Saint Blasphemer live and breathe by hard rock’s cathartic embrace. The Santa Ana foursome follow a no-frills, murky grunge sound that combines classic metal influences with Sabbath-informed metallic riffs. Led by lead singer Thomas Monroe’s effortless maxims, which veer from angst to euphoria, the band’s monochromatic power chords closely evoke the surge of early nineties alternative, an era that continues to resonate despite its slightly anachronistic form. Their aversion to facile pop song forms is commendable, though, as they build a powerful connection with an openness that’s impossible to forge.
Saint Blasphemer’s latest EP, Theotokos, is out now via their official bandcamp page. – Juan Rodríguez