Originally started in 1994, Sammath
was created from a basis of Australian speed metal bands and their European
brethren. This band is the brainchild of Jan Kruitwagen, and he writes and
performs everything except the drums. What he formed was a traditional black
metal band, with a little rawness. Not a distracting rawness like many black
metal bands, it’s more of an added flavor to this ominous creation.
The Netherlands is the current home of Sammath, and their new disc, “Dodengang,”
would due their metal brothers proud; bands like Carpathian Forest, Emperor,
Marduk, Darkthrone, Blut Aus Nord, and Mayhem. There are plenty of diabolical
blast beats and hair-raising guitar riffs. My favorite element is the gripping
leads. They draw you into this dark universe. The blackened vocals are somewhat
unique in the pitch and tone. It sounds like a lot was incorporated into
each song with elemental changes and parts that very from mid to fast paced;
more of the latter. Only negative lexis to say is that there are a couple
parts that are a tad bit rough. Most people might not even notice. At any
rate there are a few top-notch elements that balance that out. A couple
key songs on the eight tracks over forty-five minutes are the title track,
“Dodengang,” and the most clutch of all, “Stalingrad.”
If you like black metal without all the melodic and symphonic prettiness,
then Sammath’s “Dodengang” is for you!
Rating: 78
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
