1967/ 1976
If instead of being born in Switzerland Satrox were born in Germany, England or the USA I think (and are not the only one to support it) that Satrox would become one of the best Metal bands in history. Unfortunately this did not happen and probably will be forced to read this review for years as the only contribution to the cause of an unfortunate but very unique band. I would like others to do the voting because of Satrox ... So do not be.
"Heavent Sent" was Satrox's debut album from 1990 published by CBS Shallplatten AG, Switzerland(!), recorded and mixed at Soundville Recording Studios AG, Lucerne and mastered at The Hit Factory London and it is a pure example of 80's Heavy Metal, not based on NWoBHM, even if it incorporates some elements of that movement. The sound is dominated by the guitar of Peter "Mur" Mauerhofer and by the keyboards of Dany Sharz with the good vocals of Werner "Wànà" Schweizer. Good is also Christoph "Stoff" Sonderer, the dynamic and technical drummer. Peter "Pego" Grob (bass) complete the line-up. The style is an aggressive Heavy Metal, melodic but with great power, that incorporates POP, AOR and Hard Rock elements. Not for this fact bands as Pretty Maids or Scorpions (better) are distants from Satrox. This aggressive and melodic Heavy Metal has very catchy vocal lines that enter in our head and not go out more, well supported by the music, very descriptive.
Generally, those who are not well versed in metal end up finding this kind of Metal pleasant, since it blends into the AOR. And, in fact, "Together Forever" is a power ballad in perfect AOR style but a song like "Fire" is pure heavy metal, those of 1980's, divinely melodic and aggressive, not AOR. These considerations also apply to bands like Scorpions and many of the bands who copied Judas Priest. In this case it is due to the use of a non-aggressive distorted guitar combined with keyboards and Rock rhythms so that the music seems Hard Rock but much faster, as if the final style is very close to Glam Metal. Instead Scorpions is the band that we should use to find similarities in style, joining a large dose of American Heavy Metal.
So "heaven Sent" is a great Heavy Metal album from Satrox, a very good band. That, unfortunately, has become a cult band.