REVIEW: SABÏRE “JÄTT” (AUSTRALIA)

The one we’ve all been eagerly awaiting! That’s right, Sabïre is back in action after what feels like an eternity! And let me tell you, their return is nothing short of brilliant!

SABÏRE began at the tail end of 2010 as an idea to have a band that played simply what came naturally on guitar to Scarlett Monastyrski with no set genre or category. Simply the natural music. Shortly thereafter, the concept grew to accompany that sound with a big show and distinctive stylisation. The biting and sharp sound production, along with their personal lyrics, birthed for them a label for their music: ACID METAL.

Not to be confused with the mind altering substance, Acid Metal took its name from the concentrated corrosive fluid not unlike the blood of the Xenomorph in the Alien films.
The instruments are awash with acidic modulation, “like a drop of acid in the dark.” The lyrics all hold a tinge of biting realism that once realised by the listener, stings them like a droplet of acid resting upon their skin. To take their metaphor further, their distinctive production style let’s stand apart from the rest of the “modern” sound that degrades the potency of many new bands. They call it “brick culture,” because it all sounds the same. Concentrated acid burns all the way through anything solid leaving a hot trail behind it, like the band continues to do so with garnering the attention of the world of heavy music.

SABÏRE now return in 2024 with a 15 track epic, self-styled “half-concept” album, “JÄTT”, which took 5 years to make.

Band leader Scarlett Monastyrski comments :
” ‘JÄTT’ is meant to be THE sound of SABÏRE. A monolith to what we stand for artistically. We wanted this album to be its own art piece rather than simply a collection of arbitrary songs, a really ‘blue’ coloured sound. The physical copies hold beautifully styled texts detailing the concept for those chosen songs, as well as small epistles to accompany each track.”

“ ‘JÄTT’ is a “blue” sounding album; the colour. You may understand that more when listening to the album yourself. The cover of ‘JÄTT’, “Dante and Virgil in the Ninth Circle of Hell” – Gustav Doré, 1861, could be seen through a symbolic lense in which the listener is symbolised as Dante, the artist as Virgil, and the bodies locked within the ice of frozen lake as the music surrounding them; we as the artist are shepherding the listener through the mire. This could be perceived like this, or you may just see it as an attractive album cover. “

“We put our heart and soul into this one and can’t wait to give our Wild Ones and Acid Fiends what they’ve been so patiently waiting for.”

SABÏRE are a band with a hellbent determination to be different, break the mold, and shake up the status quo. Unafraid to show their hearts. The band bows to no one and will bring their Acid Metal to the world, burning all through the monotony of modern heavy metal.

One of my highlights last year was talking to Scarlett Monastyrski of the legendary Australian Acid metal outfit Sabïre. We took an in-depth trip into the world of the band and discussed the progress of Jätt which had seemed like an eternity in the making for many. And now finally it is here and I must say the wait was worth it! Made up of 15 tracks in total I simply could not wait to take another hazy ride into the world of Sabïre!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SCARLETT MONASTYRSKI OF SABÏRE (AUSTRALIA)

So when i got this in my inbox, it literally made my day and so I quite literally dropped everything I was doing and jumped into reviewing Jätt. As “Ice Cold Lust” had come out a while a go I already had a good feeling about the record, so here is my review of the album that we have waited so long for!

Review

The Doorway – (Entry) I am sat here not knowing what to expect as soon as I hit that play button. But in true Sabïre fashion, as soon as I hit play we are welcomed by a dark sound scape filled with blade scrapes, vocal oohs in the distant and big snare hits. But surprisingly also spoken words from Scarlett. Truly unexpected but works perfectly building that momentum and excitement! And of course dabbled with breath sounds in places!

Pure Fucking Hell This track transports us back to the sonic landscape of Sabïre’s previous records. It’s lightning-fast, fiercely energetic, racing by in the blink of an eye! Beneath thunderous skies, it charges forward, leaving trails of smoke in its wake. Scarlett unleashes his mighty vocals with unparalleled power, capable of tearing through anything in his path. What a thrilling way to kick off the record!

Ice Cold Lust was one of the first songs to be released quite a while back filling that the Sabïre void that many of us had. The song is like an ice cube being ran down your back. Delivering seductive icy chills while at the same time bringing a level of heat that makes you feverishly sweat. It is full of rampant passion and lust, danger and devilish delight. An aphrodisiac truly for the lovers , this is type of song that comes first nature to the band! This is quintessential Sabïre!

Next up is “I’m A Rock,” where the band once again launches into the fray with fervour and hunger. The track brims with electrifying guitar work, alternating between fiery, roaring riffs and smooth, delectable solos that tantalise the tastebuds. One can easily envision this song captivating crowds in a massive stadium! The vocals exude a colossal presence, akin to a towering giant overlooking the audience. With catchy choruses that invite listeners to join in singing along, the track is sure to leave a lasting impression. And keep an ear out for the subtle cowbell action accentuating one of the soaring solos!

“Just a Touch of Acid” is a track designed to stimulate and numb your senses in myriad ways. It pounds relentlessly, delivering a potent dose of acid that sends your mind into a euphoric, ecstatic realm. Prepare to break a sweat as your heartbeat accelerates and your body kicks into overdrive. You will fell like you are flying through the skies above the clouds and break through different dimensions! Get ready for a loving high!

