Formed in 2006 the Melbourne based melodic black metal hybrid band have laid dormant for quite some time and now have returned with their 3 track EP “Scorched To Ashes”.
The band have really managed to capture that pure raw aggressive sound that you would expect from second wave black metal but combined it with some great melodic and symphonic keyboard parts. The 3 tracks on this E.P come across to me what Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth wish they sounded like.
They don’t overload you with the symphonic epicness that Dimmu Borgir do and they also manage to avoid all the hokey goofy stuff that ruined COF past the first few albums.
The first track “Qarînah” kicks of with a thundering riff which leads into fantastic melody juxtaposed by pure raw and aggressive black metal vocal styles of front man Andrew Collyer. This really what sets the tone for the whole E.P.
All 3 tracks work on this level. The drumming is heavy, the riffs are intense and the vocals are as raw and as brutal as you’d want from black metal. The electronic effects like the synths and keyboards are still there but their presence on the tracks work wonders to enhance the riffs and the melody of the vocals. They never become overbearing and they never manage to take away from the pure aggression of the songs.
This E.P. Is fantastic and one that all black metal and symphonic metal fans should definitely check out and I personally cannot wait to hear a full length release from these guys
“Scorched To Ashes” is available now
https://www.facebook.com/Sarspell
http://sarspell.bandcamp.com/
