What makes Swallowed in Black by Sadus notable?

Swallowed in Black received significant acclaim for its technical precision and brutal sound, contributing to the rising popularity of thrash metal during this era. The album is often cited as an influence by later metal bands, showcasing a blend of speed and complexity that defined an era of heavy music. Released in January 1990, Swallowed in Black is Sadus' second studio album, following their debut, Illusions, from 1988. At this point, the band was solidifying their position within the thrash metal scene, honing their intricate sound and gaining a reputation for technical proficiency.

How many songs are on Swallowed in Black?

Swallowed in Black has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Swallowed in Black

Sadus · 1990

43 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and complex rhythms that exemplify the raw energy of early 90s thrash metal.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Black — The opening track sets a dark and aggressive tone with its fast-paced riffs and intense drumming, encapsulating the album's overall ferocity.
→
Powers of Hate — This track showcases intricate guitar work paired with dynamic tempo changes, representing the band's ability to blend aggression with musicality.
→
Oracle of Obmission — With its haunting melodies and complex song structure, this track highlights Sadus' lyrical depth and musical evolution beyond typical thrash themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases technical precision and aggressive energy typical of early thrash metal, making it influential yet cohesive.

What we noticed

Vocals are delivered in a harsh style that complements the relentless instrumentation, creating a cohesive aggressive sound throughout.
Several tracks incorporate complex guitar solos that showcase technical proficiency, often layered over fast-paced drumming.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Black 5:24
2 Man Infestation 4:04
3 Last Abide 2:13
4 The Wake 4:15
5 In Your Face 1:00
6 Good Rid’nz 4:30
7 False Incarnation 4:35
8 Images 4:24
9 Powers of Hate 3:34
10 Arise 6:12
11 Oracle of Obmission 3:42

What to play next

Listen next

A Vision of Misery

1992

Go back to

Illusions

1988

Full Sadus discography Artists like Sadus

thrash metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata