It's always great to see bands pay homage to the groups that inspired them. Whether it be through a tribute album, covering a song, or even just playing the the same genre, there are many diverse ways to salute your hero's through your music. One band that clearly is carrying the torch for 90's influenced black metal is none other than Finland based band Sargeist. Throughout their lengthy career, the band has released some of the best second wave inspired black metal to exist, especially with their 2005 sophomore album
Disciple of the Heinous Path.
Disciple of the Heinous Path is an album that would definitely have not seemed to be out place if it was released during the early 90's. Back then, black metal was still raw and bestial, which are two adjectives that perfectly describe the performance of Sargeist on this album. Cold, tremolo picked guitars and punk influenced drum beats are found almost everywhere, all to the pleasure of fans who like the rawer, more unpolished side of black metal. Take for instance the third track "Cursed Blaze of Rituals" which incorporates both the droning, slow side of black metal, along with it's more chaotic, speedy moments. "Black Treasures of Melancholy" on the other hand takes a different route completely and rages like a viking metal anthem, with epically melodic guitar passages and a fast pace throughout. What possibly makes this record even more enjoyable is that even though Sargeist plays in the style of early second wave black metal, the band never sounds stale or derivative. Each song has qualities to make it unique, whether it be the uber melodic approach as seen on "Echos From A Morbid Night" or punk influenced sections of "Heretic Iron Will".
Instrumentally, the members of Sargeist never really try to impressive with a level of high technicality but let their crude, yet effective style of playing do all the talking. The majority of guitarist Shatraug's (of bands such as Horna and Drowning The Light) playing mostly consists of tremolo picked chords along with some pretty awesome dissonant chords. His style is pretty simple, but with great guitar lines such as on "Black Treasures of Melancholy" and title track "Disciples of the Heinous Path", his simplicity is most definitely an asset. Vocalist Hoath Torog (of Behexen) fame does a great job on the vocal front, providing the album with some truly terrifying screams and shrieks. Drummer of the group Horns (also of Behexen fame) definitely has some shining moments on the album, playing some awesome punk influenced beats as well as some interesting and unique fills.
For anyone who's true love still remains to be 90's black metal, Sargeist's
Disciple of the Heinous Path is most definitely the album for you. Everything from the album shouts second wave black metal, from the cold and treble dominated guitars to the lightning speed blasts of the drums. For those who are fans of early Darkthrone, Mayhem, and Satryicon,
Disciple of the Heinous Path should be found and purchased immediately.
