Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Sabbat (GBR) - History of a Time to Come (1988)

I tell who would be really annoying at parties?  Martin Walkyier.  His clipped, posh English accent must permeate the room almost organically with its innate ability to fill the air around it without seemingly ever raising the decibels behind it.  For most of History of a Time to Come it is Martin's vocals that dominate the aether, despite the raging riffs of Andy Sneap doing their upmost to unseat Walkyier from this lead role on the album.  However, just like that person at parties who commands the attention of the room, Sneap's guitar work comes off as nothing more than a distraction when it is allowed some floor space.

This sounds harsher than I mean it to as I actually think that part of the major success of this album (and indeed the band) is down to that unique vocal style that is so recognisable.  Although not quite the same, a fair comparison would be Judas Priest.  Tipton and Downing for the most part battle to let their guitars do some talking but in reality they will never be considered ahead of Rob Halford's vocals.  I actually prefer the guitar work on most Priest records as, if you listen closely enough, they more than stack up against the vocals of Halford.  Here, within the ranks of Sabbat, Sneap simply does not stand a chance though.  No matter how intently I listen, Walkyier is the main memory I take away with me after each spin.

That having been said, I cannot deny the energy behind this record and its infectious display of some raging thrash metal.  History of a Time to Come is a "banger" most certainly.  It is lauded in many quarters and I can most certainly see why, even though I cannot match these levels of enthusiasm for the entire duration.  Touching upon NWOBHM and traditional metal influences there is most certainly variety present here, however I am not entirely sure I want there to be.  The raging intensity of their thrash metal is where Sabbat thrive and I feel the loss of focus on this aspect of their sound is sometimes to the detriment of my enjoyment.  Still, for an album that is 35 years old, it sounds as fresh as the day it was released and most certainly has aged well.