By The Hands Of The Devil' and I must say it is an excellent album. What can you tell us about the album, the direction you have taken with this one?

Anthony- Well we felt we had gone as far as we could go with the last vocalist, because the last 3 albums kinda went full circle with the elements we were touching on and we felt that the band had a lot more to say and a lot more different ground we want to cover. And as far as the music goes we always out do what we have done in the past, it is constantly growing and we like to keep growing and do things we have never done musically, the spirit and the signature sound are the same, just with new colors, perception, and textures.

6. What lyrical themes are you pursuing on this album?

Anthony- We explored more about world history, about Satan himself, enlightenment, and a quest to find truth within the world and within ourselves. We are just trying to get people to think more out of the box and muster up the courage to find their own truth, not what the government tells you, not what organized religion tells you, and not what society is telling you. The Human being is still a young animal that somehow skipped a large part of evolution according to modern science, how did that happen, and why do the powers that be want to hide this from the masses??? So we skip around with some really heavy topics.

7. Where would you class it in the mix of all your releases to date?

Pat- I always think that we keep growing as a band. So even as this album is released I am already thinking about the next album so far to date I love the album and consider it at the top of what we have done so far.

8. The band has been widely praised for the work you have done, 'Power~Purity~Perfection…999' received some incredible reviews, but do you ever worry or get nervous about the reaction to a release?

Anthony- Well you always hope for great reviews and great reception with anything you put out, but the bottom line is that we really don't think about that when we are writing, it's the furthest thing from our state of thought. When we write we are in the frameset to out do what we have done in the past. I think many bands repeat themselves, their creative juices run dry quickly, and with us the creation is always flowing, it is probably one of the most constants that we have instilled in ourselves.

9. The latest preview for fans is 'Fallen Angel', what can you tell us about this song from the sound to the lyrics?

Anthony- Fallen Angel is just a straight up song, kinda old school with some modern element thrown in. The lyrics are about Satan himself, he is the Fallen Angel, the king of Mankind, and his struggles.

10. What are the plans for the rest of 2011?

Anthony- we are working on tour plans at the moment, also preparing for a few American shows during the summer, and basically writing new material for the next new album which we are slated to probably start production at the end of the year.

11. One question that is always on my mind when I see the band's name, if you were to host Satan, where you host him?

Anthony- that's an odd question, lol, Satan is in everything we do, all creeds and cultures in some aspect, everyone Host's Satan in some form or shape within their lives, but would never expect it or admit to it. Everyone sins, everyone is out for themselves, everyone is a hypocrite in their own right, from the Sunday preacher who has the extramarital escapades to the devout housewife who prays all day and judges all her neighbours. Satan's Host is about truth, it's about all the dirty secrets and deceiving ways everyone lives their lives by. The world is scared of the wrong person, of the wrong ideals, and until an individual because a Host to Satan, to research history and try to understand and see why society is the way it is and move on to some form of enlightenment, they will always be enslaved and left out in the dark.

12. Thanks for taking some time to answer questions, really appreciate your time. Please feel free to add anything you wish.

Anthony- Thank you for your time also, we'd like to thank all the Legions World Wide 9, our families and friends, and to Moribund Cult Records family for believing in us.

Questionnaire

1. The biggest issue with the internet for artists is of course illegal downloading and there has been a rapid decline in value of the industry as the internet expands throughout the world. Several artists I have spoken to have stated that it has become part of life and that now selling albums is no longer a profitable business; money is solely earned from touring. What are your views on the matter of illegal downloading?

Anthony- Well why cry about spilt Milk, the industry saw the writing on the wall in the early 90's and decided not to do anything about it, when Lars Ulrich stood up to try and protect all the artists they basically crucified the poor guy. But in reality it isn't much difference than borrowing your buddies cassette tape or album and take it home and make a copy of it, that was the primitive download aspect, now it's just at a global state now. What should be done now is that when a band turns in their music for manufacturing and distribution to the labels, a legal binding digital signature should be put on each track so that it can be tracked, so that it is a legitimate purchase, where you receive a code to open your tracks, now if the listener wants to lend out the track and code, well that's their business, they paid for it already. So now all you can do is hope that people download your material and create a demand for you within the touring/merchandise markets, because that's where the real money for bands is today.

2. Do you feel that any of the current methods such as watermarking or streaming based models which have users paying a fee to stream music will take off and help stop the illegal sharing of music files? Or do you see any strength with the idea of giving away your music for free, having it shared around the world and again relying on touring to make money?

Anthony- I think the industry should just put their heads together, quit being so greedy and find a win-win solution that will benefit all party's associated with the problem. At this point on the bands point of view, you just want to get your name out and draw audiences.

3. The global recorded music industry saw a 31% decline in value from the years of 2004 to 2010 but the digital music market has seen a 1000% increase in value over the same period. Do you see the internet's influence on the industry as the sole cause of this decline or do you believe there are any other factors which you consider an issue?

