Album Review: Instigators’ “Sanctus Propaganda Sessions Vol. 5”

Yorkshire punk veterans INSTIGATORS have returned to the music scene with the release of “Sanctus Propaganda Sessions Vol. 5,” a live studio recording that marks their significant comeback after more than three decades of silence. Recorded at Poland’s Dobra 12 Studio, the album follows the band’s unexpected reunion last year when they performed three shows—their first since disbanding in the early 1990s.

The live record serves a dual purpose in the current punk landscape. For original fans who followed the band during their heyday in the 1980s, it’s a welcome return that proves the anarcho-punk outfit hasn’t lost its edge. For younger listeners discovering the band for the first time, it offers an authentic introduction to a group that helped shape the British punk scene during a pivotal era.

Opening track “Tricked And Abused” immediately establishes the band’s continued vitality, launching with rapid-fire drums and bass before expanding into a sound that successfully blends classic 80s rock structures with raw anarchic punk elements. What’s particularly striking about the recording is how the material, though clearly rooted in the 1980s punk tradition, maintains a timeless quality that transcends nostalgia.

This sense of relevance continues through a powerful blend of “The Blood Is On Your Hands” and “You’re Not Free,” showcasing the INSTIGATORS’ undiminished musical capabilities. The recording effectively captures what audiences might expect from their live performances—high-energy, politically charged punk delivered with conviction.

The album primarily features energetic tracks where the band excels. Songs like “The Sleeper,” “Hedonism,” “Blind Eye,” and “Cry Freedom” demonstrate why INSTIGATORS developed such a devoted following in their initial run. One can easily imagine these tracks igniting passionate responses in live settings, with their urgent rhythms and confrontational lyrics.

However, the collection isn’t without moments that might test some listeners’ patience. “Computer Age,” despite its solid 80s rock framework, occasionally veers into repetitive territory that diminishes its impact. Similarly, “Summer,” while offering a welcome change of pace as the album’s most relaxed composition, suffers from excessive length that dilutes its effectiveness.

Yet these weaker moments are balanced by standout tracks like “Full Circle,” which showcases the band’s sophisticated musicianship with compelling bass lines and a dynamic interplay between instrumental sections and vocal passages. This track particularly highlights the band’s ability to craft arrangements that extend beyond straightforward punk formulas.

The resurgence of INSTIGATORS comes amid a broader revival of interest in first-wave punk and post-punk acts. While many reformed bands struggle to recapture their original energy, INSTIGATORS demonstrate a rare ability to honor their legacy while still delivering performances with authentic urgency. Their return coincides with growing interest in politically conscious punk, as younger audiences increasingly seek out music that addresses social and political concerns.

For the British punk scene, which has seen numerous legendary acts attempt comebacks with varying degrees of success, INSTIGATORS’ return represents a genuine triumph—a band reconnecting with their sound without compromising the principles that defined them originally.

“Sanctus Propaganda Sessions Vol. 5” ultimately succeeds as both a document of the band’s history and a statement of their continued relevance. Whether experienced by longtime supporters or new converts, the album presents INSTIGATORS as a vital force in contemporary punk, proving that their voice remains meaningful across generations.

The album is available now through Sanctus Propaganda, adding another significant chapter to the ongoing story of one of Yorkshire’s most influential punk exports.