This a compilation scanning Sarcasm's unfortunately short time period of activity throughout their entire catalog of three demos, all released during the period between 1992-1994. It's strange that they went unsigned for such a duration, the inarguable quality on this release ranks up there with the more well known staples of the genre. Comparatively, I'd say this could compare to a more intellectual Carnage or Dismember, enriched with focused melody, though this characteristic never detracts from Sarcasm's aggressive nature. The material changes drastically from each demo to the next.

The first, In Hate...(1992) is sheer brutal nastiness, with the tracks "Nail Her Up", "Pile of Bodies", and "In Hate" (tracks 6,7, and 8 on this CD compilation). Minimized melody, dreary and miserable, like a meth-fiend locked in a cabinet staring out through the panel crack, clutching an artery stained kitchen knife. And damn if that guitar tone doesn't give Entombed's first album, Left Hand Path, a run for its money. So grating and deep. Even on these more direct songs, attention to song-writing and coherency never slips. Never overly repetitious, feedback strained, unorthodox guitar solos are used expertly to enhance the mood of despondency.

The second official demo, Dark (1993) include two tracks, "Never After" and "You Bleed (I Enjoy)" whose composition present a few progressive leanings, the bass is more audible, melody is more prevalent. Vicious vocals by Heval Bozarslan are a highlight here.

Finally, the third (my personal favorite) demo included here, the titular A Touch of the Burning Red Sunset, employs Sarcasm's highest qualities, beautiful, soul-wrenching melodies and energetic percussion provided by Oskar Karlsson of Defleshed and Gates of Ishtar fame. This recording is truly a classic by all means, everything I listen for in Swedish DM, expert composition and musicianship, brutality, meaningful lyrical prose, this is the music I'd play at my funeral if I were to have such an option. Of course, if I had my way, the ceremony would be in the full Viking tradition, my family and friends lined up on the shores of Asa bay, clutching foaming goblets of mead while firing flaming arrows at the vessel carrying my now lifeless body out to sea. Anyhow, the second track, "Upon the Mountains of Glory", finds the band experimenting with elements entirely absent from their earlier outings. A piano relays the songs centrifugal riff, female vocals are shortly used in a surprisingly effective manner without weighing down the flow of the track. The third song on the demo, "Through Tears of Gold" begins with a nice snippet of acoustic guitar and nature samples, before launching into a splendid melodious blend of polyphonic bass and guitar interplay. Highly, highly recommended for anyone with an avid interest in Swedish death metal.

written by Severe Repugnance

Playing time: 41.25