SARKE have been hitting the Black/Thrash scene since 2008, hailing from the Northern lands of Oslo, Norway. Their recent release "Viige Urh" came out in October this year. As shown on their website, the band say - "'Viige Urh' is on fire and it will be on fire for a long time. We feel we have taken SARKE up to a new level. With the songwriting, the sound and the heaviness of the album.". It is said this release features guest vocals from Lena Fløitmoen, who previously performed for TROND HOLTER in 2015. Without knowing much of what to expect, I turned the first track on.

Identically titled to the album, the initial track "Viige Urh" cut straight to the chase, leading me into a story dictated with grainy vocals and crushing guitar riffs. Here, moments of sustained sound drain out from the rhythmic structure now and again. The second track "Dagger Entombed" begins with subtle brass sounds, re-curing throughout the song, that I felt gave off a dusty, ancient vibe. Acoustic melancholic melodies back Lena Fløitmoen's smooth vocals in "Jutul", creating an ethereal feel. After this, a hard hit comes in with the return of the main vocals and full band. I thought it seemed like I was being led through some kind of story, where Lena's vocals get heavier, melding well with Nocturno's dark voice. Angst pours out in "Punishment to Confessions" through the vocals, and arpeggios of the guitar, closing with a touch of ethereal synth.

I found "Viige Urh" to be a strong release of angst by SARKE, seemingly to tell a story in addition to playing music. Personally, I think the sound leans more towards black metal styles than thrash, though, with its rhythmic shifts on the guitars I see where these influences may come by. Guitars intertwine together really well to create all kinds of uneasy feelings. Lead vocals, and guest vocals stand out with their own character, having been well produced along with the full band.