Band: Sargeist
Title: Let The Devil In
Label: Moribund Records
Distribution: Moribund Records
Release date: November 9th 2010
Review: CD

When it comes to the Finnish Black Metal scene, there are so many contradictions. The extremes are so enormous (note: it is the case in most scenes, most countries). On the one hand there are the semi-poppy, catchy bands, flirting with radio potential and MTV-allures, and on the other hand Finland houses some of the most obscure and blaspheme underground-bands and projects on Mother Earth. It won’t be that surprising if I admit that I do prefer the second ones, will it?
One of the persons I do appreciate a lot is Shatraug. This sweet boy is and/or was involved with numerous underground projects, in collaboration (band) or solo – think Blutschrei, Horna, Morbid Savouring, Black Stench, Kyprian’s Circle, Ravening, Desolation or Necroslut, amongst tens of others. Yet one of his most interesting projects is this one, Sargeist, known for many splits with dedicated colleagues like Temple Of Baal, Bahimiron, Horned Almighty (check the review of this band’s new full length on Candlelight, posted on November 26th) or Merrimack, a handful of splendid albums (among which different compilations) – many of them released through American super-label Moribund (praise and hail!).
Sargeist originally started as a solo-project, yet after recruiting members of e.g. Behexen (an evil formation that I do like demonically…), Sargeist evolved into a real ‘band’.
Let The Devil In is the next sublime opus within Sargeist’s raison d’être. The album is a huge Underground Symphony and features a new bass player (Vainaja, involved with e.g. Neutron Hammer, Vitsaus (new album Sielunmessu posted on November 26th within the review-section) and Horna, another band with Shatraug). And as a matter of fact, it does not bring something new, yet the album continues the well-known path of obscurity and morbidity we’re trusted with. It doesn’t matter; originality is rather relative and in several cases unnecessary. Like it is in this case. Why? Well, why changing a winning team, why changing a concept that pleases us? And indeed, with the knowledge that the qualitative compositions will please every ‘old’ fan, Sargeist of course are allowed to continue their path. But… does it sound somewhat more melodic this time? Maybe? Let The devil In of course consists of many extreme parts, yet the overall tempo contains more slowed-down pieces this time. Therefore the penetration of the Norwegian scene is a fact – think Gorgoroth, early Emperor (without the symphonic bombast) or Gehenna. Yet the influence of most related bands and projects (Behexen, Horna and so on) is clear, evident, present in all its glory, victoriously and convincing.
Highly recommended with coldness, hate and disgust!

90/100

Ivan Tibos.