Sadus was formed in 1984, inspired by the first wave of Bay Area thrash metal like Metallica and Exodus. Originally a four piece, the band was reduced to a trio with the departure of their guitarist. The band comprises Darren Travis (guitar / vocals), master bassist Steve Digiorgio and drummer Jon Allen. Sadus have always been known for their breakneck speed, aggression, technicality and odd time signatures, as exemplified in their first 3 albums, Illusions (1987) (later re-released as Chemical Exposure in ’91), Swallowed In Black (1990) and A Vision Of Misery (1992). Their latest offering is Elements Of Anger, signifying a change from their speed oriented playing style. This album is more laid back, has little extreme speed and even incorporates some spacey-sounding keyboards ! Darren Travis’ vocals are less screechy and more refined and melodic. The leads are more melodic and the riffs are not as complex as before, allowing the rhythm section plenty of space to experiment. Jon Allen’s drumming is possibly the best he’s done so far. Master bassist Steve Digiorgio’s (also known for his work with Death and Testament) playing is far removed from the usual doubling-rhythm-guitar routine seen in most bands in this genre. He uses chorus and flanger, incorporates elements of jazz, funk and other styles, while still retaining the intensity. Album opener Aggression is about revenge, beginning with some heavy chugging interspersed with killer bass runs and moves into a Bay Area-style chorus. Crutch is about addiction, starts soft and goes heavier as each instrument joins in. The vocals alternate between a whisper and ear-piercing screams. Words of War is the fastest and my favourite song. The vocals here stand out, the riffs are great and there’s some hyper-speed bass tapping in the breaks. Safety In Numbers is about being brave enough to be different. Mask deals with plastic / fake people, is punctuated by spoken-word sections and a very jazzy bass solo. Fuel deals with people who use others and reminds one of the classic in your face Sadus style, with it’s quick drumming. Power Of One is a mid-tempo chugging song which speaks of rising above the rest. Stronger than life is about remaining true to oneself and sounds so tight, it’s difficult to imagine anything tighter ! Unreality examines the question of alien life, features some eerie keyboard work and riffing reminiscent of Pantera. Album closer, In The End, is a brooding song about the circle of life and death, with a feel that reminds one of Alice In Chains. The Sadus sound has matured, without sacrificing intensity or musicmanship. The instruments have more space to breathe and contribute more variety. And the songs are more memorable here. If your taste is for equal parts of intensity and technicality, this album is for you. Elements… is an angry album throughout and is a must – listen for young aspiring metal bass players.