Anthony- The ones making all the money from the digital music market is the middle man Hosting and selling the digital music, kind of like the distributors pushing all the hard copies around the world, but we need them because they get our product into the stores, I think the record company's and bands need to eliminate the middle man and solely sell the product from their own respective websites or e-Commerce stores. For Example, if they did away with hard copies and distribution, and we solely rely on digital media, you should purchase directly from the source. Say I love Iron Maiden for example, when Maiden puts a new album out, I just have to get up early on the release date, go to Iron Maiden.com or their labels website and just buy it direct from them, why go to iTunes or some other Middleman website to purchase it and have them take revenue from the Band or their label?

4. With such a growth in the digital music market, many artists have already stopped creating physical albums; the most notable is Rob Zombie who stated his most recent release would be his last physical album as the growing popularity of iTunes and Amazon is now controlling album sales. The IFPI recently published findings that 16.5% of internet users in the United States purchase their music digitally than physically. Firstly as an artist and music fan, do you still buy physical albums or do you download from digital music stores? Secondly, do see the digital music markets as something positive for the industry and your career as a new and cheaper distribution method?

Anthony- I still love buying the actual album/CD, the packaging is the exciting part, there is nothing like looking through the packaging while enjoying the music. But if it is all taken away, i guess you will always get the PDF file with all the artwork etc...

5. As the digital music stores assist in distribution, other factors that come into releasing an album are marketing and promotion of any sort. What are your views on the ability to use the internet to promote and market yourself?

Anthony- The Internet plays a major factor for marketing and promotion, any one not maximizing on this has all ready put the coffin lid on the situation, It's a fast changing world and you don't want to be left behind. It is hard to find Metal magazines anymore. The best thing to do is market and advertise yourself on websites such as BlabberMouth, and sites like it to where there is a large amount of traffic hitting it constantly.

6. Social networking has naturally become a massive asset in the industry for labels and artists to be able to interact with fans on an everyday basis from anywhere in the world. Do you feel that if the social networking boom hadn't taken place that it would effectively hinder careers as there would have been no direct route to communicate with fans?

Anthony- The social networking pages are very crucial, they are your lifeline to the fans. But at the same time, a high profile band should have their own web domain; not having your own identity on the web is showing that you have no real stake in your band. If I hear a new band's music and don't find an official website, they get tossed with the rest, because it shows me they are not a serious band, and they will be short lived anyways. Why waste the time on it.

7. A big development in recent years has been the hardware and software that has been created for anyone and everyone to purchase. We now find aspiring artists building their own home studios at their computer by purchasing top of line software, sound cards, microphones and such. What are your views on the technology advancements in recent years from software, hardware and even to the MP3 itself? What positives or negatives if any do you see from these advancements?

Anthony- Doing all your own production is great for doing Demos, but in the end, you really need to get in with a professional and get your recording done correctly. There is nothing better than working with a trained professional with the expertise. It calls for a much more stronger product in the end. That's why there are so many terrible sounding bands out there, because they are all doing it themselves, a polished turd in the end will always be a polished turd.

8. While purchasing hardware/software and recording in your own home studio is a method of removing big studio costs and staff costs, recently fan funding in return for incentives has become a new way forward. Recently in the UK bands such as Madina Lake, Funeral For A Friend and The Blackout have used Pledge Music (Kickstarter in the US) in which fans contribute towards the cost of the studio in return for signed albums, special gifts and more. Do you think this method of involving fans more intimately in the creation of an album and offering them incentives to do so could be a way forward to combat the losses through piracy?

Anthony- Sounds like to much work and distraction, unless you are able to have someone solely to take care of it, it sounds like another avenue to revenue.

9. In the United States from 1999 to 2009 there was a 17% fall in the number of people hired as a musician and in Europe, while not directly musicians, the estimated number of jobs likely to be lost due to piracy in the creative industries will reach 1.2 million by 2015. Do you worry as an artist that you will ever be swept by this wave and be forced to leave the industry you love in order to provide a better living for yourself?

Anthony- Truth of it all is that we will be a creative force till we are dead and gone. 95% of all recording artists have a day job, if you're not investing in yourself with some means, it will decline your success, this isn't the 80's where your getting a million dollars for an album, or unless your super huge like Metallica or Iron Maiden, you get home and you carry on with the day job. Maintaining a true working Metal band that has a global identity takes putting money into it.

10. When you consider the industry previously to the time before the internet and to now with the internet in full swing, what do you see for the future of the industry?

Anthony- I see the record companies disappearing unless they do something to rectify a solution to make a win-win situation with the Internet, I see the regulation of weeding out the weak bands and the talentless going away, the Internet is going to be flooded with polished turds and people's appreciation for true talent and art will degenerate.

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RockHard.de Interview- June 21, 2011

By- Michael Kohsiek

When and why did you decide to get Harry Conklin back in the saddle? For many fans it was quite a surprise?

Patrick Evil: Well Eli left the band and left us hanging and the timing felt right for Harry to come back into the fold.


Is it a problem for you that Harry is singing in two other bands (Jag Panzer and Titan Force)?

