Scarab – Transmutation Of Fate EP
Scarab – Transmutation Of Fate EP
Brutal Records
08/05/2026
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8.5/10
Egyptian death metal, ey? Not exactly a hotbed of metal, right? And to be considered legends from the nation seems…well, I’m a little sceptical. Though 13,000 or so Facebook followers suggests a decent following, as does a resume of festival appearance across Europe, North America, and further! Maybe it’s worth giving “Transmutation Of Fate” a shot, the upcoming album via Brutal Records.
Well, the album begins with ‘Vow Of The Sphinx’ and begins with the most austere and haunting fashion. With the ominous ritualistic chanting, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally opened the portal to an ancient tomb that you perhaps shouldn’t have. Then some kind of order is restored and then you’re introduced to the pummelling piledriver of riffs, a bruising as they are technically proficient. Kind of like Necrophagist and early Nile mixed. Along with some clear synth work and a catchy as hell chorus, you’ve got a banger of a tune here. Most of these elements continue into ‘Hands From The Sun’, with more pentatonic spiced riffs, as well as those written in the 24 point scale for more of that Ancient Egyptian flavour. Though get ready for the 2:30 mark, where things get abrasive, dirty and carves up everything in it’s path! That’s nasty! After some kind of respite, the nastiness comes back later…and it’s glorious! My scepticism is leaving my body in real time!
Fans of modern progressive and technical metal (think Beyond Creation, Obscura) will be more than satiated with what is conjured up in ‘Epistle Of Secrets’, blending brutality, melody, and technical precision in a package that shouldn’t work but does! The bassist here is clearly not content with sticking to root notes and proves capable of being the melodic focal point when required! The EP closes out with a symphonic death metal slobber knocker ‘Monarch Of Violence’, with the low guttural vocals and use of orchestral synths offering a dramatic tense vibe like that of Septic Flesh. Another bass solo demonstrates the bands desire and ability to push boundaries and challenge perceptions of what metal can and should be. The theme of “Transmutation Of Fate really. In some ways, very traditional death metal. But in other ways, absolutely carving up the rule book and offering an interpretation of extreme metal you simply would never have thought was possible!
I’ll never doubt Scarab ever again. EVER
TRACKLISTING:
01. Vow Of The Sphinx
02. Hands From The Sun
03. Epistle Of Secrets
04. Monarch Of Violence
LINKS:
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