Sargeist "Death Veneration" CD

With little time passing since their fantastic “Unbound” record, Finnish black metal legends Sargeist return with a brand new 4-track EP! Out now via WTC Productions.

Ice-cold guitars chime in over blasting drums with the wolven howls completing the raw and devastating mix of true Finnish steel. The powerfully melancholic yet aggressive sound is something which the Finns have always made characteristic to their countries scene and Sargeist are definitely one of the best bands at delivering this. The pure and emotive nature of this music is hauntingly dark, bleak and harrowing in this most gorgeously harsh manner. There are some subtly thrashy touches that add to the militant death-march of doom amongst scathing atmospheric prowess. Convulsively rhythmic, there is no lack of groove backing up the piercing guitar work, truly an astonishing sound that once more proves why Sargeist are at the top of their game and one of the most consistently marvellous black metal bands on the planet.

The transition between tracks is smooth, taking nothing away from the cascade of barraged riffs and blastbeats, delivering truly impeccable and decimating warfare from start to end, With three new tracks and a rediscovered and re-recorded demo song, this is a really interesting listen for any long-time fan of the band but also a strong release to check out for those who have not heard them. There is of course some of the bands signature dancing melodics among the blistering assaults that balance melancholy and folky influence most beautifully.

This was a brilliantly executed EP, recorded in one session that shows not only the skill but the passionate delivery Sargeist conjure up, taking black metal back to its roots while offering something new and exciting.

Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=Y-BsmLxlm5E