Patrick Evil: Not at all since those other bands are not really productive we will keep doing our best to put out albums around every 12 month cycle and I feel Harry has done his best work with Satan's Host


Satan's Host was never away, you released five records from 2000 to 2009. But the increase of quality with the addition of The Tyrant is obvious for me. Do you also see the differences between "By The Hands." and its five predecessors?

Patrick Evil: Well I think musically we have refined our style if you listen to the last few albums musically we were where we are at now, with Harry everything flows better. Eli had a tendency to drown out the riffs and you would not here the music as well.


For me, the new record offers something quite new, a mix that I personally have never heard before. What is Satan's Host 2011 for you? Black Power Metal? Black Metal?

Patrick Evil: I think we are metal at its truest core. My goal adding Harry's vocals were to invent something that has never been done in the vein of music in which we exist. So many bands just get repetitive with the same old feel, with Harry we can do things and invent new sounds.


Do you write your songs in another way with Harry on board? Where do you all those great melodylines come from?

Patrick Evil: I write songs like I always have from the heart and we collaborate on ideas it is just so fun when we get together and write there is so much we want to do together it is a very exciting time in our history.


Let's talk a bit about the lyrics. You still seem to cling to your satanic image - what do you believe? Are you a satanic band? More in the "modern" way or the Mercyful Fate-way?

Patrick Evil: We are Metal from Hell when we write it comes from experiences and beliefs in our lives. We don't try to write in any way, we are just fans of metal ourselves and we write what feels catchy to us and gives us that fire, like when we first started.


What do some of the songs deal with? What are your favorites?

Patrick Evil: Well for example Before the Flame is the voice of Satan so many people say they want to sell their souls to the devil and the devil in our song has enough souls he wants to know what you can do for mankind and yourself to make things better, nothing is free it takes hard work and dedication to reach for greatness that's how we have been writing these songs to give the listener a chance to make their own choices.


Will there be a vinyl version of the record?

Patrick Evil: We would really love to do a vinyl that's up to sales and the record company we have let them know we would love to do a vinyl.


What do you think can be reached with your new record? What is your goal?

Patrick Evil: We want to take the band to further heights and fill those voids that have been loss with the passing of Dio and many of the greats, there is a void in music we want to write what most fans of true metal want to hear kick ass tunes that take you where you have never been.


Do you follow today's Metalscene? What are your favorites right now?

Patrick Evil: I don't pay much attention to what others do, it seems to me a lot has been lost throughout the years and bands seem to not have the fire or desire to experiment as much and to invent new sounds. I love black metal, death metal, and power metal, I love metal over, all I want is bands to challenge there selves and not be clones of the next big thing. Make A trade mark sound so when people hear the music they say oh yeah that's Satan's Host without a doubt.

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Metalholic.co Interview- June 16, 2011

SATAN'S HOST Talk New Album and A Return To The Roots Of Hell

By Doron Beit-Halahmi

From the depths of the underworld…

Founded in 1977, Denver's Satan's Host is one of those band's that has ebbed and flowed with the changing metal scene. Originally labeled a power metal band, then later a black metal band, they prefer to think of themselves as simply metal. No other label need apply.

Originating guitarist and mainstay composer Patrick Evil has composed another album of dark and grisly metal for fans. The band also see their long missed vocalist, Harry "Leviathan Thisiren" Conklin (Jag Panzer), return to the fold. As always Anthony "Evil Hobbit" Lopez (Torrid Flesh) man's the skins, while the band welcomes thunderous new bassist, Margar.

The new album, By The Hands of the Devil is a ten song opus that leads the listener on a satanic journey through the depths of the underworld. Conklin's shrill vocals are reminiscent of those of the band's influences, such as Dickinson or even a young Halford, which counters Evil's fast hand guitar work. This album marks a return to more of the metal style they were known for in their early years.

Metalholic recently sat down with Conklin and Lopez to talk about By The Hands of the Devil. Just from talking to these guys, it is evident that they are extremely passionate about not just the band that they helped make successful, but heavy metal itself. They talked about the changing music industry, Satanism, Atheism and Christianity and the evolution of the band. The album is in stores now, so make sure you go out and buy yourself a copy today.

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Bravewords.com Interview- June 8, 2011

SATAN'S HOST - 25th Anniversary Edition Of Metal From Hell Due Later This Year

By Greg Pratt

Denver's SATAN'S HOST are part of a frustrating breed of band, a breed that have been around forever (first album = 1986 in this case), have at least one semi-famous dude in the mix (here, it's Harry "Tyrant" Conklin of JAG PANZER fame), play a weirdly satisfying blend of trad metal, black, and death (check), and toil away in obscurity despite releasing material on a shockingly regular basis (again, check). Hmm, well, okay, there is no breed of band that this describes: there's just Satan's Host. They're really in a league of their own, which is the result of a bunch of ol' dogs just putting their heads down and playing metal the way they love it.

