Formed in 2018 by guitarists Daniel Szymanowicz (Calm Hatchery, ex-Agressor, ex-Extremis, Necrosis) and Krzysztof Kopczenski (ex-Spirit Crusher, Ex Carnes), Sarmat are a Polish death metal band with a smart work ethic and strong sense of ambition. Working with session drummer Krzysztof Klingbein (Deathspawn), the band asked Lukasz Kobusinski (ex-Mortis Dei, ex-Puki ‘Mahlu) to join as vocalist, an inspired choice, as Lukasz’s commanding presence is just one of the many facets that makes RS-28 such a compelling effort. Released digitally via Bandcamp, the band are currently unsigned but, with a recording of this strength under their belt, this is a situation that deserves to change.
Sarmat waste no time at all laying out their brutal stall with Coldgrinder. There are no atmospheric intros to ease the listener in, just a gargantuan riff set to Krzysztof’s relentless blast beats. Lukasz proves to be the band’s secret weapon here, switching between different deathly tones as the band rage behind him with imperial might. Arkadiusz “Malta” Malczewski’s production certainly helps, rendering the band’s ferocious assault with remarkable clarity, all of which only serves to reassert the impressive musicianship at the heart of Sarmat. Evilution may have a tongue in cheek title, but there’s nothing humorous in the dark web the band weave as a prelude to unleashing a riff of devastating weight. Once again, the band’s ambitions are to the fore as they unleash a composition that is as nuanced as it is brutal. Make no mistake, this might be a self-released album, but it comfortably sits shoulder-to-shoulder with any number of label-based contenders, the primary difference being Sarmat’s obvious hunger. As the album plunges into the depths of The Shining Of Oneiros, it’s not unlikely that you’ll start to feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer brutality of the assault. However, persevere, and the band start to carve out an almost orchestral sense of depth as the guitars coalesce. Reminiscent of the grandeur of Emperor, it’s impossible not to get swept into a world of decaying kingdoms and classical mythology. Offering a subtle change of pace, the dark, doom-laden RS-28 is a piece worthy of its title (it references the Russian Satan 2 ICBM), and the track only gets heavier as it progresses.
Opening up the second half of the album, a brief prelude allows for a moment of calm on Seeds Of Uncertainty. It is, however, but a fleeting moment and the band soon bring down the pall of destruction once more. A ferocious track, it is eclipsed by the icy horror of You Don’t Live In My War. A lengthy, brooding piece which sees Lukasz adopt a scabrous tone, it’s also an album highlight that recalls the darkest moments of Dimmu Borgir. The album ends with an ambitious, two-part piece entitled Blackout (Scenario For Tomorrow). Part I is a maelstrom, delivered with white hot fury, whilst Part II slows the pace, emerging as a weightier piece with a stronger sense of melody, for all that Krzysztof’s crushingly majestic work behind the kit seeks to wreck the foundations of the house. It brings the album to a suitably apocalyptic close, leaving the listener bloodied and battered in its wake.
RS-28 is a deeply impressive offering from an obviously committed band. Unremittingly brutal, the band have wisely kept it relatively brief, lest the chrome-plated blast beats threaten to overwhelm, and if there is one area the band could evolve in future efforts, it would be to allow a touch more light to pierce the gloom. Nevertheless, with powerful production and superlative performances from all concerned, RS-28 is a record of which to be proud, and a fantastic introduction to a band destined for bigger things. 9/10
