Review by Saxy S for Sarmat - Determined to Strike (2023)

It's hard to imagine the vast array of new (extreme) metal bands incorporating jazz fusion elements into their music. If it was of the progressive variety of music that would make sense in terms of pushing boundaries and, y'know the very act of being "progressive". But when it comes through in technical death metal as it has in the past with Cynic and Gorguts, and more recently with Imperial Triumphant, it leaves me more confused. How is it possible that a genre known for its improvisation draw parallels to a genre whose claim to fame is extreme technical proficiency and fully composed songs?

Now that does not make any of the previously mentioned groups bad; far from it. Which is why I was fascinated and intrigued by the debut record from New Yorkers Sarmat with Determined To Strike. And while the direction of the album is unique and really tries to double down on the jazz fusion elements where Imperial Triumphant have moved away from in recent years, the production of Determined To Strike is pretty lousy and leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth and ears.

For starters, this record has a far stronger emphasis on the brass instrumentals with the trumpet, and my initial comparison for this record was a heavier version of Thank You Scientist. But that came to halt quickly after I heard the muddy mixing, which does everything in its power to make this record as loud and abrasive as possible. For fans of technical death metal, I can't see this as a big issue. But for others, its quite hard to tell what the hell is going on most of the time. In addition, the record refuses to outline a melodic phrase or motif in any of its six songs so I'm stuck trying to appreciate an album that is more about style than earworms. Together, they deteriorate an albums replay value since the only thing that Sarmat have going for them is their sound. 

This isn't an album that I have much to say about, even though it feels like I should. This feels more like a passion project than anything worth more than a glancing blow. I reckon the thought process for this record was the same for the new Dragoncorpse album: two genres that aren't known to stick, come together for a jarring, but interesting little endeavor. Unlike Dragoncorpse however, Sarmat have less than stellar production that does not highlight this albums real strengths. 

Best Songs: Arsenal of Tyranny, Landform