Year: 2021
Total Time: 33.35
Label: Self Released
SARMAT is from Poland and “RS-28” is its first self-released album. The band’s name comes from “The Weapon of Ultimate Destruction”, the Russian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS -28 SARMAT (also known as SATAN 2). Impressive both the name and the cover of the album, that refers to industrial black Metal dystopias.
But what about the music? Musically, this trio presents a mix of Death and Black metal, in which you can clearly identify their country of origin. It reminds me a lot of BEHEMOTH and HATE. However, since they use a drum machine, bands like the older BORGNE and V:28 come to mind, so this is their connection to the industrial scene i.m.o.
The album starts with “Coldgrinder”, a fast song with blast beats and repetitive riffs. When the harsh vocals start, you know exactly what you are about to hear. The patterns are repeated instead of evolving, which is not necessarily a bad thing, as it refers to industrial Black Metal structures. The same happens for “Evilution”. Then comes “RS-28” which clearly reminds you of V: 28 (especially in its beginning with the dark synths). “Seeds of Uncertainty” starts with an interesting orchestral part and is also one of the best songs on the album. The fast and powerful parts of the guitar are mixed with very catchy melodies that can surely “upset”.
The last tracks are similar to the songs in the beginning, reminding a lot of BEHEMOTH.
Apart from that, the production of the album is very strong, clean and at 100% professional level. Is that enough? Unfortunately not! Even though they are technically perfect, they follow the safe way of composing and the safe path of re-producing, which leads inevitably to a lack of identity. This is also evident from the fact that they were forced to release the album themselves and did not find a label in a genre where there is an oversupply. Do they have potential for the future? Yes, as long as they put a more personal element in their sound. Maybe there will be more keyboards, some more electronics, different structures, no one knows. I believe they will find what is lacking on time, because SARMAT was established just 3 years ago.
Rating: 6/10
Editor: Dimitris Argyrakis
Related Link: SARMAT – Facebook Page
