Self-released (2008)

Sacramento’s Devastator began their thrash approach in the fall of 2001, albeit under a different moniker with guitarist/vocalist Tyler Satterlee and drummer Derek Bean. A year later they filled their lineup with bassist Pat Hamby. Through the years they’ve record a demo and a couple of EP’s, gained many gigs across northern California opening for local and national bills. "Burn The Beast" features a professional recording atmosphere with Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios, and this 5 song avalanche should pay dividends within the label community as well as accelerating their already growing fan base.

Imagine a raw Kreator meets Razor vocal bellow from Tyler while the riffs and rhythms alternate between early Megadeth/ Exodus and possibly the precise speed picking we love from Artillery or Heathen and that encapsulates Devastator’s style. I didn’t mind the "Peace Sells" meets "Killers" bass line that runs rampant through "The Devil’s Mark" or the lengthier instrumental openings which keep the time frames of these 5 songs around the 6-7 minute mark. Derek loves the lightning feet to punish against the guitar run mania throughout the opening title track- yet I enjoy the slower tribal bridge that gives crowds plenty to chant and slam to in the old school circle pit ways. Occasionally the repetitive/ simplistic lyrics in the choruses prove that Devastator could use some seasoning ("March Of the Wicked" the easiest example here).

Yes thrash is back. No Devastator isn’t hopping on the trend as an easy cash grab. Let’s hope the next recording is a full length supported by a worthy label that can get these guys on a whirlwind tour escapade.

www.myspace.com/devastatorblast
www.myspace.com/salemrosemusic

Composed by Matt Coe