If I mention terms "brutal death metal" and "Mesopotamia", what kind of picture do they paint in your mind? Would you think of bands such as Nile and Morbid Angel, perhaps? Yes, I thought you would do so. Sarpanitum perform brutal death metal with lyrical subjects taken from Mesopotamian mythology.

'Despoilment of Origin', this Birmingham-based quartet's debut full length album, does manage to outbargain the bulk of current death metal releases. Also the majority of the established band's releases. For a big part, Sarpanitum simply ravage listener with their sonical equivalent to multitude of army legions. Ultra-fast drumming (and not just two comps), quick as lightning metallic guitars and guttural blows surely enchant everyone who's into brutal death metal. Every now and then, mystical and beautiful sweeps of melodiousness created with guitars and synthesizer, locate listener's mind on the flight over the ancient landscapes of Mesopotamia. The melodic ingredient takes me back to the times when "melody" didn't refer for "gay" (for example Pestilence's classic 'Testimony of the Ancients' [1991]). Sarpanitum have composed very good songs; some of these monstrous whirlwinds really sticked to my mind on first few listenings. And while this is epic, it is so in raw way (unlike Dimmu "money can hire you a huge symphony orchestra" Borgir), like I feel Nile's debut album 'Amongst the Catacombs of Nephren Ka' (1998) is. Oh, and besides aforementioned death metal legends, I'd like to mention the name Mithras too, because it also raised to my mind while experiencing Sarpanitum.

Vocals are mostly guttural growling. Thankfully there is a lot of variety there. From deep abdomen growl to nasty snarl, and loads of things between those two. Usually it's pretty easy to get what's growled, so points for that. As mentioned, Mesopotamian mythology is where the lyrical subject have been picked from. Nothing new, but still deviating enough from majority. Instruments are handled in masterly way. All the hell Sarpanitum are able to raise, the production work is well-balanced. It is also raw and edgy, actually it is perfect for this kind of music.

Sarpanitum have composed even slightly idiosyncratic death metal by weaving together styles from three continents (Europe, Asia and North America). I really don't know what to reproach here. 'Despoilment of Origin' is one fucking brutal 35 -minute flagellation session, believe me. If you are into extreme metal music, then please do inspect this. You will thank me for this small piece of advise.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
05/22/2007 19:27