Sargatanas
The Enlightenment
[Conquistador]


Sargatanas is a demon that literally means "brigadier in the army of hell," and I don't think these Mexican bastards could have possibly chosen a better name, because this is one seriously heavy chunk of brutal death metal. From the opening moments of "Eternal Darkness" to the closing wrath of "The Enlightenment," I have heard very few releases that can compete in sheer savagery and barbarism. Impressive material all the way through, although I do have to admit that it gets a little long towards the end (clocking in at over an hour). Regardless, Sargatanas are completely solid and I can't wait for them to forge their next album, appropriately entitled "Dark Conqueror."

The band basically goes for a completely suffocating and overpowering atmosphere, not bothering to waste time with subtle elements or pointless intricacies. It is definitely refreshing to see some death metal of this ilk as far too many groups today are caught up in useless technical endeavors. Sargatanas take clear influence from early Morbid Angel and Acheron, and of course Possessed, whom which they do a great cover of the song "Satan's Curse." I also hear this band frequently getting referenced to Abhorer, although what most people don't realize is that Sargatanas have actually been around since 1986 - I have no idea why it took them 13 years to produce a full-length, but that is a lot of lost time. Supposedly their demo is also an available mCD now.

An oppressive demonstration of force that really blew me away upon first listen and even now proves shocking. Sargatanas have assumed a position right next to Shub Niggurath and The Chasm and I expect great things from them in the future.


© 2000 hando