"I really don't understand the 'traditional', 'black', 'thrash' labels," says drummer Anthony Lopez. "I've learned songs from all the albums and to me it's all [guitarist/songwriter] Patrick Evil music. It's his signature style and sound; we're just a metal band being true to our beliefs, feelings, our talent, and our vision; we don't really have any type of outside influence."

The main difference about Satan's Host's new one, By The Hands Of The Devil, and their last, '09's insanely named Power ~ Purity ~ Perfection ... 999, is that something old is new again, namely the return of Tyrant, who is back on vocal duties after a 20-year hiatus from the band.

"I think it's great having Harry in the band," says Lopez. "He brings the old spirit of the Host back that I thought was very present in the first two albums. Me being a newcomer, I have to say it's an honour to have such a personality with a golden voice in the band. Plus it's great having someone very versatile and easy to work with, with no hidden agendas and such (laughs)."

The meeting of the voice and the band sounds great, especially on tunes like 'Fallen Angel', which is so melodic and has such a classic feel to it that I suggest to Lopez that it kind of sounds like a glam power ballad about Satan, a unique proposition indeed, and one that is symbolic of the band's interesting sound in general. But does the band ever worry that this meeting of vibes, eras, and sounds might alienate some listeners?

"I think people alienate themselves on their own," says Lopez. "Metal isn't a by-product of any other style of music out there; to the contrary, it has many elements of other styles, predominantly classical and blues. I think the majority of the metal scene fell off the boat a long time ago, branching out here and there, which is fine—it's evolution. The problem is many bands are worried more about their visual appearance than really carrying on with the true aspects of the music."

And while fans' eyes are on the new album, the band is looking ahead. And this time around, the looking ahead involves a little looking back, as Lopez explains.

"We're writing music and working on lyrical ideas for a few new songs that will be appearing on the 25th anniversary edition of the [1986 debut] Metal From Hell album, which should be coming out later this year."

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Zetalambmary Interview- June 2, 2011

Q&A with Satan's Host

Some bands make great music... but just never got to make it big. Satan's Host is one of them, and these peers of Iron Maiden are going back to explore their blackened power metal roots from their early years with the release of their fifth and latest studio effort, "By The Hands Of The Devil". Underground they may still be, but Satan's Host still haven't forgotten how to make darn good NWoBHM-ish music on this latest album!



Zetalambmary: Firstly, allow me to express my congratulations to the band for 34 years of existence thus far! When the band was first formed back in 1977, bands with overtly satanic names like this were still not very common. What prompted you guys to come up with such a name?

Patrick Evil: Originally, I wanted a name that would stand against Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin and all the other great bands of that time.

Evil Little Hobbit: Patrick Evil came up with the name when he was a teenager. He felt he had to come up with an evil name that was better than Black Sabbath.



Zetalambmary: You all are almost as old as the titanic Iron Maiden. In fact, both Iron Maiden and Satan's Host seem to share some similar traits musically, such as the high-pitched wails done by the vocalists and the NWoBHM-ish guitar riffs. Yet you all have a lyrical theme that is dark and unconventional for a band that has a heavy/power metal playing style. So between Iron Maiden and Venom, which band would you guys consider to be a bigger influence on the band?

Patrick Evil: I would say that for me, both of these bands had a great fire that I had interest in.

Margar: Venom is a great band and I enjoy their work, especially "Black Metal", but Iron Maiden has definitely been a bigger influence.

Evil Little Hobbit: For me it's Iron Maiden. I've been an avid fan since I was a kid; both Clive Burr and Nicko McBrain have been huge influences on me. But as far as what Satan's Host is all about, I'd have to say that both Iron Maiden and Venom have been an influence.



Zetalambmary: America is also home to the famed Kamelot led by suave frontman Roy Khan. Have you all ever considered moving Satan's Host towards the direction of modern power metal by incorporating keyboards into your music and lyrical themes that deal with humane problems like questioning the purpose of existence and human solitude?

Patrick Evil: No, I would say I have always been a fan of the more extreme forms of music that are aggressive and guitar-cum-vocal driven. I do like keyboards if they are written in a certain way for the mood of the song.

Evil Little Hobbit: We have had keyboards in past albums, Patrick used to use them before, and the thought of bringing them back is always a possibility. I think the themes we have in "By the Hands of the Devil" does have a lot of questioning, but not on the purpose of our existence, but more about where we came from, what's happening around us, and more about uniting against the lies and enslavement of the human race by governments and religious ideologies.



Zetalambmary: Do you guys think that there is such a thing as a "black metal star"?

Patrick Evil: It all goes into the conception of thought and mortality; it would be in the way you would look at the star. To me, all great people are different kinds of stars in their own way.

Margar: Sure, there are plenty of black metal stars.



Zetalambmary: When Jon Nödtveidt of Dissection was still alive, he often criticised that most of the black metal groups that are active in the global metal scene aren't truly satanic in the very essence of the word itself, but are "mentally passive, easily-guided apathetic flocks of cattle". Do you all agree with him?

