Review by Michael on August 9, 2021.

RS-28 Sarmat (also called Satan 2) is to become the new intercontinental missile of the Russian Armed Forces and is capable of unbelievable devastation. It can't be intercepted by any defense systems and should be able to reach any point on Earth. The Polish band Sarmat has named itself after this new weapon and the album is called RS-28. It is also the debut of the band, which I did not have on my metallic radar before.

Musically, the trio presents us with a solid mix of death and black metal in which you can clearly recognize its country of origin. While listening to RS-28 I had thoughts about their compatriots from Behemoth or even Hate (older) several times.

Album starts with 'Coldgrinder', a pretty fast song full of blast beats and repetitive riffs but it’s when the vocals kick in, it makes everything fits pretty well (at first). What makes the song a bit exhausting are the slightly dissonant parts, and that the song repeats itself instead of developing. Similar with 'Evilution' also but here the band could have made much more out of the song. 'The Shining Of Oneiros' is much better structured and knows how to convince with some riffs, even if the structures of the song remind me of Behemoth at "Demigod" times. Here as well as in the title track the tempo changes are built in, which lets those two songs not appear too monotone. 'Seeds Of Uncertainty' starts with an interesting instrumental part and develops into the best track on the album as the song progresses. Frenzied guitar parts mix with slightly dissonant, very catchy melodies that can definitely convince. I'd like more of it next time!!! The last tracks behave similarly to the songs at the beginning. Here, too, the melody arcs are repeated very often and there is only rarely an attempt to break out of the created musical framework. So, the two tracks 'Blackout (Scenario For Tomorrow) Part I' and 'Blackout (Scenario For Tomorrow) Part II' sound quite similar and I honestly don't know if they did themselves a big favor with that.

I don't want to call this album a total failure or something like that, but three Sarmat guys should have maybe paid more attention to variety in the songs. RS-28 seems to be technically very well performed, but I personally miss more creativity here and that certain something that distinguishes the band from others. In the mentioned songs I definitely see the potential for more, but for that they should perhaps detach themselves a little more from the great role models.

Apart from that, the production of the album (which the band released on their own by the way), is very powerful and clean. The booklet is also very thoughtfully designed, so that one can also say quite positive things about it here.

Whoever, as already mentioned above, goes for older Behemoth, Hate and etc. will certainly not be disappointed here, but Sarmat definitely still has room for improvement! If the Russian intercontinental missile is so dangerous, then NATO should be able to lean back calmly, at least until the next time.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Alex Grindor on May 25, 2023.

An "In Crescendo" maelstrom of darkness welcomes you to In Oculus Abyss, the newest release from Teitan. A solo project spearheaded by Devi Hisgen, Teitan showcases a psychotic brand of black metal, with constant twists and turns, atonal harmonies and maniacal voices. This new offering of Teitan is over 40 minutes of dissonant songwriting with plenty of experimentation and vocals filled with tormented emotion and madness.

Musically, Devi is a master of his craft. Teitan excels in the use of chaotic riffs and harmonies, without giving fully to it. His drumwork is absolutely commendable, with a constant brutality that leaves room for some peace amidst the chaos. However, I find his vocals to be the most mesmerizing aspect of this album. His constant shift in vocalizations and blending of them is amazing. It features a wide array of vocals, from sinister whispering to demonic shrieks. All these aspects are mixed perfectly in the record, with a harrowing combination of nostalgic melodies and jarring guitars that creates an oppressive atmosphere, to which a wide array of sounds is added. Despite its constant twists and turns there is an unrelenting fury in the music that, even in its most calm moments, builds a constant tension towards what comes next. Again, Devi is a master of his craft of black metal and In Oculus Abyss shows him growing ever more ferociously.

Production wise, everything is well balanced. Every instrument is clearly audible. Vocals are well balanced and mixed properly. Nothing detracts nor distracts from any other instrument, allowing for a wonderful experience. Although I do feel that the guitars (at moments) are at the "back" of the mix, it is of no greater consequence and, most importantly, the tracks are so well put together that the entire record can loop without you noticing (as it happened to me while listening
to it). This showcases that Davi's vision for this album worked flawlessly.

With an excellent production, a great mixture of jarring madness and haunting melancholy, topped with a monstrous display of vocals, In Oculus Abyss is a haunting album that deserves every bit of your attention. As Teitan itself explains this album; "Nine pieces about existentialist philosophy, translated to experimental black metal." And the pay-off of such work is an exquisite experience in avant-garde black metal. If you enjoy DHG, Deathspell Omega, Hail Spirit Noir, Mayhem and similar artists, this is a choice you will not regret.

To be released May 26th via Onism Productions / Void Wanderer Productions.

Rating: 9.2 out of 10