Episode 93 – The Sadus ‘Swallowed in Black’ Track-by-Track Batshit-Crazy Attaaaaaack!!!

When a member of a fringe Swedish death metal band makes a request, Radical Research heeds the call. To that end, RR episode 93 is a response to Philip Von Segebaden’s (Afflicted) appeal for a song-by-song analysis of Swallowed in Black by California’s preeminent thrash metal assassins, Sadus. Though apparently a bit outside of the RR wheelhouse, our dissection will reveal traces of the weirdness upon which this house is built. Should poser-killing, gravity-defying metal violence be your poison, consider this your invitation to the Last Abide. If not, then Good Rid’nz.

Note I:

The Steve DiGiorgio playlist from the History of Metal magazine (1994) mentioned around the 15-minute mark is as follows: Psychotic Waltz – A Social Grace

Black Sabbath – Never Say Die

Voivod – Nothingface

Ozzy Osbourne – Bark at the Moon

D.B.C. – Universe

Possessed – Beyond the Gates

Anacrusis – Screams and Whispers

Rainbow – Rising

Judas Priest – Screaming for Vengeance

Savatage – Sirens

Note II:

As mentioned, the name Sadus comes from the Frank Herbert novel, Dune. It appears to be the plural form of Sadu. The definition, from the Dune fan wiki: “among the fremen the blessed company of heavenly judges. A Sadu presided over the traditional scales, which here weigh either the soul or the water rendered from the dead, for the scales formed the T of the Tau.”

Note III:

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Music cited in order of appearance:

All songs from Swallowed in Black, 1990:

“Black”

“Man Infestation” “Last Abide”

“The Wake”

“In Your Face”

“Good Rid’nz”

“False Incarnation”

“Images”

“Powers of Hate”

“Arise” “Oracle of Obmission”

Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.