DeadNote Sessions: Sadus and the Long Way Back to Loud

Originally published: January 19, 2025

After a 16-year gap between studio albums, Sadus returned in a vastly different musical landscape—but with an approach that remains rooted in intensity, precision, and intent. Their latest chapter also marks a new partnership with Nuclear Blast, placing the band back in a familiar yet forward-looking position.

In this DeadNote Sessions conversation, vocalist/bassist Jon Allen reflects on the pressure of returning after a long absence, the realities of writing during the pandemic, and why Sadus still operates best when everything is loud, fast, and shared in the same room.

DeadNoteMedia: You’ve been with Nuclear Blast for a year now. How supportive have they been, and did you feel pressure while completing the record?

Jon Allen:
“There is always pressure when completing an album because of deadlines and trying to keep a no-rush feel in the music. Nuclear Blast is a great label to be a part of, and we’re excited to be working with Monte Conner again.”

DeadNoteMedia: Did Nuclear Blast approach you to sign, and how did the partnership come together?

Jon Allen:
“When we finished a few tracks, Juan—our engineer—sent them to Monte to show him Sadus was back with new material. Monte gave us feedback saying he loved the new songs. We had worked with him back in the day at Roadrunner, so you could say we’ve known each other a long time.”

DeadNoteMedia: Were you surprised by the album’s positive reception, especially after such a long break?

Jon Allen:
“We’re excited that people love the rawness and aggressive sound we put out. We definitely went back to our roots on this one. I think the timing is right—there’s a renewed interest in old-school thrash, and it’s a good time for Sadus.”

DeadNoteMedia: Do you see parallels between the 1980s and today in terms of fan passion and musicianship?

Jon Allen:
“There’s a big wave in life, and everything runs on that wave. The ’80s thrash sound is coming back, and the new generation is riding it. At the same time, recording technology and musical influences have exploded—it’s like musical steroids now. There’s so much music, it’s endless.”

DeadNoteMedia: Thrash and death metal have seen a resurgence recently. Why do you think this genre hits people so strongly?

Jon Allen:
“This style of music is serious. The lyrics are real, the aggression is real, and the iconic imagery from that era completes the package. It’s like uncovering a ’70 SS Chevy and blasting Murder on the Road while driving—it just connects.”

DeadNoteMedia: The seeds for the record were planted back in 2017. Was a full album always the goal?

Jon Allen:
“Darren had riffs at the time, but I was living in Texas, so things moved slowly. Eventually, I moved back to California, and Darren and I got a jam room and cranked it up to get that old-school vibe back. That’s the only way Sadus really works—loud, fast, and aggressive, all in the same room.”

DeadNoteMedia: Did the pandemic force you to change how you collaborated?

Jon Allen:
“I was actually living with Darren when the pandemic hit, so we didn’t separate much. In a way, it was positive for writing together. We did get sick, but at the same time, which made the downtime easier to manage.”

DeadNoteMedia: How did it feel getting back into a room and writing together after so long?

Jon Allen:
“Jamming out loud is what we do best. It took a few weeks to shake the rust off, but I’ve been playing with Darren for almost 40 years. The chemistry is always there. It’s easy now—we know where each other is going with a song.”

DeadNoteMedia: What were Juan Urteaga’s biggest contributions to the finished record?

Jon Allen:
“Juan’s biggest contribution was with vocal recording. Him being a singer himself helps tremendously. We came into the studio with six songs ready, and the rest were finished during a second session months later.”

DeadNoteMedia: We’ll end with a loaded question—will we have to wait another 16 years for a new Sadus record?

Jon Allen:
“Ha! Nuclear Blast is asking the same thing. We’re currently working on new Sadus material as we speak.”

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