Sarke

Sarke have evolved considerably from their beginnings as the solo project of Thomas Bergli (Khold, ex-Old Man's Child), now featuring a full line-up that includes Nocturno Culto's vocals (Darkthrone), Steinar Gundersen (Satyricon) on lead guitar, Anders Hunstad (Autopulver) on keyboards and Asgeir Mickelson (ex-Borknagar) on drums. Aruagint (their third full-length) is a grim, grooving piece of blackened thrash. Nocturno Culto's vocals are front and centre, and as always he sounds like he's gargling pitch and spitting chewed-up ghosts. Aside from the occasional punk surge, like the pugnacious "Ugly," most of the tracks fall firmly into the deep grove of mid-paced, mountain-moving heavy metal. The thrash influence is mostly an aesthetic choice, rather than one of pacing, leaving numerous frayed and filthy edges in the guitar tone that complement the chugging bass lines nicely. There's a bit of repetitiveness to the structure that can wear over the course of the album, while none of the songs stand out as incredible efforts. However, for a good black metal wallow, you could do a great deal worse.