Patrick Evil: I would agree with him. I think that many people just follow like sheep and don't strive to create their own sounds and beliefs.

Evil Little Hobbit: Yes. But that is just a human trait in any formal organization. The thing with Satanism is to live as an individual.



Zetalambmary: What kind of beliefs does each one of you hold and what kind of messages do you all want to bring across in the music of Satan's Host?

Patrick Evil: I think as individuals we all have our own belief systems, mine being spiritual and Satanic. There are so many ways to open the mind; I think it is hard just to limit yourself to certain beliefs. I think there are so many avenues of mystery to be explored and applied in what we wish to attain.

Margar: I don't hold any religious beliefs whatsoever. Because of this, I like to leave the messages to the other guys. I care more about making good music than sending a message.

Evil Little Hobbit: The truth is in the unopened mind, seek enlightenment.



Zetalambmary: What are the 5 favourite albums ever for each one of you and which metal musician do you all admire the most?

Patrick Evil: I am not sure I could limit it to 5 albums. I would say "Blizzard of Ozz" by Ozzy Osbourne, "Heaven and Hell" by Black Sabbath, "Led Zeppelin 4" by Led Zeppelin, "Black Metal" by Venom, "Killers" by Iron Maiden, "Master of Disguise" by Savage Grace and many others.

Margar: Right now, it would probably be "Blackwater Park" by Opeth, "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" by Primus, "Horrorshow" by Iced Earth, "Viva Emptiness" by Katatonia and "Fate of Norns" by Amon Amarth. But that list changes about once a week depending on what mood I am in. I would have to say that I admire Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth because he is such an unbelievably talented musician and I like how he composes his music.

Evil Little Hobbit: "Powerslave" by Iron Maiden, "Melissa" by Mercyful Fate, "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, "Sons of Northern Darkness" by Immortal and "Moving Pictures" by Rush. I admire King Diamond the most.



Zetalambmary: Since Harry's rejoining of Satan's Host last year, how do the other members feel about his contributions to the band so far?

Patrick Evil: With Harry, the sky is the limit. We can do anything we have ever dreamed of and more. There is so much room to grow and evolve as a band. We have such great chemistry together.

Margar: It has definitely been a welcome change. I am both proud and honoured to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible vocalist.

Evil Little Hobbit: Harry is stellar. He is a great vocalist, a great musician, a great friend and he has done all he can do to contribute.



Zetalambmary: The latest record, "By The Hands Of The Devil", takes a nostalgic step back in time to Satan's Host's original power metal musical style and departs from the death metal musical style of the late '90s to 2009. How has fan reception of this new, or rather, old Satan's Host been so far and how do you guys feel about it?

Patrick Evil: I think so far it has been an amazing reaction to this album. We wanted to go against the norm and invent something that has been lost for a very long time.

Margar: So far the fan reception has been great. It's satisfying to have something that we have worked so hard on be met with such good reviews.



Zetalambmary: Are you guys going to embark on any tours soon?

Patrick Evil: We do really want to go on tour because we live to play live. At the same time, we are loving song-writing and recording because we have so much fire inside of ourselves to create. We will tour and get the music out there to the fans, it is all just a matter of timing and to make sure we do it right!



Zetalambmary: Will you all ever consider coming to Asia to perform?

Patrick Evil: Of course, we know how passionate the fans are over there. All anyone has to do is make us offers and set up shows and Satan's Host will play anywhere!

Margar: If the opportunity arises, the answer would be "Yes".

Evil Little Hobbit: We want to hit every corner of the Earth at some point.



Zetalambmary: Before we end off, does any one of you think that Beethoven would probably make a pretty good heavy metal musician if he was still alive today?

Patrick Evil: I think he would make the ultimate metal musician, you can hear it in all of his works. Give him the technology we have and music would explode from him!

Margar: Without a doubt. Since metal has roots embedded so deep into classical music, he would probably be undeniably great.

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Vaskarc Harry Conklin Interview- May 27, 2011

Translated from Hungarian

Harry Conklin - The Multiple Personality

Satan's Host, Titan Force, Jag Panzer and frontman - Leviathan Thisiren, The Tyrant, or simply Harry Conklin. Pretty much everyone knows who they are. The unfairly undervalued, but large-throated Colorado singer almost every band in actual cases is: the end of February from the new Jag album, The Scourge of the Light, then in early May the Satan's Host's return Leviathan Thisiren, the By the Hands of the Devil . And there are / will be more surprises, too! A little bit morose and taciturn-looking singer of the most talked things of Satan's Host ...

You became known as vocalist of Jag Panzer in the 80's. The band's core was formed in '81, highly influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. At that time, legendary heavy metal bands were formed, such as Virgin Steele, Savatage, Leatherwolf, Queensryche, Crimson Glory or Lizzy Borden. Among them and many later formed bands, Jag Panzer has a characteristic "European-like" sound and heavily insists of his roots. Why is that?

H: Jag was influenced greatly by the NWBHM movement. We liked the anthemic choruses and the haunting riffs.

