With so many bands vying for attention in this digital age, sometimes it takes something truly original to catch a listener’s eye. This is what fixed my attention on Zamāru Ultu Qereb Ziqquratu Part 1 as it poked out of the fertile soil in the promo pit. Wyatt E.1 was originally founded in Belgium as an instrumental drone/doom group by guitarists Sébastien von Landau and Stéphane Rondia to portray the captured people of Jerusalem during the Babylonian Exile in 587 BCE. They made some bold alterations on this latest record to expand their sonic footprint, namely the addition of two drummers recorded simultaneously and collaborations with vocalists Nina Saeidi (Lowen) and Tomer Damsky. Did these creative shakeups succeed in enriching Wyatt E.’s sound?
A few of Wyatt E.’s more unconventional résumé entries have visibly impacted the development of Zamāru. Traces of the synth-heavy soundtrack they wrote for the 2022 film Bowling Saturne are scattered throughout, and the album has a distinct cinematic flair. They also teamed up with Tomer Damsky and Five the Hierophant for a specially commissioned performance at the 2022 Roadburn Festival titled Atonia.2 Five the Hierophant is a convenient starting point for comparison with Wyatt E., as they both rely on continuous repetition of key melodies embellished by a rich assortment of instruments. However, while the former favors wild saxophone passages, the latter prefers to lean on Middle Eastern instruments like the saz and sitar in a manner similar to last year’s Black Aleph release. With these accomplishments under its belt, Wyatt E. was primed to continue where the last album Āl Bēlūti Dārû left off with the intensity now cranked up to 11.
WYATT E. – Zamāru ultu qereb ziqquratu Part 1 by HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS Records
If we liken Zamāru’s structure to a sandwich, the 10-12 minute drone-laden treks bookending the album are the reliable bread that holds everything together. Opener “Qaqqari la târi Part I” begins with a single recurring note forming a rhythmic pattern underpinning the song as subtle fills are gradually layered on and the music suddenly erupts with sitar and percussion. It can’t be overstated how much drummers Jonas Sanders and Gil Chevigné boost the power and scope of the music. They sound positively thunderous when they play the same rhythm and in the finale of closer “Ahanu Ersetum” one anchors the steady beat while the other focuses on complex fills and dramatic crashes. If I had to nitpick, I’d say that a minute or so from the beginning of each of these two longer tracks could have been shortened, but it’s hard to complain much when the buildup and subsequent payoff are so compelling.
Of course, a good sandwich needs delectable filling, and the three middle tracks of Zamāru add tons of piquancy. Much of this comes from the stellar guest vocalists. Tomer Damsky’s singing in “Im Lelya” is nothing short of captivating, especially her vocal undulations at key moments. Likewise, Nina Saeidi’s hypnotic voice rises and falls like gigantic sand dunes in “The Diviner’s Prayer to the Gods of the Night” as she sings an ancient Akkadian poem. The guests don’t do all the heavy lifting, though. “Kerretu Mahrû” is a fascinating whirlwind of Middle Eastern instrumentation underscored by an elaborate drumming dance that all ends much too soon. In fact, this is my only real disappointment with Zamāru as a whole—it feels a bit incomplete. This isn’t exactly surprising, given that it’s titled Part 1, but I still can’t help but crave more after the 35 minutes are over.
It’s barely January, but I’d wager that Wyatt E. has fashioned one of the most unique records of 2025. The novelty factor may be what prompted me to investigate, but Zamāru more than stands on its own merits. Wyatt E. has mastered the tricky art of balancing the repetitive nature of drone with exotic exploration, making good use of the new resources available to hit several creative stretch goals with ease. This is a thoroughly engrossing experience that has earned my attention and rapt anticipation for Part 2.
Rating: 4.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds Records
Websites: wyattdoom.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/Wyattdoom
Releases Worldwide: January 10th, 2025
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