SARCATOR - The Ones We Follow

The album opens with its title track, 'The Ones We Follow', introducing distinctive drumming against a groovy, almost 70s-inspired melody before plunging into considerably heavier territory. The vocals deliver a raw, thrash-driven aggression with a distinct black metal undertone, particularly evident in the venomous hissing that cuts through the instrumentation. Driving riffs maintain a relentless momentum without sacrificing their melodic character, while increasingly ferocious screams and a subtle bass line add further depth to the composition. Short but effective, the track serves as a powerful introduction to the album.

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A considerably rawer and more unpolished approach awaits on 'You Gotta Possess Me', which opens with a blood-curdling scream cutting through heavily distorted sounds. The groove established on the opener makes a welcome return, this time accompanied by a thick, churning bass line that runs alongside the uptempo riffs. The vocal performance is exactly what this kind of music demands: sinister, throaty and fiercely aggressive, while the melodic backbone remains firmly intact. This combination creates an engaging atmosphere that becomes even more intriguing as the song progresses. The bridge introduces a calmer, clean guitar passage, bringing an almost melancholic quality to the composition. That mood carries into the closing passages, where the atmosphere takes a distinctly darker turn.

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At around seven minutes, 'Rotting Chapels' is one of the album's longer compositions, exploring a considerably more atmospheric direction. Ominous, reverb-drenched sounds create an unsettling opening, accompanied by what sounds like faint breathing in the background. Human or something far more sinister? Who knows. When this uneasy calm finally erupts, impressive drumming takes centre stage, accompanied by the band's already established groove-laden riffs and a barrage of guttural screams and aggressive shouts. Around the halfway mark, that creeping sense of uncertainty returns, with almost demonic voices lurking beneath the instrumentation. The interplay between explosive aggression and these eerie, atmospheric passages gives the composition an increasingly hypnotic quality, leaving a lingering sense of unease as it draws to a close.

On 'Bleeding Ages', a thick, remarkably prominent bass line forms the backbone of the composition, with the remaining instrumentation seemingly built around it. Even when the commanding drums take the lead or the ferocious vocals cut through the mix, the bass maintains a constant, unmistakable presence. Around the halfway mark, an engaging bass solo emerges alongside expressive guitar work and subtle, melodic drumming, showcasing the band's instrumental interplay. From there, the composition gradually builds towards a fast-paced conclusion. What particularly impresses me is the cohesive songwriting, with each instrument contributing to the overall momentum without overshadowing the others.

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'Ain't Fit To Live' has something entirely different up its sleeve, opening with sounds seemingly lifted straight from a Western film. Country-inspired melodies and groove-laden guitar work create a distinctive atmosphere, and I'm absolutely here for it. Strong, commanding drumming soon joins the arrangement, giving the composition an effortlessly flowing and engaging character. As the vocals enter, you might expect the song to return to more brutal territory, but surprisingly, that never quite happens. Instead, furious, almost unhinged screams tower over the country-tinged melodies, occasionally interrupted by heavier riffs. It's an unusual combination, but one that makes the track all the more intriguing.

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We reach the end of the album with 'Wanderlust', a German word expressing the desire to travel and explore. Beneath the opening riff, a subtle, almost indistinguishable tone adds an unexpectedly smooth layer to the mix, creating an intriguing contrast. I've always appreciated bands that challenge their listeners' expectations, and SARCATOR certainly knows how to do just that. Their music is an exciting collision of punk attitude, classic heavy metal, black metal and thrash, yet somehow these different influences come together without feeling forced or disconnected. 'Wanderlust' encapsulates much of what makes this album so engaging, showcasing the band's ability to turn seemingly contrasting musical ideas into something cohesive and distinctly their own. A fitting conclusion that leaves me hungry for more.

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With The Ones We Follow, SARCATOR deliver an exciting and surprisingly cohesive blend of black metal, thrash, classic heavy metal and punk attitude, enriched by darker atmospheres and unexpected melodic influences. What makes this album particularly engaging is the band's ability to challenge expectations without losing their identity. Strong musicianship, prominent bass lines, commanding drumming and clever songwriting ensure that even the more experimental moments feel perfectly at home. Raw, atmospheric and full of character, The Ones We Follow proves that SARCATOR has plenty of exciting ideas up their sleeves.

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SCORE 8.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY