A nice little EP is sometimes all someone needs in order to get their proper dosage of a band that they really enjoy, or at least wanted to hear more of. A new full-length is almost always preferable especially to someone like me, but a quick peek to see what that band is up to is always nice, and I’ve really been chomping at the bit to see what Sarcoptes has been up to. It was their debut full-length years ago that caught my attention as well as many others, and it’s this quick offering that is going to keep my attention for much longer.

Despite only having two tracks to its name, “Plague Hymns” boasts a runtime of over 16 minutes which definitely keeps in line with the scathing sound that has become all but synonymous with the name of Sarcoptes even if their discography can fit on one hand, and it’s the returning quality that will keep many people listening for sure. Between the cascading riffage and the unyielding energy that’s constantly at play, there isn’t much going on within the fiery contents of “Plague Hymns” that isn’t an absolute treat for many black metal fans out there as well as the thrash fans. It’s a glorious middle ground where so many of the best parts of both extreme styles mingle effortlessly to create an utterly caustic record that’s just as intoxicating to dive into as it is corrosive once you’re properly submerged into the madness that’s happening here. To say that Sarcoptes makes it work without a single hitch is to be making a grand understatement, as well. “Plague Hymns” is just a morsel that I really do wish we could get more from, but sometimes you’re only gifted with a swift appetizer instead of a full-course meal. Yet, that doesn’t make this offering from Sarcoptes any less delicious.

The list of bands that I’m always looking forward to when it comes to releasing new material is constantly in a state of adding new names and taking names away as releases come and go at a seemingly random rate, but it’s now that I’m putting the name of Sarcoptes damn near the top. “Plague Hymns” is a fantastic teaser for what’s to come in a way that only a really solid band can pull off in just two tracks, and I really can’t wait to see what these guys are able to pull off on the eventual follow-up to this deadly EP.

“Plague Hymns” releases on October 2nd via Transcending Obscurity Records!

LISTEN to an advanced song from “Plague Hymns” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

LIKE Sarcoptes on Facebook here.