Band:	Satan's Host
Album:	Great American Scapegoat 666
Style:	Blackened death metal
Release date:	February 12, 2008
A review by:	Lucas

01. Invocation 666
02. Ave Lucifer
03. Dragons - Darkness
04. Azrael - Death Wing Angel
05. Great American Scapegoat
06. Hail Satan
07. 7 Strings
08. Black Order
09. Pyromancy, The Art Of Fire
10. Xeper 22
11. The Cursing -Vampyric Evil-Eye-
12. Infernal Victory
13. Throne Of Baphomet

Only a short while ago, I wrote a review of the Satan's Host "Satanic Grimoires" album. Now that I also have their most recent album, their 2008 effort "Great American Scapegoat 666", this allows me to see how much they have grown. Judging by the album name and the songtitles, nothing has changed in the department of cheese. Still plenty of cheese, every African kid can now double his portion.

But stating that nothing has changed is not completely true. After all, there has been a slight change of style. Instead of drifting between Black and Death as they did on the album prior to this one, they have now set sail to more Melodic Death areas. And for once not the crap that In Flames or Children Of Bodom try to sell as "Melodeath", but Death Metal, with a Melodic edge. As it should be done.

"Great American Scapegoat 666" thrives on its menacing, fast-paced drumming and catchy, melodic lead guitars. Some of the songs are so brutal they sound like left-overs from Behemoth's "Demigod" session. Combined with a stronger sound, better production and a more prominent role for the bass, this knocks "Satanic Grimoires" out on all fronts.

Satan's Host is still a cliché band and has no real sound of their own, but they do keep on improving their act. For those who like their Death Metal with a Black touch, and a Melodic edge, this should be an interesting band. They do what they do best, and they do it with passion. What else do you need?