Sarath

Husk, Du Skal Do

Duplicate Records 2005

There has been a long void of traditional Norwegian black metal done the correct way by a new band.  Finally there is a new kid on the block who has made good on the promise of what Norwegian black once was and their name is Sarath.  The EP starts off with another one of those dark electronic intros that seem to be popping up so regularly these days for instance on such albums as Darkthrone's Hate Them.  Then a captivating buzzsaw riff thunders forth.  The riffs remind me of early Taake or Kampfar without the folky elements.  And the vocals are thunderous with a hint of an echo.  They are possibly the most powerful aspect of Sarath but to say that would be selling the rest of the bands short.  The fast drumming and cymbal washed rhythms really induce that trance feeling of old.  The production feels like it could have been done in Grieghallen with its thin trebly guitars and hissing and hollow drums.  The packaging is nice monochrome with black and that steel grey that has become so popular with traditional black metal bands.  Duplicate Records has once again found another gem.  This is a convincing affair in traditional Norwegian black metal even though it is nothing amazingly original or spectacular.  It'll be really nice to see what these guys can produce with a full length album.