This United Kingdom-based band has been established for many years. Formed in 2003, Sarpanitum has accrued a great cast of members who are well equipped to bring forth a metal that is high intensity, creative, and has a sound that they can call their own. Blessed Be My Brothers will be their second full-length, and as it turns out, an excellent follow up to their most recent release Fidelium, which was their 2011 EP.
A blackened death metal feel is the overall sense this album portrays. The creative foundation that is present in almost every track turns out to be a melodic flow guided by the lead guitar. The result is quite a unique experience. This blend of talent consists of current and former members of Mithras, Lantlos and Tenebrous Aeon which produces a successful concoction.
The drumming is consistent and brisk. It may get repetitive, as the double bass is consistent throughout and almost always at the same tempo. There is also little variation between the different blast beats. After several listens though, the intense drums provide an excellent backdrop as the guitar envelopes the foreground with its memorable melodic riffs that remain to be one of a kind. Many segments are melodious and generate excellent hooks. The productions and legendary sound in some ways reminds me of a pipe organ and the epic proportions those instruments can create. The feel is one of a kind and this blackened mood will make you feel as if you're in the midst of the dark ages.
"Thy Sermon Lies Forever Tarnished" is a great example of how well crafted these songs can get. It starts with a dizzying guitar riff that follows the track the entire length. Its pauses release epic sounding solos that bolster the deep vocal growls. The drumming never takes a break, and the fills are so fast, it sounds mechanic.
One of the heaviest tracks on this album is "I Defy For I Am Free". It's got some catchy groove sections, surrounded by blast beats and pinch note-like harmonics. The tempo changes throughout the song really giving it some character. Towards the end, more airing riffs glide the song to a close as the intensity of the drumming continues.
This 10-track album does not miss a beat. It does have one instrumental track that is slow and un-related when it comes to the fast paced darkness that descends upon the rest of the album. This concentration of energy is what we're used to with Sarpanitum, and it helps them identify themselves amongst the thousands of other bands who also attempt this style of music. The identity Sarpanitum possesses is very strong. This strength will stand the test of time.
By the end of the album, you will be fully satisfied and ready to take the journey again. The different instruments and the way the songs are formulated provide the layers of talent that are overlapping throughout each song. It will take several run throughs to grasp all the details and intricate gems this album has to offer.
https://soundcloud.com/earsplit/sarpanitum-glorification-upon
