Today, I'm delving into the latest offering from the Finnish black metal trio, Sarastus. Their third full-length album, "Agony Eternal," unleashed under the aegis of Dominance of Darkness Records, delivers a remarkably bold statement. This release not only reasserts their significant standing within the impressive Finnish metal scene but also demonstrates a discernible refinement in their songwriting, expertly intertwining raw aggression with an ever-present melancholic atmosphere.

While I won't be dissecting all nine tracks on the album, I will focus on a select few songs and highlight key moments that particularly resonated with me during this profound auditory experience.

Track 1: "Dawning ov the God" The album immediately captivates with a compelling chord progression that swiftly transitions into intricate, super-catchy tremolo-picked lines. Within approximately fifteen seconds, I was convinced that Sarastus is a band whose evolution I will now keenly follow. I believe this opening track masterfully showcases each member's skill in their craft. The vocal delivery, in particular, is compelling; it's crucial for a vocalist to perfectly embody the band's atmosphere, and Galgenvot achieves this with remarkable prowess, intuitively knowing when to shift his range for maximum impact. A standout melody on this track emerges compellingly at the 2:04 mark. I find this melody leans gracefully towards the melodic black metal spectrum, serving as a beautiful and unexpected addition to their sound. I consistently appreciate when bands allow their guitarists the freedom to conjure such evocative melodies, and this one, in particular, imbued me with a profound sense of both triumph and longing—a truly bittersweet experience. This track was, without doubt, an inspired choice for the album's opener.

Sarastus - Agony Eternal

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Track 2: "Agony Eternal" (Title Track) The title track, "Agony Eternal," undeniably stands as one of the album's most potent offerings, and rightly so. I believe this song features some of the album's most compelling guitar sections, commencing with a thoughtfully extended buildup punctuated by sharply picked chords and resonant cymbal crashes. The general tempo of this track largely adheres to a classic black metal sensibility. A notable surge in pace occurs around the 1:01 mark, where the transition to furious blastbeats is executed with remarkable precision and velocity, truly nailing that rapid-fire intensity. A massive commendation goes to the section at the 2:17 timestamp. I was thoroughly impressed by the hard-hitting 4/4 beat, powerfully accompanied by a harsh yet remarkably clear chord progression. The subtle, yet effective, scattering of ride cymbal bell hits was a delightful surprise. Moreover, I feel this track showcases some of the most commanding vocals on the entire album; they truly cut through the mix with perfect volume, maintaining a powerful, in-your-face presence without being jarring or fatiguing to the listener.

Track 6: Candidly, this track emerged as my personal favorite. Its raw intensity and overarching sonic character resonated profoundly with me. I am particularly captivated when Sarastus transitions seamlessly from a section of relentless blastbeats and razor-sharp chord progressions directly into a groove-laden segment. This shift sounds absolutely fantastic, making it impossible not to sway and headbang along. A prime example of this dynamic shift can be found at the 2:04 mark. The way the track maintains its crushing weight while introducing such an undeniable rhythm speaks volumes about their compositional prowess, creating an almost hypnotic, unstoppable force.

Track 8: While Track 6 held my personal preference, I believe this particular song would serve as an ideal introduction to the band's distinctive sound for any new listener. It brilliantly showcases their musicianship across the board and arguably features the album's most compelling vocal performance. The intensely harsh vocal delivery provides immense justice to the song's themes and atmosphere. Furthermore, a special acknowledgment must go to the drummer for executing both remarkably fast drum fills and well-placed, impactful cymbal accents that truly enrich the track's dynamism. Overall, this track stands out as truly fantastic.

Overall Conclusion: This release unequivocally demonstrates Sarastus's significant progression, continually refining and honing their craft with each successive album. "Agony Eternal" is not merely a collection of tracks; it is a cohesive and immersive experience that underscores their mastery of atmosphere and sheer aggression. It solidifies their position as a formidable force within contemporary black metal. I would enthusiastically award this album a 9/10 and eagerly anticipate more material from these talented musicians in the near future.

-BlackenedSoundscape

9-10: Exceptional

7-8: Good, Great

5-6: Average, Decent

3-4: Fair, Mediocre

1-2: Poor, Subpar

Grading system.

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