review: Sarcoptes (U.S. black metal)

Sarcoptes

Plague Hymns

Transcending Obscurity Records

October 2nd, 2020

Metal Archives shows for this California, U.S. black metal duo an EP in 2013, an album in 2016 and this EP in 2020. There are two songs on this 17-minute recording. The drumming is quintessential, tight blasting, with a symphonic background for the majestic feel, while the guitars blaze a path of fast-finger action, including fast melodies. The vocals are dictionary-definition black metal. For no-holds-barred fast black metal, this EP will probably tickle your fancy. As long as the listeners know what they are in for, the recording is entertaining with its speed, thrashy riffing, and there are moments of melodies, like towards the end of the second song, that catch one’s attention. The keyboards certainly help to make this more entertaining, too, by adding a soft, gentle touch to this speed fest. One thing to keep an eye on is whether they are able to keep finding ways to integrate that melodic guitar work already mentioned; it’s a big winning element for them. Repeated listens will locate additional details that only one or two listens cannot provide due to the high-speed velocities. Pretty cool EP, and a good introduction for people new to Sarcoptes.

Plague Hymns (Black​/​Thrash Metal) by SARCOPTES (US)