Band: Sammath
CD Title: Strijd"
Year: 1999
Website: www.sammath.nl
MySpace: myspace.com/sammath666
Label: Folter
Featured on: Loucifer Speaks exclusive
Rating: 9.5 / 10
More Links: Interview with Jan (2007), Sammath Forum Thread, "Dodengang" Review

My journey into the world of Sammath was a bit backwards. I started with their most recent album, “Dodengang” and then moved on to their 1999 release “Strijd”. When I first put “Strijd” into the CD player I was expecting more of the same sort of thing as I got with “Dodengang”. One of the first differences that I noticed was in the production - even though “Dodengang” remains pretty gritty, it is still cleaner than that on “Strijd”. “Strijd” has an entirely different atmosphere than the newer album. While “Dodengang” gave the impression of war, “Strijd” makes me feel like it’s the end of the world.

For a long time “Dodengang” was my favourite out of the two releases. I’m guessing this is because it’s that bit more accessible on the first few listens and I’m completely familiar with it now. That is until I decided to listen to “Strijd” properly and review it. I found that once I gave the album my full attention, the tracks seemed to take on new aspects. It proved to be a very rewarding experience.

“De Glorie Van Het Slagveld” opens album in a way that makes you take notice. Sammath take no prisoners. The organ parts which break up the onslaught are a fantastic start and when the guitars join it with the same melody, there’s a brilliant wall of sound.

I have to confess that “Zwaardbroeders Bij De Bergengte” is one of my favourite Sammath songs ever (in spite of the fact that I cannot pronounce it‘s name!). Period. The keys provide a lighter and hypnotic layer to this Black Metal track, while never taking anything away from the brutal atmosphere.

The title track is also the longest track on the album. It begins with a slightly ‘doom’ tempo before speeding up to what I now expect of the band. Something that Sammath do incredibly well is work include a number of different elements in their tracks. In the various songs here I can hear a couple of guitars, various keys, various vocal parts (particularly at the start of this track). On first listen you may believe that Sammath are pretty straightforward Black Metal band, but the complexity of the tracks becomes apparent once your immerse yourself in them.

The thing that really stood out for me on “Drakenbloed” was the vocals. While they are of the same style as on the rest of the album, to me they just seem more prominent here.

“De Heidense Vlam Zal Branden” (I’m very glad that the titles on “Dodengang” are easier to spell and remember!) is a brutal and savage piece of work. It seems to get to the point immediately and the almost tortured sound of the vocals work brilliantly.

While “Als Duisternis De Kastreel Torens Bedekt” is the shortest track on this album, it does have an incredibly epic feel to it. It opens with the sounds of the ocean which is then joined with what I think is an organ. Once the sound of the ocean stops, you are left with an unnerving feeling. It’s just you and that creepy organ…and some voices.

“Met De Strijdbijl in Mijn Hand” launches out of the darkness like it was the monster the previous track was building up to. It slaps you around the face with a clawed hand and punishes you for ever letting your guard down in the previous track. I think that it’s a combination of how well this track stands up on its own and the juxtaposition between it and the previous track (and, of course, how well they both work together) that has led this one to be my second favourite on the album. The way the track, and album, ends abruptly is yet another excellent touch.

And so the question remains: Which Sammath album is better? “Strijd” or “Dodengang”? Had you asked me this question a few months ago, I would have said “Dodengang” without a doubt. Now, I’m not so sure. “Strijd” has got it’s bloody claws in me and refuses to let go. If you enjoyed “Dodengang” then it’s definitely worth picking up “Strijd” as well.

…and since I cannot decide which is better, I shall give this album the same rating as the other one!