The Dark Embrace

Sargeist is one of those bands which can do little or no wrong. Even some of their their much rawer and lackluster demos and splits shine in comparison to many post-2000 black metal bands. I'm also a huge fan of Shatraug's work in Horna so I eagerly dove in.

Side A contains the title track Dark Embrace (of Ruin). The lead riff is one followers of Sargeist will anticipate and enjoy; a melodic and saddened passage. This song is really one of Sargeist's more exciting ones. The mood invoked lets listeners feel a more mature spectrum of emotions than the black metal norm of base anger, excitement, or sorrow. In my Finnish black metal experience, it seems that Shatraug, credited with lyrics and composition for this piece, cannot write boring riffs. The lyrics are well-written as well, seeming to concentrate on deviating and "ruin(ing) your life" in the name of Satan. The main riff acts spectacularly as a voiceless chorus, though I do wish that the vocals were more intelligible though. Other than that, the song is mixed perfectly. It sounds dirty, but not garbled. Emotional, but not facile. If anything other than excellent, it is a little too familiar, containing the classic Sargeist riff progressions, vocal delivery, and length.

Side B's lyrics and music are attributed to Lenrauth. In contrast to side A, the lyrics of The Crown of Burning Stars deal with Luciferian worship and enlightenment. The song is played as well as Dark Embrace, but isn't as compelling. That's not to say it's a bad track though; it definitely still fares well this EP. There's really not too much to be said about this track. It's Sargeist through-and-through with an overall darker feel than the previous. I find myself listening to side A about twice as often.

Definitely pick this up if you're a fan of Finnish black metal or melancholic black metal that doesn't stew in suicidal mediocrity. The Dark Embrace is as good an addition to the seasoned cultist's collection as it is a starting point for new devotees.