S

Sathamel - Opposition to life.

Before diving into my review of Sathamel's new EP, Opposition to Life, I want to emphasize how rare it is to discover a band that makes you stop and think, Wow. Sathamel's sheer wall of crushing sound did exactly that—it blew my mind. Until a few days ago, I hadn’t even heard of these guys. Now, they’ve left a lasting impression.

The EP features five tracks, each spanning 3-5 minutes. Here's the tracklist:

  • Take the Rot (3:34)

  • O, War (5:02)

  • Perennial Flock (4:06)

  • Ad Nauseam (3:29)

  • Opposition to Life (5:18)

First Impressions
The opening track, Take the Rot, sets the stage perfectly. From the very first note, Sathamel pulls no punches, delivering a guitar tone that could summon the devil himself. The opening is adorned with precise cymbal work, gradually building momentum before erupting with thunderous snare hits—BAT BAT BAT! This explosive introduction embodies everything a great Blackened Death Metal song should be. Every instrument contributes to an overwhelming yet cohesive soundscape, with high-pitched shredding riffs and lightning-fast blast beats driving the chaos.

Instrumentation and Production
The guitar tone throughout the EP is impeccable—crisp yet heavy, allowing the riffs to shine. Unlike many bands in the genre that drown in muddy production, Sathamel strikes a balance between clarity and aggression. Guitarists Nathan and Patt have crafted riffs that stand out for their complexity and originality. Each track feels distinct, whether leaning into relentless aggression or weaving diminished chord progressions that create a haunting atmosphere.

Daniel Kalinowski's vocal performance is equally remarkable, showcasing a range that spans guttural depths to piercing shrieks. His versatility adds layers to the band's sound, making him a standout in the Blackened Death Metal scene. As for Michael Robison on drums, his technical precision is jaw-dropping. Balancing speed with pinpoint accuracy is no small feat, and his contribution elevates every track on this EP.

Dale’s bass playing deserves a special mention. In a genre where bass can often be overshadowed, his lines are both prominent and impactful, adding much richness to the sound overall. More than just a supporting element, Dale’s bass works as a cohesive bridge between the blistering guitar riffs and the thunderous percussion. His tone is deep and resonant, carving out its own space in the mix while enhancing the heaviness and atmosphere of each track.


Highlight Tracks
While every song on Opposition to Life is excellent, the title track stands out as my personal favourite. Its deliberate pacing, building from a slower start to unrelenting intensity, kept me hooked. The interplay between the thunderous drums and masterful vocals, alongside the intricate guitar work, showcases Sathamel's mastery of dynamics and subtlety within their ferocity.

Check the latest E.P

Final Thoughts.
Discovering Sathamel feels like uncovering a hidden gem. Their ability to craft unique, memorable songs within a genre known for its intensity is commendable. While I wouldn’t yet call this EP a perfect 10/10, it’s clear that with more time and resources, they could produce an album that rivals the greats of Blackened Death Metal. I’m 100% going to be following this band from now on. With full support from the corner. Great job guys!

For now, Opposition to Life earns a solid 9/10 from me. This EP is a must-listen for fans of the genre, and Sathamel is undoubtedly a band to watch.



Grading system.

9-10: Exceptional

7-8: Good, Great

5-6: Average, Decent

3-4: Fair, Mediocre

1-2: Poor, Subpar

Artwork Shoutout!
The EP's artwork, created by Simon Chognot, is stunning. The eerie interplay of skulls and cosmic voids perfectly captures the album's thematic darkness. As I’ve said before, artwork is crucial to how a project is perceived, and this piece elevates the music, making the album feel like a fully realized vision.