SARGEIST (Fin) – ‘Flame Within Flame’ TAPE

As has been the way since 2018’s significant Unbound full-length, which saw the arrival of erstwhile Nightbringer / Demoncy guitarist VJS among others, Flame Within Flame also sees the arrival of more new members: longtime HORNA frontman Spellgoth on bass and prolific drummer Nur-i-siyah, who’s played with Nawaharjan and Decapitated Christ among others. And while that “classic” SARGEIST lineup that included longstanding co-conspirators Torog and Horns (vocals and drums, respectively) certainly set an enviably high standard, Shatraug and crew continue undaunted, arguably more invigorated than ever. Indeed, Flame Within Flame is presciently titled, for the band’s spirit is unextinguishable and unquenchable, seemingly infinite in inspiration whilst remaining characteristically – and DEADLY – focused. From the album’s opening seconds, this is classic, burning-with-desperation SARGEIST, but immerse thyself in its icily shimmering waters ever so deeper and one will find that there’s an almost-melancholic touch to Shatraug & VJS’s riff-sorcery. What results is perhaps the band’s most atmospheric record to date – credit, too, to the spacious-yet-immediate production – but one still pulsing with ragged, burning-black emotion: truly, the enduring hallmark of SARGEIST’s eternal aesthetic. Of especial note is Shatraug resuming vocals, which he hasn’t done since the band’s early demo days. Return, once again, to misery and comfort with Flame Within Flame!