Sardonic Witchery – Hell’s Thorns Attack
Release Date: 1st September 2026
Label: Firecum Records (EUROPE) / JEMS (US)
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Thrash Metal.
FFO: (Early) Sepultura, Cryfemal, Marduk, Decayed, Lord Humongous.
Review By: Celeste
There are a lot of Black Metal acts out there that have yet to be discovered despite their longevity and cult-like fanbase, and Sardonic Witchery is one of those bands. As someone listening to them for the first time, they really did justice reeling me in and getting me excited to see them live towards the end of September. With that being said, whether a new or old fan, Hell’s Thorns Attack has a great pull that brings you into such a hostile and direct territory, keeping the intent they have had for almost 15 years. G. Lucis Ruina and King Demogorgon are a great official duo to the main band studio wise (King Demogorgon primarily was listed solo for some time) especially with how well they blended for this album.
For being in the 30-35 minute range, Hell’s Thorns Attack hits a sweet spot that some people may find intimidating if they saw the track amount, but that just translates to how they have such a fast-paced, no-bullshit fury, especially on this new album. I absolutely love the blast beats and instrumentals. They do not mess around with their intentions, as previously mentioned, which starts out very strong on their first track Crown of Burning Spikes. I do feel the instrumentals, especially the drums, take over the tracks more than the vocals for the most part, but they play a vital role. With that being said, this band feels like their music would hit so much harder for me personally live than in person, which is the intent for a lot of blackened thrash bands.
Vocally this remind me of a lot of similar projects, such as Cryfemal when it comes to Black Metal. I would also say they do carry the thrash elements nicely for how they sound higher-pitched and wailing in a sense, which a lot of thrash bands tend to do. Additionally, they follow a similar element in thrash where they have layered vocals that have this chant-like feel, which makes it catchy in a way. A good example of this is track 6, Cult of a Thousand Thornss. That track is also a nice tie-in for how I enjoy the theming of the album since they are very war-like for the most part, particularly with a war on other religions. It reminds me of other black-trash bands that have themes of war as well, such as the apocalypse and total human destruction. Even some themes of sexual perversion, which is a favorite of mine to hear in Black Metal, and Sardonic Witchery does it well in their track Sabbath of Sadistic Desire. Speaking of favorites, usually I can pinpoint a favorite song from an album I can go back to but most of the tracks from Hell’s Thorns Attack hit me in one way or another, that made the decision hard for me, whether it was their lyrical content or the instrumentals themselves.
Overall, this album was a great introduction to the band; the tracks were very punchy and moreish. The pacing and the strong energy that they put into being so raw and hostile says a lot about the dedication they have, especially since this is their fifth full-length album, coming out from a 14-year period of being a band. Having that slower-paced release time frame speaks volumes and shows that they care a lot about what they put out there, even with the newly added band member. I would recommend checking this band out if you have been on the fence, even if this newest album is your gateway to hearing the sheer destruction Sardonic Witchery has to offer.
(4 / 5)