Your first album, Ample Destruction was very promising, but it seemed the band started to decay slowly after its release. Is this only can be attributed to the lack of success which should have come after a potent debut like that?

H: We could not find anyone who was willing to get us to the next level.

In '86, you left Panzer, became a member of the famous Riot for a while, and then joined Satan's Host. With this band, you started to play something what's completely differed from the music what you played before. This is fine, but how is this approach to the occult?

H: pat and Rob wrote the lyrics and was into the dark side. I was and am a singer for hire and did not get into the satanic vibe. I did however write some lyrics on the subtle side of the dark.

On the album "Midnight Wind" you played a Jag Panzer cover "Black Sunday". Why this song?

H: Black Sunday was written in the JAG days for the Ample album. At the time it did not fit too well with the rest of the material and was put on the back burner. When SH heard it they put their take on it and it seamed to fit better with them.

If we're here, the EP includes a cover of "House of the Rising Sun". What inspired you to play the song, the traditional one or the Animals' version… perhaps something else?

H: Pat has allways liked to put a new twist on old favorites of his.

After the iconic "Metal from Hell" album and the never-issued "Midnight Wind" EP, you left Satan's Host too… Did you try something new again?

H: i did Titan Force for 7 years and then onto Jag since then. The RIOT gig was just a stand in for the real singer they wanted in the band.

With Titan Force, you did completely new again, but two great albums after you moved on. What was the reason for leaving? Only the return to Jag Panzer?

H: Titan Force stopped writing and was falling into a rut. Jag panzer was losing touch with Parduba and Mark and I had an idea to try to reform and leave all past behind for good measure.

Moreover, what about Titan Force? The guys were doing some reunion show and I heard that they recorded a new album. Do you know something?

H: Titan Force is looking to release something with me soon.

In '94, Jag Panzer was reunited with Daniel J. Conca on vocals and after the period of the comeback "Dissident Alliance" album, you've became the lead singer of the band again. How do you feel, what was the most significant phase for the band, the "heroic age" in the beginning of 80's or the active period from reunion to the present day?

H: Is this a SATANS HOST interveiw or a history lesson of my past?

Let's go back a bit on Satan's Host! After your leaving, the band stopped for more than a decade. On the time of reunion in 99, did you and Patrick talk about that you'd become the singer of the band again?

H: Many times.

Last year, after Elixir's leaving, you rejoined to Satan's Host. How did you become a member of the band again?

H: Things fell into place after they heard what I could do.

Satan's Host's latest album released this year. By the words of your label, Moribund Cult Records, "Hands of the Devil" is the defining album of Satan's Host's career. Well, in my opinion, this is not equivocation. The new material is 100% pure Satan's Host, however, perfectly up to date. It's sufficiently complex and varied but completely transparent, not chaotic as the previously released stuffs. What do you think about it?

H: Right on target!

For the new album, you covered a Lennon song "Norwegian Wood". Do you think, this song is an integral part of the album?

H: just another twist from Pat.

From the reunion, almost of all Satan's Host albums were produced by Dave Otero except "Satanic Grimoire". Did you feel that you didn't free to change and had to play safe?

H: I know nothing of this.

The album came out in early May. What is about the media coverage?

H: GREAT so far. Excellant reveiws.

How is Satan's Host active in terms of concerts?

H: we put on a fantastic show! AWESOME!

Yor debut album "Metal from Hell" released 25 years ago. Will there be any significance of this anniversary?

H: Pat, Anthony and I are releasing a 25th anniversary disc soon.

You're a frontman of two bands whose musical style is almost completely different. With Jag Panzer, you perform European-based heavy metal while Satan's Host plays American power metal based music. Does it make any sense to ask which style is closer to you?

H: On stage I can be whomever I want. I chose each persona to reflect the music and bring forth an emotion for the crowd to create energy from. Each persona is a direct reflection of the music performed.

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TaiPai Metal Interview- May 26, 2011

Interview: Satan's Host - Guided by the Hands of the Devil Written by Joe Henley Twenty-five years is a relative eternity for anything to endure in these modern times, let alone something as combustible and erratic as a metal band. But that's exactly what so-called cult metal act Satan's Host, an overtly Satanic power metal band which in its contemporary era has grown to incorporate more extreme tendencies into its sound, has managed to do. The band was founded in 1986 when vocalist Harry Conklin, a.k.a. Leviathan, left Jag Panzer, and would release the full length Metal from Hell that year, followed by the Midnight Wind EP in 1987, before the group was derailed by a 12-year hiatus. In the years following the break, Satan's Host has kept a steady clip of productivity courtesy of guitarist and main songwriter Patrick Evil, and last year announced that Leviathan, who had not joined his band mates in their reunion, was in fact returning to the group to appear on their latest offering, the acclaimed By the Hands of the Devil, which was released in early May. Drummer Anthony "Evil Hobbit" Lopez recently spoke to Taipei Metal about Satanism and all things Satan's Host—past, present, and devilish future.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host's latest album, By the Hands of the Devil, marks the return to the lineup of original vocalist Leviathan. What is the story behind his return after such a long absence?

