SACRAMENTUM
The Coming Of Chaos
(Century Media Records)
41:13min

SACRAMENTUM’s sophomore record, “The Coming Of Chaos”, now invigorated with a powerful 2024 remix and remaster by none other than Dan Swanö at Unisound. This revamped version of this seminal album, which originally was unleashed in 1997, solidifies its position as an unescapable force within the genre, proving its timeless brutality and dark grandeur. If their debut album “Far Away From The Sun” is a milestone of Swedish Black Metal, then this record is possibly the finest forging of Black and Death Metal with enthralling melodicism which highlights the fantastic dynamism of these musicians. From the moment ‘Dreamdeath’ erupts, it’s clear Swanö has breathed new life into an already formidable beast. The original, produced by KING DIAMOND axeman extraordinaire Andy La Rocque was a tightly controlled assault, but this new mix enhances the clarity and sheer impact, allowing the blistering riffs and intricate melodies to cut through with unprecedented precision without sacrificing the raw, chaotic essence. SACRAMENTUM – comprising of Anders Brolycke (guitars), Nisse Karlén (vocals, bass) and Nicklas Rudolfsson (drums, guitars) – conjures a bleak, majestic soundscape that continues to stand tall alongside genre titans like DISSECTION, WATAIN, NECROPHOBIC, DARK FUNERAL or NAGLFAR. Tracks such as ‘… As Obsidian’ and ‘Awaken Chaos’ showcase the band’s masterful blend of ferocious Black Metal intensity and intricate melodic Death Metal flourishes. The energy is relentless, driving forward with an almost warlike fury. As showcased in ‘Portal Of Blood’ and deeper into the record, ‘Black Destiny’ (featuring the ominous Lanrefni Soahc Choir) and the closing title track, ‘The Coming Of Chaos’, leave a lasting mark, ensuring repeated listens are not just desired, but necessitated. The infamous original contributions, including the female orgiastic expressions, retain their unsettling impact, embedding the album’s extreme character firmly. The production is crisp, powerful and perfectly balanced, allowing every guttural roar, every piercing solo and every driving drum beat to resonate with maximum impact. Complementing this revitalized sonic experience is brand-new, visually stunning artwork by the legendary Kristian “Necrolord” Wåhlin, whose evocative style perfectly captures the album’s dark, atmospheric resemblance, reminiscent of his iconic work on so many classic Metal releases. This new visual element further enriches the package, making it a true collector’s item available on blue or black vinyl, CD with special liner notes, and digital. “The Coming Of Chaos” is more than just a re-issue; it’s a renewed testament to SACRAMENTUM’s enduring legacy. Find out more about record and label here: www.facebook.com/sacramentumofficial, www.facebook.com/centurymedia

Randolph Whateley

Randolph Whateley

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