Italian black metal outfit Sakahiter have existed for more than 20 years in the underground but Samnite Black Metal is their first full-length album in that time, coming after a series of demos and EPs (plus a 17-year break). As the album title suggests, Sakahiter explore the history of the Samnites, an ancient Italic people who were later subjugated by Rome. Throughout the album’s nine tracks, Sakahiter embrace more than just their black metal roots, owing as much to death as black metal on Samnite Black Metal.
Though it’s not officially out until February 7 via Time to Kill Records, Decibel has an exclusive stream of the album for advance consumption.
“We believe the album Samnite Black Metal is the result of the band’s evolution, in the pursuit of an increasingly personal sound that reflects our roots, our history, and everything that has contributed to our growth over the years,” Sakahiter explain. “The album’s title embodies exactly that. This record diverges from the conventions of old-school black metal, seeking to embrace various genres and influences. None of the tracks were created with a predefined structure or with the intent to sound like a traditional black metal album; everything came about naturally, as it does with all our compositions.
“Samnite Black Metal, therefore, reflects the band’s experiences and marks the beginning of a new chapter for us as a band.”