With all that 2023 has thrown our way, it has given us a surprising amount of quality from all over the spectrum of the world of metal. There is always so much to go around in any given year, but this year really does seem to almost go out of its way in order to deliver us plenty of fascinating efforts from the realms of thrash and heavy metal more so than what feels has been the case in previous years. In any case, these last few months have been quite bountiful for both those acts with there being more than a few names out there continuing to show us what excellence there is still to be had. With their fourth album, Solitary Sabred ensures thrash metal closes 2023 out on the best possible high-point.

Ambassadors of what it means for Greek thrash to take on a tremendous visage that does nothing but justice for the sound, Solitary Sabred has long now been a name that is not worthy of underestimating for so much as a moment. Their previous works have seen the trajectory of their quality and intensity go only skyward, yet it is without all that they’ve summoned from the darkest catacombs to bring “Temple of the Serpent” to the light that we can see the quintet at their deadliest yet. Ten tracks of high-octane thrash that leaves nothing but a spectacular body count in its wake across fantastical landscapes strewn with venomous serpents, conniving witches, and the fires of conquest stretching well past the horizon’s edge! Solitary Sabred have truly outdone themselves in virtually every given aspect of this effort with each individual element having its own time in the limelight for a piece of the overall glory be it through overwhelming melodies, shredding solos, or a clean production that is downright surgical in its violence without a moment to spare with each move made within “Temple of the Serpent” an astounding offensive that you are all but compelled to see through to its end. Thrash metal has always been in good hands whenever Solitary Sabred comes around with new material, but it is singularly with their fourth album that this band has asserted their dominance on a higher and more overwhelming level than ever before.

Every time I find myself before Solitary Sabred, I remember why thrash is in good hands. Far too many still feel as though the future of metal is in jeopardy for one reason or another, but this is just one of thousands upon hundreds of thousands of acts out there that are why the metal scene in its many different forms is still a beast not to be trifled with. What’s been brought forth in “Temple of the Serpent” cannot be viewed as anything less than a certifiable triumph for all things in thrash metal with Solitary Sabred making sure that the year ends of a particularly speedy and unyielding note.

“Temple of the Serpent” releases on December 15th!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Temple of the Serpent” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Solitary Sabred on Facebook here.