Sarpedon
Anomic Nation
Inverse Records
2014
Sarpedon were formed back in 2005, by Torgeir P. Krokfjord (ex-Throne of Thor, ex-Vargariket), and they released two demos, one in 2006 and the second in 2008. They had been working on their debut all these years, when that was possible; they had been trying to do so by finding time between the members’ other responsibilities with several bands and projects. Torgeir’s brother Eirik P. Krokfjord is on vocals, Carl Engstrom (Attentat, Carpticon, Endezzma, Troll, Astaroth, ex-Moloch, etc.) and Andreas Wærholm (Unspoken, Astaroth) on bass.
Sarpedon’s music can be defined as avant-garde, atmospheric prog metal with various dark, melodic, Viking, symphonic and heavy metal elements. Just think of a music amalgam from acts such as: Arcturus, Borknagar, Nevermore, Dimmu Borgir, Ulver, Emperor, Vintersorg & Winds among others. So as not to be mistaken, there are no extreme or black/death metal features here and Eirik is more of a tenor rather than a brutal vocalist. Some may have wanted Sarpedon to have various extreme metal passages on their music, but since that is too cliché and overdone nowadays I kinda like the way they have chosen to go. Extremeness and brutality is a “trend” these days but it doesn’t offer anything to the listeners anymore – especially in the way it is delivered by the majority of the bands.
The production is quite good even though it could have been a bit clearer and even heavier at parts. It’s well-done on the whole but it could be improved for sure. Another thing Sarpedon need to take care of is their hooklines. Perhaps a few more memorable hooks at parts could have given a whole different perspective on “Anomic Nation”. Assuredly, the guys know what they want and they have the talent to improve and eventually achieve it in the next years. If they play their cards right, then we’ll have another Norwegian band which will be able to live up to the great Scandi avant-garde progressive metal heritage… till then do give this album a chance for it has many fine moments…
Sarpedon’s music can be defined as avant-garde, atmospheric prog metal with various dark, melodic, Viking, symphonic and heavy metal elements. Just think of a music amalgam from acts such as: Arcturus, Borknagar, Nevermore, Dimmu Borgir, Ulver, Emperor, Vintersorg & Winds among others. So as not to be mistaken, there are no extreme or black/death metal features here and Eirik is more of a tenor rather than a brutal vocalist. Some may have wanted Sarpedon to have various extreme metal passages on their music, but since that is too cliché and overdone nowadays I kinda like the way they have chosen to go. Extremeness and brutality is a “trend” these days but it doesn’t offer anything to the listeners anymore – especially in the way it is delivered by the majority of the bands.
The production is quite good even though it could have been a bit clearer and even heavier at parts. It’s well-done on the whole but it could be improved for sure. Another thing Sarpedon need to take care of is their hooklines. Perhaps a few more memorable hooks at parts could have given a whole different perspective on “Anomic Nation”. Assuredly, the guys know what they want and they have the talent to improve and eventually achieve it in the next years. If they play their cards right, then we’ll have another Norwegian band which will be able to live up to the great Scandi avant-garde progressive metal heritage… till then do give this album a chance for it has many fine moments…