Sabïre - Jätt (2024)

4.5★

After the much beloved Gates Ajar EP in 2018, fans of SABÏRE were expecting a debut full-length to drop fairly soon but after waiting and waiting, it seemed like it never would. After a message about frontman Scarlett Monastyrski’s struggle with mental health, fans gained insight into why the wait had been so extended, but were informed of new music on the way. Well, after all this time, Scarlett has bounced back in full form and my God, did he deliver the goods. With a runtime of about 70 minutes, SABÏRE’s debut LP, Jätt, is an eclectic mix of ferocious melody, glam-tinged production, and some damn good songs. While I personally think the 3 ambient tracks that split up the album’s sections are unnecessary, every actual song is pure dynamite. Scarlett’s keen sense of songwriting oozes ‘80s blood and with it comes gritty vocals, soaring choruses, and riffs for days. While the solos aren’t exactly technical, they don’t need to be, as they fit right within the songs they’re placed – simple, yet effective. If you’ve ever wondered what W.A.S.P. might sound like if they were formed today, well here’s your chance to find out. In my opinion, it’s easily one of the best records of the year thus far.

FAVORITE TRACKS: “Just a Touch of Acid,” “Your Rending Hands,” “Rip, Rip, Kill!!!”

FOR FANS OF: W.A.S.P., Dokken, The Cult

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Originally published in Aug. '24 (Issue No. 4)