SHAMASH: Done With Misery Nos Pergamos in Domine Saluteum
Extreme metal fans were introduced to Malaysia’s Shamash back in 2020 when the metal juggernaut released their debut EP Suffering Servant. Itching ears were treated to a blistering array of the extreme end of metal, combined with rare worshipful lyrics. The title track was in heavy rotation on Heaven’s Metal Streaming Radio at the time. The band quickly gained a following, but the members are no strangers to metal, Andre Chiang being a founding member of Necromanicide (and more recently in Vulture’s Gathering) and the other guys veterans of Army of Three.
The beauty of Shamash is their unpredictability. There’s such a mix of styles, that the listener never gets weary, because they literally don’t know what to expect next. “Not By My Heart” emerges from the speakers, seemingly mixing death and black metal stylings, before the chorus opens up melodic worshipful vocals in a sing-songy pop punk fashion.
“Not by my heart. Not by my spirit. Not by my strength but by every word You speak.”
The first title track “Done With Misery” delivers up hard hitting axework and speedy drumming with death and black metal growls, while the chorus brings in melodic metalcore vocals, ala Killswitch Engage, alongside the former. If, like me, you’re wondering why the album has two title tracks- main man Andre told me that essentially the album has an act one and an act two. See if you can hear a sonic difference between the halves. “The Missionary” eschews this formula for a straight up death/ black metal throwdown. “Take Me As I Am” is the standout track, with its air raid sirens and tribal drumming on the verses, before breaking into another worshipful chorus with melodic and screamo vocals. The band’s writing is very heart on sleeve, without pretense. “Father of Lies” has the heavy verses and a bit of blast beats, but the vocals on the choruses sound like Norma Jean singer Cory Brandon.
“My hope comes from above. My fate is sealed in His hands.”
“In Memorium” is a moody affair about the loss of a loved one and the longing for heaven when all will be right again, followed by an acoustic interlude that closes off act one.
“Nos Pergamos in Domine Saluteum” starts the second act in Latin, English, and other languages, bringing to mind a mighty multitude praising God together.
“I offer thanks to You. Living and eternal King. For you have mercifully restored my soul within me.”
“The War for Jerusalem,” appropriately incorporates Middle Eastern instruments in its death metal delivery, with a few blastbeats and breakdowns for good measure- think Israeli band Orphaned Land. “The Return of Al-Masih” is almost a sequel to “…Jerusalem,” with Revelation prophecy and fulfillment, amid plenty of breakdowns, as Christ returns for His bride. Why did the band use an Arabic term for Messiah? Not sure, but googling the term will lead you down a rabbit hole of research and discussions. Bonus closing track is an excellent cover of the classic Mortification tune “The Majestic Infiltration of Order.”
I know many fans with a narrow bandwidth when it comes to metal, that is to say that they listen strictly to melodic vocals and won’t stray from that. Shamash probably won’t win over those guys, but for those of us who appreciate all the flavors of metal, there’s a smorgasboard here. The diversity in styles should keep the attention of all but the most jaded of listeners. Cover art and liner notes are attractive, as is the scarecrow motif. This album is the first I’ve ever seen with two album titles. The clincher for me is the worshipful lyrics. Extreme metal has been the enemy’s territory for so long, that I won’t listen to it, because it has a subliminal effect on the listener. So, as I mentioned to Ryan Roebuck (Motivik, etc.), I’m a sucker for a band like Shamash that doesn’t compromise on the heaviness, nor the God-honoring lyrics. I’m expecting to hear more great things from Andre and company. Play it loud!
(Rottweiler Records) 4 out of 5 stars
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