Sacrifice – Volume Six
Label: Cursed Blessings Records (North America) / High Roller Records (Worldwide)
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Review by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 10
As a Canadian who’s been spinning Sacrifice records since Torment in Fire first hit the shelves back in ‘86, and to their masterful Forward To Termination album of 1987. I’ve seen the band’s entire evolution firsthand. As part of what I would call the Canadian Big 4 of thrash along with Razor, Exciter, and Annihilator in the ‘80s. To their phenomenal comeback with The Ones I Condemn in 2009, Sacrifice has always held a special place in my thrash-loving heart. Now, after another long 16-year wait, Volume Six has arrived—and let me tell you, it’s everything I could’ve hoped for and more.
The Old Guard Still Stands Strong And Free
Sacrifice has always been one of the most vicious bands to come out of the Canadian thrash scene, but what set them apart, even back in the day, was their knack for songwriting. Sure, they could fire off high-speed riffs with the best of them, but there was always more depth in their music compared to some of the other thrash bands. That’s still true today. They have stayed true to their classic sound and style.
The album kicks off with Comatose, and from the first riff, it’s clear Sacrifice hasn’t lost a step. Rob Urbinati’s vocals still have that raw, high-pitched bark that could peel paint off the walls, and the guitar work from him and Joe Rico is as sharp and aggressive as ever. And Gus Pynn? The guy’s drumming is insane—tight, furious, and full of energy. You’d never guess he’s been at this for nearly 40 years. Honestly, Comatose alone feels like a statement: Sacrifice is back, and they’re as pissed off as ever. The song’s lyrical inspiration came from playing in Vancouver, BC and seeing the rampant drug abuse problems on the streets.
The speed and aggression are front and center, but Sacrifice’s has always had the ability to slow things down without losing intensity. Underneath Millenia is a perfect example. And then Black Hashish, a 6 minute instrumental that shows a almost progressive and psychedelic element to the album. Another instrumental is the 2 minute Lunar Eclipse and it really showcases the twin guitar leads of Urbinati and Rico.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sacrifice record without some absolute thrash bangers. We Will Not Survive and Explode tear through the speakers like they’re trying to rip your face off. Explode slows down in the solo section for more melodic solos and not just fast as hell soloing. While Missile is an instant thrash masterpiece.
The band’s hardcore roots also make an appearance here. The closing track, Trapped in a World, is a cover of a song by Canadian hardcore legends Direct Action, featuring guest vocals from Brian Taylor, who produced Sacrifice’s 1st three albums. It’s a fitting tribute to the punk influences that have always been part of Sacrifice’s DNA, and it closes the album with a raw, belligerent punch.
What I love most about Volume Six is how it feels both fresh and familiar. But could also have come after their 1st few albums and fit right in. The production is clean and powerful without sounding over-polished. Recorded at Phase One Studios in Scarborough, Ontario with Darius Szepaniak engineering the album. He also did their last album The Ones I Condemn.
The striking cover art for Volume Six was created by Todd Kowalski, bassist for Propagandhi and a devoted SACRIFICE fan. The two bands share a deep mutual respect—Propagandhi even penned “The Bangers Embrace” on their 2009 album Supporting Caste as a tribute to SACRIFICE, inspired by seeing them live in 1990. When it came time for the artwork, Urbinati approached Kowalski with the lyrics and music, asking him to bring his own visual interpretation to life.
As someone who’s been with this band since the start, I can say with confidence: Volume Six stands tall alongside Forward to Termination and Soldiers of Misfortune. Sacrifice is still one of, if not the best thrash band to ever come out of Canada. This will be high on my list of top Metal Albums of 2025.
Tracklist:
Comatose
Antidote of Poison
Missile
Underneath Millennia
Your Hunger For War
Incoming Mass Extinction
Lunar Eclipse (Instrumental)
Explode
Black Hashish (instrumental)
We Will Not Survive Trapped In A World [feat.Brian Tailor]