Sammath
Dodengang
6.7
Synopsis:
Yet another fine Dutch black metal record on Folter Records.
Review:
Much like the recently reviewed Walpurgisnacht’s effort, Holland’s more veteran act Sammath deliver a riff filled homage to classic 90’s black metal, and though not quite as good as their label mates, still deliver a solid release.
Longer songs (4 –8 minutes), and a more real world, war based lyrical theme make this record a bit of a different animal, but still riff heavy beast of slightly grimier, leaner black/war metal. Again, though images of the more influential bands of the mid 90’s come to mind, the more straightforward ones like Dark Throne, Dissection, Nagelfar (Germany), and maybe early Aeturnus and country mates Countess.
Whereas Walpurgisnacht’s recent record leapt out at me right away, Dodengang doesn’t quite sink its teeth into me until about mid way through the excellent title track, the riff right after the battlefield samples being one of those ‘perfect’ black metal riffs. The blistering opening of “Ashes to Ashes” and opening bass rumble and staccato assault of “Imminence War Death” also deliver the grimness. “Stalingrad”, “Oblivion” and “Merciless” close out the record with lengthy, grimace inducing tremolo guitar work all wrapped in a suitably raw, but stout production and seething high pitched vocals.
I’ll probably give Walpurgisnacht’s Die Derwaert Gaen En Keeren Niet more listens, as it’s more majestic, but Sammath's rawer tones still gave me 42 minutes of solid classic black metal enjoyment. Plus, I've discovered a great new label in Folter Records.
