For whatever reason,
Disembody seems to be Sabbat's most underrated album. Maybe it's because it's not as "cult" as
Envenom or
Evoke or that it's not as raw, but it's not less worthy of attention, in fact, I prefer this album than the preceding ones. Here
Disembody continues the little evolution seen since the debut, the band playing a slightly more original and unique style of thrash. Most songs are mid paced, having a more intricate evil feel than most black metal or black/thrash bands of the time, having a not as in-your-face-evilness, if you get what I mean. There's more, I'd say mystery than all out Satanism in the atmosphere they evoke.
Like all early Sabbat albums, the production here really helps conveying the particular "satanic rites outside at night, in some sort of alternate reality of demonic spirits" mood as it's well produced, but still have a slight raw feel to it. There’s really a sort of "graveyard at night" kind of feel. Gezol's bass has a particularly good sound here, having some distortion and an ever-present, ghastly feel, sometimes playing the support riffs for the sabbatical leads. Temis Osmond still continues to develop his particular style of melodies, of mysterious evil, and outdo himself by playing some absolutely killer thrash riffs, leads as well as solos. They never venture into neckbreaking fast territory, letting their instruments evoke a most devilish and at times mystifying mood. Zorugelion goes beyond the generic thrash drumming tons of skinmen tend to fall in, always following and accompanying the riffs even in their most unusual sounds and rhythms.
All three members share vocal duties here, Gezol doing the big majority as usual. He's more malign than ever, having a deep and throaty style and spewing forth tales of great evil. Temis' moving more in the style his known for, being more high pitched than on
Evoke but still not attaining the heights and over the topness he would do later on
Karisma. "Evoke The Evil" must be one of my favourite Sabbat songs for the simple reason - besides kicking ass - that both Gezol and Temis share the vocals here, and they really complement each other. One having a deep harsh style as the other delivers some of the most unique high pitched vocals around, offering a very interesting contrast. On
Unknown Massacra, Zorugelion still continues to do some very low, almost akin to black metal, type of death vocals. I always like how on early albums all Sabbat members would share vocals, they all have a unique style that fits with the music and it gives some variety in that department.
So from "The Seven Crosses Of Damnation"s fast winds opening for some thunder and the sabbatical onslaught it brings, passing by the nightly walks committing blasphemous acts, and a metal version of Brahms' "Hungarian Death No.5" classical piece, to the impending invoking during storm, Sabbat manages to keep the same level of ass kicking consistency.
Disembody is some rather moody black/thrash metal you'll want to check if you like the genre, hell, if you like ass kicking metal at all. This is Sabbat's best album up to that point and they'll never show any sign of recesses.
Sample:
Sabbat - Disembody [Full Album]
