In late June 2005 the Swedish death metallers Sargatanas Reign presented the world with their new crushing opus "Bloodwork - Techniques Of Torture" and this evening it was time to celebrate the release as the official release party took place at Hugp's in their hometown of Norrköping. It was a wisely chosen day as most people had just received their paychecks, resulting in a large crowd.

Opening up the festivities was Kaos, Kris Och Helvete (Chaos, Chrisis and Hell), another local act who dwell in the same angst-ridden land as fellow Swedes Nasum and Totalt Jävla Mörker. I have been told to listen to them several times already but this was the first time I had been assaulted by their music. It is furious, intense and entertaining for a while but eventually the initial excitement wears off. They're a solid live act but I would personally not buy any of their releases.

After a shorter break it was time for tonight's headliner Sargatanas Reign to show off their stage skills. I have seen them a couple of times before and it has been interesting to witness their progression as a live act. They have not only grown as a studio band but also as individual instrumentalists and their live performances have gradually become tighter and more intense.

Sargatanas Reign is one of the technically most impressive death metal acts in Sweden today. Step by step they have developed the perfect blend of early US death metal brutality and advanced guitar experiments that Trey Azagthoth would have been proud of. Playing in your hometown is always quite special and there were plenty of friends and family in the audience this evening. The new vocalist Jonas Matsson (ex-Nominon) has a powerful growl that apparently works very well live as well as on the recent album and he is a good front person for the band.

Mostly material off "Bloodwork" was executed but they also dusted off a few older songs which even sound much better live today than the recorded versions did when they were originally released. Guitarist Kristoffer "Ushatar" Andersson played his part in the show as a guy in the audience wanted more love at one time and more evil a moment later.

Former Marduk and Dimension Zero vocalist Joakim "Grave" Göthberg jumped up on stage to perform vocals on the new song "Come Greet Me Crawlers" as he did on the album with an impressive result. Overall, Sargatanas Reign did one hell of a tight show and the sound was very good for such a small venue. They also surprised quite a lot of people in the audience with an explosive and abrupt end to their set as everyone rushed off the stage at once.

It was a successful evening for everyone and if you ever get the chance to watch these talented Swedes live don't fail to show up because there are few brutal death metal bands today who actually write memorable songs.

All photos are taken by Roger "Rogga" Svensson. You are not allowed to use them yourself without permission.