Sammath Unleashes Fury with New Album “Across the Rhine is Only Death”
The Dutch black metal scene has always been a hotbed of talent and creativity, and one band that has been making waves in the underground for over two decades is Sammath. Known for their ferocious blend of black and death metal, Sammath has built a reputation for delivering uncompromising and relentless music that strikes like a sledgehammer to the soul. With their latest album, “Across the Rhine is Only Death,” Sammath proves once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of extreme metal.
Formed in 1994 by multi-instrumentalist Jan Kruitwagen, Sammath has gone through various lineup changes over the years but has always stayed true to their vision of creating dark and aggressive music that pushes the boundaries of the genre. The band’s discography is filled with critically acclaimed releases, including albums like “Strijd,” “Triumph in Hatred,” and “Godless Arrogance,” which have solidified their status as one of the most important bands in the Dutch black metal scene.
“With ‘Across the Rhine is Only Death,’ we wanted to create an album that captured the raw energy and intensity of our live performances while also pushing ourselves creatively,” says Kruitwagen. “We drew inspiration from the horrors of war and the human capacity for brutality, and channeled that into the music to create something that is both visceral and thought-provoking.”
The album kicks off with the blistering track “Ferocious Mortar Fire,” which sets the tone for what’s to come with its pummeling riffs, thunderous drums, and Kruitwagen’s vicious vocals. From there, the band takes the listener on a harrowing journey through tracks like “Devastation on the Eastern Front” and “Marching Towards Certain Death,” which showcase Sammath’s ability to create atmosphere and tension amidst the chaos.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the epic closer “The Last Man Standing,” a sprawling ten-minute opus that builds to a crescendo of blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars. The song’s haunting melodies and Kruitwagen’s anguished screams create a sense of unease and despair that lingers long after the final notes fade away.
In addition to the music, “Across the Rhine is Only Death” also features stunning artwork by renowned artist Eliran Kantor, whose previous work includes album covers for bands like Testament, Hate Eternal, and Sigh. Kantor’s dark and evocative imagery perfectly complements the themes of war and destruction present in the music, adding another layer of depth to the overall experience of the album.
As Sammath prepares to unleash their latest offering upon the world, fans of extreme metal can look forward to a devastating and uncompromising listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With “Across the Rhine is Only Death,” Sammath proves once again that they are a band at the height of their powers, unafraid to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and deliver music that is as challenging as it is rewarding.