Anthony Lopez: Well Harry and Pat have always had some form of communication over the years. Oliver from the Keep It True festival had asked Harry if it would be possible to have the original lineup do a performance at the Keep It True festival. He asked Pat and he was all for it. We had just put out "Power~Purity~Perfection…999" out in late 2009 and our vocalist at the time was transitioning to do his own thing, and we started doing rehearsing for the Keep It True festival and that Magick that Harry and Pat had together was undeniable, so we decided to go with it and make a new album after the Keep It True festival.

Taipei Metal: What do you feel is different about By the Hands of the Devil when compared to your previous work?

Anthony Lopez: Musically there is no real difference from the other albums, it's still Patrick Evil music and his signature sound. He strives to out do himself from one work to another, but it is always the same signature sound and spirit that comes from him. The lyrical content on this album is more in depth, more personal, more dark and with many different points of view. We wanted to show that we had a lot more to say with more depth.

Taipei Metal: Once again for this album Satan's Host worked with longtime producer Dave Otero. What is it about him that keeps you coming back to work with him?

Anthony Lopez: Dave is like the 5th member of Satan's Host, plus he lives right down block. We have a very strong working relationship with Dave. He knows us very well, he knows how to get the best out of us and he is very easy to work with. We really don't go in and mess around, we get set up and start pounding the work out, which we like to do, but at the same time try to enjoy the process.

Taipei Metal: This is your third straight album on Moribund Records. What has it been like working with the label so far?

Anthony Lopez: Odin and the Moribund Records family is a great label to be affiliated with. We have a great working relationship. It is very personal based in a sense, even though it is an all professional relationship with the label. We don't have to go through 20 people to talk to the head of the label; we go straight to the head of the label. There is no beating around the bush with the label, no hidden adjenda's etc., just a great working relationship.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host is often referred to as a cult band. What does this title mean to you and what are your thoughts on whether or not it is an apt description of your band?<

Anthony Lopez: Well we have somewhat of a cult following in Europe and other parts of the world since the Metal from Hell album. However we are to be conveyed is fine with us, we just strive to be the best metal band we can and try to get as many more fans as we can, and if that reference works to get interest of new fans then so be it. We have a long history and want to continue making history.

Taipei Metal: The new album has some elements of power metal but it is also very extreme in a lot of places. What has led the band to combine such disparate parts of the metal spectrum?

Anthony Lopez: Evolution I guess. In all seriousness it just came naturally to us. I don't really see a difference from Metal from Hell to By the Hands of the Devil. It was the Devil's music then as is now, it just has some modern techniques in it. We like to grow and keep learning new techniques as musicians. We don't jump on any bandwagon and say 'Oh this year we are gonna do this type of album' or whatever, we've seen the gamut of all the sub genres in metal over the last three decades, some stuff some of us like, and some we don't care for. In the end you have to execute what comes from the heart for the success of the album and the songs.

Taipei Metal: Since Satan's Host reformed, the band has been extremely active in producing new albums, EPs, and a DVD. What has been the driving force behind this high level of productivity?

Anthony Lopez: The driving force is to just keep pushing the name and our music within the music industry; to show we are productive and to keep pushing the envelope. We are not a fad, we are a band with longevity. Not too many bands can say they have been around as long as Satan's Host.

Taipei Metal: Satanism is obviously the driving force behind the lyrical content of Satan's Host, but how much of an influence does Satanism have on the day to day lives of the band members?

Anthony Lopez: Satanism is a large part of society in many forms today. But as a band, when we are working together, we are promoting Satanism. Individually we have our belief system and way of life, so in saying that I cannot answer for the other members of the band but just for myself. I live a life that is about respect, common sense, maintaining a good work ethic, and to provide for my family by examining myself, researching beyond the dark arts and philosophy, which is a great base point to begin a journey of truth and enlightenment. Satanism revolves around my lifestyle, family practice, the people I associate myself with, and everything I do whether it is indirect or directed at what I'm doing. Our society on a whole is ill. Our planet and way of living on it is going to wipe us off the face of the Earth probably sooner than later. Satanism has evolved into many things and in many ways. Magick and many Satanic philosophies have been misused and twisted like the white Magick out there. Some of the so called flock are seeing through the lies.

Taipei Metal: What are your thoughts on bands that use Satanism merely as an image?

Anthony Lopez: Good for them. Thanks for helping spread the word and interest in Satanism. The Dark Lord will, I'm sure, reward them for their efforts.

Taipei Metal: So far Satan's Host only has one upcoming show scheduled in Denver in June. Are there any plans to tour behind this new album?

Anthony Lopez: Yep, we want to get on the road as soon as possible. We want to go as far and as many places we can possibly go. The world wants Satan's Host, and we want the world! Demand Satan's Host in your town!

Taipei Metal: What are your feelings on touring nowadays and Satan's Hosts need, or lack thereof, to get out on the road?