“Alone Again” carries on with that irresistible feel-good energy that Sabïre effortlessly brings to the table. The enchanting guitar tones, soaked in chorus effects and weaving throughout the musical landscape, epitomise the signature Sabïre sound. It’s a track that’s grand, daring, and absolutely captivating, guaranteed to give you a smile on your face. Crank up the volume on your speakers to the max, because in no time, you’ll find yourself belting out the lyrics right in your own living room or air guitaring to your hearts content!

“Call Me Bastard” storms in like a crashing wave, unleashing its full force that might just sweep you off your feet! This lively anthem is sure to please any crowd and could easily become a staple at many shows. If you’re someone who thrives on immersing yourself in the music, this is the track where you can let loose, throw your hair about, head bang, and pump your fists in the air! And with catchy chorus lyrics, you can bet everyone will be chanting along in no time!

The River – (Centre) The midpoint of the album provides a pause, where the listener encounters a haunting wind before drifting into the soothing ambiance of a gentle river. Scarlett’s whispering voice emerges softly from the darkness, accompanied by the dreamy tones of an acoustic guitar. In lengthy albums, these interludes offer a welcomed respite. It leaves one pondering the significance behind this intermission and I am eagerly awaiting further exploration of this songs meaning.

The Last Day One standout track on the album diverges slightly from the rest. It features subtle low synths in the backdrop, accompanied by vocals with a raw, unpolished edge. The steady rhythm, coupled with synchronised drum patterns and synths, evokes a reminiscent 80’s feel. The expansive, open chords lend the song a sense of breadth, causing it to shimmer in the distance. It exemplifies Sabïre’s willingness to venture beyond conventional boundaries while maintaining a cohesive direction.

Toxic Man Continuing with its mid-tempo groove, the track throws itself around, carefree and dancing with abandon. This lively energy is largely propelled by the swinging drums, accompanied by claps and subtle tambourines in the background. Its buoyant rhythm adds an intriguing dimension to the song, and I particularly enjoy how it slightly intensifies beyond the halfway mark. The words of a :toxic little thing called love” fizzle the song out which adds a nice touch!

Your Rending Hands epitomises the distinctiveness of Sabïre. With smoke cannons blazing and a haze enveloping the scene, Scarlett delivers a vocal performance that ignites the air. Thick, layered choruses echo in a vast expanse, creating a sensation akin to being within a massive dome. This track showcases Sabïre’s penchant for bold, raw, and monumental production, adding to the band’s unique sonic landscape. What a powerful offering!

Chained Down The song commences with the resonance of chains clinking and the hefty unlocking of a large metal door, swiftly transitioning into a punchy 4/4 drum rhythm. Abundant with expansive chords, the piece exudes profound passion and emotion, resonating through every element of its instrumentation and vocal delivery. Interwoven with uplifting segments, it navigates through a midway breakdown characterised by cascading drums and tambourine before erupting into a mesmerising mid-tempo solo that captivates the senses. Evidently, following a significant hiatus since the band’s last release, this composition emerges as a genuine labor of love. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, every second feels like a spellbinding enchantment, showcasing the sheer magic woven within its fabric.

The Shadow in My Heart takes a different direction to begin with, with acoustic guitar notes delicate drifting through the air and Scarlett stripping back his vocal style to a softer and more gentle delivery. Of course this is only a moment in passing as we jump back to that hard hitting sound we all love sound so much. I feel by this point it is safe to say that despite all the hurdles the band has had, Sabïre has matured like a fine wine and shows clear progression from their previous releases.

Rip, Rip, KILL!!! This track is a powerhouse, unleashing its fury like a venomous serpent brimming with attitude. Likely the fastest offering on the album, it’s destined to become a staple in future sets, driving fans wild as they chant the infectious chorus, “Rip, Rip Kill!” Picture a dim, cramped club, bodies pressed together like sardines, while Scarlett leans over the crowd, wielding the microphone with undeniable energy. That’s the essence of this song captured perfectly.

The Stairs – (Exit) Like the opening song, we are taken back to soundscape of droning synth sounds some which peak, while once again Scarlett talks to us softly. Even giving us some soft ahhs which drift of into the background. It is a piece you should try closing your eyes to and really fixate on the words. Immerse your in this unconscious dream state where you feel like you are falling through space and time.

Conclusion

What a journey it has been! Since “Mistress Mistress” graced our ears back in 2020, the band has undergone significant growth and change. Now, after four long years of anticipation, the wait for new Sabïre material has finally come to fruition—and it was absolutely worth it.

The album has everything you could want from a Sabïre release. It seamlessly blends the raw energy and sexy, seductive allure of their early work combined with more heartfelt, matured songwriting that take the band in new and exciting directions.

What truly sets it apart is its perfect balance between high-octane tracks and slower, more introspective pieces—an aspect of the record that I particularly appreciate. It is clear that Scarlett’s lyricism delves deep into the recesses of his soul, crafting verses that resonate with a range of emotions, truly touching the listener’s heartstrings.

I feel like Sabïre fans are not going to be disappointed when this lands in June via Listenable Records. So get ready as Sabïre are back and on form!

TheNwothm: 10/10

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabireacidmetal

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Bandcamp: https://sabireacid7.bandcamp.com/

Preorders will be available here: https://shop-listenable.net/en/363_sabire