Instinct by Sawthis: A Thrashy Italian Gem That Still Kicks Ass
Alright, let’s talk about Instinct, the 2003 debut from Italy’s own Sawthis. If you’re into raw, unfiltered thrash rock with a side of attitude, this album is gonna hit the spot. Released under no label (yeah, DIY for the win), it’s got that gritty charm where every track feels like it was poured straight outta their souls and onto your ears.
First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate how killer the lineup is? You’ve got Adriano Quaranta and Devis Ercole shredding guitars like they’re trying to set them on fire, Michele Melchiorre absolutely demolishing the drums AND lending his voice here and there, and Franco Topitti bringing some serious vocal heat. It’s one of those albums where you feel the chemistry between the band members—it’s tight but not too polished, which makes it all the more real.
Now, let me tell you why I can’t stop thinking about two tracks in particular: “Requiescat In Pacem” and “Psychonoise.”
“Requiescat In Pacem” kicks things off with this eerie vibe—a slow build-up that feels like walking through fog at midnight. Then BAM! The riffs come crashing down like thunder. This song sticks with me because it’s heavy as hell but also kinda haunting. Like, what are they saying beneath all that chaos? Is it rage? Sadness? Both? Whatever it is, it digs its claws into you and doesn’t let go. And when Topitti screams his guts out, you can practically see him sweating under stage lights, giving it everything he’s got.
Then there’s “Psychonoise,” which is basically five minutes of pure adrenaline. From the opening riff, it grabs you by the collar and drags you along for the ride. There’s something about the way the guitar work spirals into controlled madness—it’s almost hypnotic. Plus, the rhythm section hits so hard that you’ll wanna bang your head until your neck hurts. Honestly, after hearing this track, I couldn’t sleep right away. My brain kept replaying those insane solos over and over again.
The rest of the album ain’t slouching either. Tracks like “Turn Off The Line” and “To The Philosopher” bring legit depth without losing that punch-in-the-face energy Sawthis nails so well. But honestly, even if these songs weren’t great (and trust me, they are), the passion alone would carry this record. You can hear how much fun they had making it—like they were kids jamming in a garage who accidentally created gold.
Here’s the thing though: listening to Instinct feels like finding an old mixtape in your attic. It’s rough around the edges, sure, but that’s exactly what makes it special. These guys didn’t have fancy studios or big-name producers—they just had talent, drive, and maybe a few beers lying around. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
So yeah, give Instinct a spin if you’re tired of overly produced nonsense and want something with actual heart. Oh, and fun fact—I’m pretty sure my neighbors now hate me thanks to blasting “Psychonoise” on repeat. Worth it? Absolutely.
