Released last year ‘Legacy’ by Skarthia is a streamlined slab of exquisitely constructed, groove infused Melodic Death Metal that brings to mind the type of mellifiluous fare plied by In Flames and Dark Tranquility melded with the chugging grooves of Machine Head and the Modern Thrash exploits of Lamb Of God.
Hailing from the UK and featuring Avichi ‘’Av” Myers on vocals and guitar, Sapir Juan on Female vocals and guitar alongside Adam Gigi on bass and vocals, this power trio create the type of arena ready Metal that has commerical appeal emanating from its each note and melody.
Opening with ‘’Skylone’’ a track that goes from being ethereal to explosive, one fraught with neck snapping riffs, commanding vocals and crushing tempos one is immediately introduced to the type of high caliber Melodic Death Metal that Skarthia specialise in with such propulsive aplomb.
With its confluence of roaring and ravishing vocals track two “Alpha” continues on from the example set by its predecesor with a track that is a turbulent froth of ferocity and nuanced melody.
“Knives” begins with a stuttering rhythm that brings to mind the staggering rhythms of Meshuggah before barreling forward on a trajecory of clean vocals, corrosive screams and gnarly riff work. Peppered with sparkling leads and shotgun riffs this track is truly one to be reckoned with. Its latter half is especially deadly.
Steeped in a sense of fluidity and with an abundance of heartwrenching vocals melodies and rhythmic discharge, both “Ghosts” and “Bloodlust” rely on a confluence of layered vocals and gymnastic fretwork to carry their alternately melancholic and uplifting sonic narratives forward and do so at a propulsive pace.
Peppered throughout the epic opus that is ‘Legacy’ are chugging riff fests and syncopated rhythmic twists and turns that roll on a forward moving trajectory where searing leads and impassionated vocals take center stage.
The latter half of the album is testament to this. The musicianship on ‘Legacy’ is immaculate throughout.
“Choke” begins with a arresting staccato rhythm before blistering ahead on a tide of tumultuous riffs, catchy melodies and roaring vocals. At 1:42 the solo that scorches through the aforementioned tide is striking.
“Fearless” is a furious piece of pummel that exists in much the same template as the tracks that encompass ‘Legacy’; it is a efficiently executed piece of Melodic Death Metal splendor with shades of Bleeding Through, Atreyu, At The Gates and In Flames threaded through its scintillating tapestry.
At almost eight minutes in length the sprawling “Tohu Va Vohu” is a superb exercise in sonic ebb and flow that packs a hearty emotional wallop with its confluence of layered vocals. At about the three minute mark expect to be laid to siege by a battery of thorny riffs and machine gun rhyhms that expand into a supernova of majestic melodies.
“Of Flesh” brings ‘Legacy’ to a close in a suitably towering fashion with driving force and savage splendor.
Folks if you are looking for Melodic Death Metal of the highest caliber look no further for Skarthia have you covered with their perfectly executed take on the form. This is the stuff that Major Metal labes like Nuclear Blast and Century Media subsist on. I wouldn’t be surprised if Skarthia are lapped up by the Major leagues soon.
-Asher Locketz-