When you think of UK thrash metal, there are likely many different bands that come to mind. Yet if you were interested in the genre in the last 80’s and early 90’s, you couldn’t complete a list of the top bands on the scene without mention of Sabbat. Their initial album History of a Time to come and the concept follow-up album Dreamweaver were major players in the thrash scene, earning the band some major acclaim throughout the music industry. Fronted by Martin Walkyier and containing drummer Simon Negus, and guitarists Simon Jones and Andy Sneap, Sabbat was definitely a leader in the genre.
Following a lack of support from the independent record label that held their contract (Noise Records) as well as a number of financial troubles, Sabbat slowly started to disintegrate after
Dreamweaver’s release. Two members left the band before the third album was finished, leaving Negus and Sneap to cobble together some last minute replacements so that the album could finish. Shortly after its release, to less than critical acclaim, the band broke up.
In 2006, Sabbat reformed with their original lineup and eventually added bassist Gizz Butt, formerly of the band The Prodigy. Sabbat opened four shows for Cradle of Filth, a band that their music helped to inspire, leading a new generation of fans to fall in love with their music. Both of the bands initial albums were re-released in remastered form with new live tracks, leaving the doors wide open for whatever success and popularity the future may hold for Negus and for Sabbat. The band has played a few music festivals since their stint supporting Cradle of Filth, and there are many fans hoping that the band decides to make the reunion permanent. No matter what the future holds, there are many generations of thrash fans who count themselves among the many who have been influenced by the band.