You’d think that if you need an outlet, Sammath would be more than enough. Hard, fast, raw, and relentlessly savage – perfect for letting emotions run wild. But for Jan and Ruud of Sammath, apparently that still wasn’t enough. Something was bubbling beneath the surface, a restless itch deep in the gut demanding more. The answer: it had to be taken up a notch – and thus Kaeck was born.
That was back in 2014. Now, eleven years later, the band still goes just as hard as they did at the beginning. Richard Herben continues to abuse the microphone with the same devastating force as ever, while Jeroen Putman – known from Owl and Wanklank, among others – takes his place behind the drum kit to bring this new weapon to life: Gruwelijk Onthaal.
What immediately catches the eye is the gruesomely beautiful artwork by Dylan Humphries. All the lyrics were also calligraphed by Vinod, whose medieval style breathes life into the words.
The recording took place in Sammath’s filthy lair – the private crypt where Grafjammer recently tracked some new tracks as well. Production-wise it’s in line with the previous record Het Zwarte Dictaat: heavy, crushing, and compact. No frills, no ornaments – just straight to the point.
And then there’s the story: the dreadful god Kaeck descends upon the earth, forcing all under his command to establish godless cults and enslaving them – the opening act of humanity’s destruction. Well, that sets the tone, doesn’t it?
Freaking fast drums and guitars with layers of keyboards and the commanding voice Oovenmeester ordering you to listen and obey. Tracks like Door gespleten tongen bezworen and the absolute crusher Bloedend verraad met Ontvleesde Hand gesmeten are just small examples of pure violence that album has.
With this new album Kaeck absolutely proves that they are a force to reckon, they have done it again. It grasps you by the throat and will not release you until you have absorbed the whole damn thing.
90/100
Kaeck:
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram
Folter Records:
Website
Bandcamp
Instagram
Facebook