The Laws of Scourge cover

The Laws of Scourge

Sarcófago · 1991

41 min · 9 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of raw energy, where thrash aggression meets black metal's dark atmospheres and guttural vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Laws of Scourge — The title track encapsulates the album's raw intensity, showcasing blistering guitar riffs and unrelenting drumming that set the tone for their entire discography.
  • →
    Midnight Queen — With its eerie melodies and haunting vocals, this track exemplifies the band's ability to create a dark atmosphere while maintaining thrash elements.
  • →
    The Black Vomit — At just over two minutes, this track delivers a furious assault that highlights Sarcófago's aggressive style and showcases their anti-establishment lyrical approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases aggressive songwriting and distinct vocal styles, solidifying its place in extreme metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features rapid drumming and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a relentless pace.
  • Vocals alternate between guttural growls and high-pitched shrieks, creating a stark contrast throughout the tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate tempo shifts, such as 'Prelude to a Suicide', which slows down dramatically before building back up to intensity.
  • The final track, 'Crush, Kill, Destroy', ends abruptly without resolution, leaving a jarring impression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Laws of Scourge 3:23
  • 2 Piercings 4:59
  • 3 Midnight Queen 6:19
  • 4 Screeches from the Silence 3:51
  • 5 Prelude to a Suicide 3:56
  • 6 The Black Vomit 2:25
  • 7 Secrets of a Window 6:43
  • 8 Little Julie 4:39
  • 9 Crush, Kill, Destroy 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata