Darzamat – “Solfernus’ Path” (2009)

Label: Massacre Records

Review by Tony Cannella

Poland’s Darzamat have already been in existence since 1995. In that time the band has released 5 full-length albums, 1 EP and 1 DVD. It was in 2003 when female vocalist Nera joined the band that the current incarnation of Darzamat really started to take shape. The bands musical style has evolved over the years and these days they play a sort of mix of symphonic, progressive, power, death, black and gothic metal. Got that? Musically they are tough band to nail down since they are capable in going off in many different directions. All of that and more can be heard on their newest release (and their debut for new label Massacre), titled “Solfernus’ Path”. “Solfernus’ Path” is the bands first full blown concept album and the songs really bring the story to life, not just in the lyrics but the music as well. The eeriness of the opening track “False Sleepwalker” sets just the right atmosphere for the controlled chaos that is to follow. This song has a solid pace to it and it is quite a good opener. “Vote for Heresy” is a monstrously massive metal attack that really gets the blood pumping and the adrenaline moving. The ending guitar solo to this song is very good as well. “Devium” is the first of four short intro pieces on the CD and it brings us to the heavy yet mid-tempo track “Pain Collector”. The vocals of Nera take center stage here and it she proves that she is up to the task, then suddenly without warning the song speeds up around the chorus and Flauros‘ brutal vocals come in. “Final Conjuration” is an all out sonic assault. This CD features many highlights, but my favorite track at this moment is probably “King of the Burning Anthems”, a great track that also features a guest guitar solo courtesy of King Diamond guitarist Andy La Rocque. An album this strong and consistent are bound to have many killer moments, some others of note are: “Gloria Inferni”, “Solfernus’ Path” and the melancholic beauty of “Lunar Silhouette”. The final two songs “Chimera” and “A Mesmeric Seance” bring this CD to a satisfying conclusion. Even though their are 14-tracks featured on the CD, it is only a very manageable 42-minutes in length, making it an easy CD to get through in one sitting. The male grunt vocals of Flauros remind me a bit (at times) of the late, great Chuck Schuldiner of the immortal band Death – believe me that is definitely meant as a compliment. The female vocals of Nera are awesome as well. She just has a great voice – it is not operatic, but she still has a tremendous range and a lot of feeling and emotion goes into the lines that she delivers. The songs have a great flow to them and are quite effective in setting a good pace to the story that is being told. Overall, Darzamat has released a really good, intelligent metal opus. There is so much going on here that it is possible to pick up something new with each listen – which is always a good indication about a bands staying power. Darzamat are a band at the top of their game and just starting to come into their own. “Solfernus’ Path” is a release that features hardly any flaws and many strengths. These days it is hard for any metal band to survive for 14-years and with the help of their new label Massacre hopefully Darzamat will get some of the success that they so richly deserve. Whatever happens “Solfernus’ Path” is a monumental achievement that the band should be proud of.

Rating – 90/100

Tracklist

1. False Sleepwalker
   
2. Vote for Heresy
   
3. I Devium
4. Pain Collector
5. Final Conjuration
6. II Fumus
7. Gloria Inferni
8. III Venenum
9. Solfernus’ Path
10. Lunar Silhouette
11. King of Burning Anthems
12. IV Spectaculum
13. Chimera
14. A Mesmeric Séance

Line Up

• Agnieszka “Nera” Gòrecka – Vocals
• Rafał “Flauros” Gòral – Harsh Vocals
• Krzysztof “Chris” Michalak – Guitars
• Patryk “Spectre” Kumòr – Keyboards