When it comes to globetrotting this little Russian label seems to go far and wide to deliver the goods. Last time we had anything promo wise from them they unearthed the rather remarkable Narjahanam a funeral doom band from Bahrain. Now we are introduced to the debut EP from a black metal band based in The United Arab Emirates, which strikes as trying to force a very large square peg in a very small round hole. Playing satanic music in a deeply religious country with very strong rules and beliefs is a rather bold move. Indeed looking at what passes for metal music of any form in the UAE comes up with very little, just a handful of bands exist there and looking at metal archives many who attempted anything have either split up or moved elsewhere; I am intrigued to hear Billy Bob’s Blood Drenched Brew I have to admit. Tartarus definitely walk the talk though taking us into their out on a limb world with strange demonic sounds that chill the blood on eerie introductory piece Seshot, which sounds like an exorcism taking place.
From here ‘Axes (Of Hatred) confidently steams in, hitting a solid groove on the wings of a blood curdling shriek from singer Zymolust Ravenson. It’s all rather melodic and well-produced too, the band certainly sound well-rehearsed and the drums are particularly brutal enforcing the faster parts of the track really well and the strumming guitars and bass all work well in combination over the lengthy parts without any vocals where the band really seem to be getting into the swing of things. Nothing actually jumps out as being influential over the band’s sound either. It certainly has nothing suggesting that it comes from the Middle East to it really but you similarly wouldn’t be able to nail any other specific destination to it by sound making it quite unique. The photo of the band members sporting shirts for Emperor, Immortal, Dark Throne and Mysticum show their allegiances but they certainly don’t sound like they are plagiarising anyone here. ‘Cosmic Storms’ is pretty damn fearsome and rages away with fast flurrying riffs and pummelling drums; vocals are just right in the mix and spit venom making it a fiery and clinically executed track.
Do the band get the opportunity to play live in a country that recently put lots of rules on a visiting Lady Gaga; well it’s very unlikely unless it’s underground. I doubt whether songs such as the title track with words “I am hatred” inciting a crowd not used to this sort of music would be permitted at all. Indeed their Facebook page mentions no past, present or future shows which is a shame as they obviously have the conviction and skill here and no doubt would be pretty impressive. Finishing off the EP is a well-known classic where they have a shot at one of the aforementioned covering Emperor classic ‘I Am The Black Wizards’ and they do it the justice it deserves and as far as I’m concerned they pretty much nail it. Any way you can discover this EP via the links below and find out for yourself. We don’t often sing the praises of unholy black metal from Dubai but it really does exist; praise the beast.
(7/10 Pete Woods)
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