SCARAB
"Transmutation of Fate" (Brutal Records; 2026)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Scarab gets as many points for originality as it does for technical expertise and musicianship ... and that's a lot of points.
Scarab has been described as "death metal blending crushing brutality with ancient Middle Eastern mysticism," and I can't think of a better description. The band's very name, and the music found on this EP, have a very Egyptian theme going for them. Imagine some of the music you heard in the Brendan Fraser-era "Mummy" movies, but re-imagined as death metal. That's what you'll find here. It's a fascinating combination of old world music and devastating death metal, with its almost familiar, Egyptian-themed melodies and its crushing death metal overlay. Monstrous, growling vocals with blast-beat speed plus haunting choruses blend together to create some of the most unique death metal you've ever heard, metal that pulls you into its world with its atmospheric sound and then hits you over the head with its hammer of death metal fury.
"Transmutation of Fate" is a fascinating, pummeling listen, unique in its creation and expertise in its delivery. There are only four tracks here, the shortest clocking in at just over six minutes, but the awe-inspiring mix of musical genres here will hold your attention easily throughout the full 27-minute runtime.
For more information, check out https://www.facebook.com/Scarabegypt/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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Copyright © 2026 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
