Death metal from Cairo, Egypt. And it really does not sound similar to Egypt-influenced US death metal giants Nile... Anyway, 'Serpents of the Nile' is Scarab's sophomore full-length album. However, they began as Hatesuffocation already in 2001, but their 14-year history really can be heard on this album.

Meaning that this doesn't sound old nor bored, but satisfyingly vibrant. Scarab's musical adventures contain same scales used in Egyptian folk music, so the flag marker can be placed where they hail from. But that's not the only marker that should be put on same map. Israeli band Melechesh comes to my mind from ritualistic beats and evocative riffing. And another more flag. It shall be placed over an European country, which is rife with death metal bands: Poland. I find similarities between this and newer Polish acts such as Calm Hatchery, but also with old names' fresher album (e.g. Trauma and Vader). Bolt Thrower (UK) uses this kind of melodies and pummelling force too, so there's another one! As mentioned, Scarab aren't similar to Nile. Surely, there are few times when parallels between the two can be drawn (especially with Nile's debut album 'Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren-Ka' from 1998 and their earlier work), and another US influence cannot be left unnamed: Morbid Angel. Still, Scarab can be proud of their own kind of vibe.

There are both tremolo riffing and heavier hammering heard on the guitar department. It can be really shredding at times, considerably upping the brutality level. The sharp guitars are backed by hefty rhythm section, which really does sound like an army of attacking warriors. The Earth trembles... My only nag is caused by boxy sounding tom drums, which are at times left somewhat nebulous. In each song, tempos shift like desert sands, adding variety to them. Anything from more straight rock tempos to groovier ritual beats, blast beats and double kick drum stitching. Synthesizers are utilized here, mostly for making "sound-mats" and choirs, plus some Egyptian folk and soundtrack style stuff. Not only on the intro, but here and there. But hardly oversupplied! As is suitable for an Egyptian band, the music is epic at times, but on the other hand it can get rather simplistic, too.

The vocals are potent growling styles. Somewhat hoarse, they sound like they really come from deep inside of the vocalist, casting an image of a whirling sand storm. While the voice is intelligible, it's still good that the lyrics are printed. There's some layering with more high-pitched growling, as is often heard on a death metal record. Hollering, clean ritual singing is added for atmosphere. The lyrical theme is finding yourself breaking out of mould where one's trapped in.

The first thing, naturally, that flirted with me was the cover artwork. RusalkaDesign has managed to create some beautiful yet forbidding images that suit well with the music found inside. The package really adds to the music, which is its intention in the first place, but hardly happens any more.

Almost every song is long, and generally the album ends up sounding a tad too homologous, despite all the different influences the band does carry. After all, it's 55 minutes long in duration. As a whole, the album is strongly performed on every level, and a step to a bigger league for the band. Still, if you're keen for Mid-Eastern melodies in death metal, then you shouldn't pass by 'Serpents of the Nile' by Scarab. At the best this is mesmerising!

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/14/2015 17:28