Anthony Lopez: We have offers all the time for tours, the problem is being able to do it at whatever juncture is going on at that time. We were in the position to go on the road when the last album came out, but others in the grotto had other agendas so that fell through. Then we got prepped up for Keep It True, plus Harry was working on other commitments that he had already, then the recording sessions came up for the new album, and now we are ready to roll. So basically it's on whatever drops on our laps and if it's feasible.

Taipei Metal: Satan's Host seems to be building up some consistent momentum. What are your thoughts on the future of the band?

Anthony Lopez: From the prior reception on the new album and the reviews and hype from the last album, and the ones before that, I think our future is bright and productive. Realistically we have the best label and support that we could ask for, and we are building up contacts and relationships that will flourish for all that are involved. It's been 25 years of labor pains and it's time for Satan's Host to devour more, to deliver timeless world class metal, and just push everyone off to the side. The world needs us, and we need them.

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HardCity Interview- May 19, 2011

Translated from Greek

HELLO FROM HARDCITY AND LAZDI. THANKS A LOT FOR THIS INTERVIEW, I HOPE IS GOING TO BE A GREAT ONE THAT WE BOTH ENJOY. MANY MANY THANKS AND I HOPE TO TALK TO YOU BACK SOON. NOW LET'S GET TO THE POINT

1. In your songs there is evidence from both Doom and NWOBHM. Is this compatible with Death Metal ?

Anthony- I think all forms of metal genres are compatible in some shape or form, I think to really make it work it really depends on the songwriting, when we write songs Pat usually has a bunch of riffs and ideas that he has been working on, he is constantly writing new riffs and songs all the time, it's an ongoing process with him. Then he brings it in to the rehearsal spot and we start hashing it out. We put the parts together on how it feels, if it feels right for us we go for it and make it come alive.

2. Your vocals are clean and different from other Death Metal bands. What do you think about Brutal vocals that we hear nowadays?

Anthony- Harry did not only clean vocals on the new album, but he did do his rendition on heavier vocals. I think for the most part in the Metal scene there isn't that much new originality in Brutal vocals; it's all starting to sound the same in my opinion. There is only high rank of individuals that have a signature sound; everyone else just copies their style.

3. Can you tell us some of your influences; Which are the bands that affected you more?

Anthony- Venom, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, UFO, Scorpions, and or course Mercyful Fate.

4. Is still Death Metal an Underground music?

Anthony- I would have to say it is probably a high level of Underground, there are a handful of bands that have taken it to higher ground such as Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, and Death. I think more extreme Death metal bands are still underground.

5. Tell us few things about your new album. How was the recordings and how is the responding around the world so far?

Anthony- We have been getting great reviews and press from around the globe, we are really stirring up the industry with this album because we are doing something new that no one has really done as far as having extreme playing with clean vocals, I think we are bridging gaps that people thought would never be done, it's basically natural for us because we like to grow and do new things and keep the signature sound of Satan's Host at the same time. Some bands will try and do this but lose the signature sound, they become a whole new band. We went in with Dave Otero at Flatline, who has done the last 5 albums, everything went smooth, Dave knows us well and knows how to get the best out of us, we have a great working relationship with him.

6. What, in your opinion, is the feature that stigmatize the music of Satan' s Host?

Anthony- I would have to say it is the signature sound that Patrick Evil created decades ago, you can always tell it's him, his style, whoever is on the mic or jamming with him, that's what has kept the band strong all these years.

7. Have you arrange a tour or something else? What comes next?

Right now we are waiting for the right opportunity, but we really want to get out there and play this music for the masses, there is a demand for it and we want to go out deliver!

8. What is your favorite song from By the Hands of the Devil album And what is the song that represents you most in your career so far?

Anthony- That's a hard question, I love them all! Lol I would have to go with Before the Flame. I think the whole statement of all the songs as a collection would represent us the best, it has a little bit of everything in it that is our essence.

9. What is your opinion about the Death Metal scene? Is There Any band that stands out more than others?

Anthony- I love certain bands from all walks of Metal, not just Death Metal, I like a variety of music, cuz I look at it from a musician point of view, I look for something that is going to touch the soul and have a direct reaction to me, I don't really care how fast someone can go or how many notes they can play a second, that has no real substance to me, it has to be deeper than that, and I think on a large scale of the whole Metal scene a lot of bands that lack that anymore, there isn't enough originality out there anymore, it has become stagnate for me, especially with the American bands, I like a lot of Foreign bands because they are coming at you with a spirit that is alien almost, different cultures and beliefs, there is a lot of fire with those bands. The Death Metal bands that really stand out for me are Death and Morbid Angel, I think they stand out the most.

10. Something more that you wish to add?

Anthony- I like to thank all the Legions World Wide 9 for all their support and interest in the band, and I invite all Metalheads out there to give By the Hands of the Devil a listen. There is something on this album for everone!

THAT'S ALL GUYS. THANK YOU ONCE MORE. I WISH YOU ALL MY BEST, AND GOOD LUCK TO WHATEVER YOU DO. Link

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