People often think that Symphonic Metal evolved from the mix between Classical Music with Heavy Metal. No, that's not the truth, because in reality, the early Symphonic Metal acts were bands that evolved from a Doom Death Metal format, especially if one can think of CELTIC FROST (on "Into the Pandemonium" age), MEKONG DELTA (a Thrash Metal band with Classical Music influences), THERION, and even when we think about some works of MY DYING BRIDE. It's not so easy to date the creation of the genre, but one think is for sure: the extreme influences of the early days of the genre can be felt on the Russian sextet SAPHATH, as shown on "Ascension of the Dark Prophet", their first album.

Their music is a recollection of influences from Doom Metal, Doom Death Metal, Gothic Rock and (obviously) Symphonic Metal elements. There are moments when the extreme side of their music dominates, but their melodic symphonic orchestrations (many keyboards and pianos parts can be heard, tempering their music, and theses contrasts can be heard clearly in some parts of "Darkness Unleashed") become evident. It's nothing new, for such way was used many times before. But there's a difference: they use a personal insight on the genre, so be prepared. The sonority of "Ascension of the Dark Prophet" stays in between of what is usually heard on Symphonic Metal albums, but bearing proudly the harsh and crude feeling demanded by those who follows the extreme subgenres of Metal. It's a good combination, and it sounds defined in a way that allows the deeper understanding of what they are trying to express with their musical work.

It's a first album, and the band was founded on 2019, so they still have a way to go and mature. But even with this aspect being clear, no one can deny that the melancholic melodies and brutal appeal of "Children of the Night" (charming contrasts between harsh extreme parts with symphonic melancholic moments, with a strong work of bass guitar and drums giving the right weight to the rhythms, and pay attention to the chorus), the crushing and catchy appeal of "Outcast of Eden" (many Death Metal influences are entwined by melodic symphonies of the keyboards, and the contrasts of ambiences reminds me of MY DYING BRIDE in some moments, especially due the excellent work of the vocals, using extreme and gothic tunes), "Darkness Unleashed" (the deeper and melancholic appeal of it is amazing, with extreme moments allowing the pianos arrangements to produce excellent contrasts, and some modern groove appears), "Broken Mirror" (that coquets with some Symphonic Black Metal elements), the mix between Melodic Death Metal arrangements with Symphonic extreme parts heard on "Asphodel Meadows", and the Gothic groove of "The Raven" show their value and points for a promising name (but the excellent female vocals can be used on a more deeper and better way on the next time).

SAPHATH is really a promising name, and I hope that "Ascension of the Dark Prophet" can carry the band's name to the world.