Zmarłym – Ziemie Ja​ł​owe

Initially released independently in 2020, Ziemie Jałowe (translates to ‘Barren Lands’) is the first EP by the Polish unholy trio from Zmarłym. Ziemie Jałowe got re-released by Godz Ov War Productions, the same label that released their first album, Druga Fala, from 2021.

Current line-up of the band is; Andrew (guitars & vocals), Marcin (bass) and Młody (drums). They were also the guys responsible for all five tracks that are to be heard on Ziemie Jałowe. As briefly mentioned, Ziemie Jałowe was released earlier, therefore first three tracks were recorded, mixed and mastered by Mariusz Konieczny at ‘Heavy Gear Studio’ back in 2018, while two last songs were recorded, mixed and mastered by Witold Nowak at ‘Bourbon Ranch Studio’ in 2023.

In general terms; the sound on Ziemie Jałowe can be characterized as an aggressive, explosive modern black metal with death/post metal atmosphere. It contains numerous various beats, ambient (haunting black metal) inserts, varied guitar riffs, deep bass, professional and stable drumming, and last but not least, some raw, deep and bestial vocals. You have my words; their sound is actually more varied than what one might expect from this kind of black metal with a (post)modern twist.

All the lyrics are in their native Polish, where the band’s lyrical emphasis is somehow unusual for a black metal act, as the main topic is the pandemic. Ziemie Jałowe opens with the song, “Gdzie Mieszkasz?”, and from the very beginning it attacks us with a sonic avalanche of blast beats (which temporarily fade away in the middle of the song), and a very secure and professional vocal delivery. Second track is called Szuflady”, where I especially enjoyed the varied vocals and some very nice bass work which is carrying and ‘lifting’ the song. Third track, “Wędrowcy”, is more atmospheric piece, bringing a much darker touch to this first EP.

The first of the two tracks recorded in 2023 is called “Wschodnie Przejście”. It’s an instrumental and ambient interlude, that leads quietly towards the final lengthy track, “Patrzą Na Nas Tylko Satelity”. It’s completely opposite track to the previous one. “Patrzą Na Nas Tylko Satelity” is a more traditional black frame with a melodic and progressive touch.

The production is spot on and I like the fact that all instruments are equally present in the overall sound. With some just adjustments, cover artwork & layout is designed by Urszula Kupis, and I think it perfectly visualise the sonic content of this release.

On this 23-minute (re)release, Ziemie Jałowe, this Polish three piece managed to create a rich and mysterious universe that is rooted in Polish-style black metal, while incorporating other influences such as death/ambient/drone/progressive/post metal.

Ziemie Jałowe is an interesting opus, and a very good start for a relatively new band. If they continue on this path, I think this trio from Poland has a great potential of reaching a wide range of dedicated followers.

More info on this particular release you will find at https://zmarlym.bandcamp.com/album/ziemie-ja-owe-2