Hailing from Końskie, Poland, Zmarłym are a three-piece band who peddle a nice line in blackened metal. They soon became known beyond their shores thanks to their debut three-track EP Ziemie Jałowe, originally released independently in September 2023. Thanks to those cool cats at Godz Ov War Productions, that EP now gets a global reissue and is bolstered by two bonus tracks, making this the perfect introduction to the band’s dark delights.
Be warned! There’s no fancy introductions or preambles to soften the listener up, just a thunderous blastbeat and equally inhuman cry, and the band are off. It’s a sound that could strip skin, and the fact that it appears without an advisory makes it all the more potent. ‘Gdzie Mieszkasz?’ is its name, and it explodes like a nail bomb which sends shards of sonics shattering in every direction. Like many three-piece bands, Zmarłym makes a sound that is far bigger than their individual parts, meaning that when these malcontents plug in and play, something very magical happens (but it’s magic of the dark variety, of course).
Zmarłym have a sound that’s both full and versatile. There’s so much going on in these songs in terms of structure and time changes that they cram more into a track such as ‘Szuflady’ than most bands pack into an entire career. Yet, the songs never feel cluttered or over complicated and provide ample opportunity for headbanging and air guitar action. In fact, each of these songs are mini epics; made up of many suites they are musical chameleons that shape shift and evolve as blastbeats nestle next to more sedate moments, fast sits with slow, and the loud pair with the louder. It is this constant evolution that holds the listeners attention throughout, ensuring things never become staid.
Housed in a booklet featuring post-apocalyptic ruins that are totally devoid of people (a misanthropic bent?), Zmarłym have an interesting aesthetic, and one that perfectly suits their sound. It’s a vision of a dystopian future, a world where it’s kill or be killed, an only-the-strong-survive environment, and Zmarłym provide the perfect soundtrack. It is raw and brutal and the perfect accompaniment to the last days of humanity. It gives the band a unique edge, and while many of their peers go down the devil and dungeons route, Zmarłym take a far more interesting path.
The final two tracks (a brief instrumental and a nine-minute monster) were both recorded in 2023, and find the band upping their game somewhat. They sound more confident, with the bass, prominent in the mix, hitting especially hard while the production adds another layer of depth. It all goes to prove that despite their apocalyptic visions, this band have a bright future.
- Ziemie Jałowe is released via Godz Ov War Productions and is available now (from here).
Track List:
- Gdzie Mieszkasz
- Szuflady
- Wędrowcy
- Wschodnie Przejście
- Patrza Na Nas Tylko Satelity
