Sarmates is an ethnic metal band hailing from Rouen, France, known for its unique fusion of rock and metal with Oriental and Asian musical elements. The group draws significant inspiration from ancient Central Asian cultures, including the Scythians, Sakas, and Huns. They incorporate traditional instruments such as the saz, a Turkish lute, alongside a newly developed instrument called the Sarmata, and utilize distinctive vocal techniques like khommeï, a form of Mongolian diphonic throat singing.
The music of Sarmates takes listeners on an intriguing sonic and visual journey, reflecting the influences of the peoples along the ancient Silk Roads, all set against a backdrop of ethnic metal. The band's sound is enriched by various influences from the vast Eurasian steppe, alongside a blend of post-apocalyptic themes. The lyrics are primarily in English, with several sections in Slavic, Turkish, and Persian languages.
Sarmates’ distinct sound is characterized by their use of the saz, which has Persian origins and is commonly found in traditional Eurasian music. They have also introduced the Sarmata, a hybrid instrument that utilizes quarter tones to bridge metal and Oriental sounds. Their lyrics draw inspiration from travel experiences, ancient tales from the Caucasus, shamanism, and the works of the Persian poet Rumi. Notably, the song “Scythia” is an adaptation of a poem by Maria Tsvetaeva, penned in 1924.
The current lineup of Sarmates, established in 2025, includes Laurent Broda on lead vocals and Sarmata, Davoriin Sirok on Sarmata and backing vocals, Victor Poulain (aka Gün) on lead guitar, Antonio Xenfeild (Antonio Torres) on bass guitar, and Jérémy Marie on drums. The band's initial lineup, formed in 2020, featured Laurent Broda (also known as Christi Scythe) on lead vocals, guitar, and saz; Gregory Bresson (aka Gornoss) on bass; Antoine Chevalier (aka Ant Majora) on guitar; Yoann Kapela on drums; Sonaer Guzukan on saz; and Léa Montravers (aka "Mère Dragon") providing visuals and pyrotechnics for live performances.
Sarmates is an independent group that incorporates Central Asian instruments, such as the guimbarde and saz, alongside guttural diphonic vocals typical of steppe music from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Siberia. To harmonize these diverse influences with metal instrumentation, the band has modified their guitar frets and created electric hybrid instruments known as Sarmatas.
With a focus on honoring warrior women, heavy cavalry, and the wisdom of ancient cultures, Sarmates offers a remarkable auditory and visual experience that immerses listeners in the essence of the ancient Silk Road peoples, framed by ethnic metal. Laurent Broda, the group’s founder, is a former archaeologist who conducted excavations in Siberia and Mongolia starting in 2001. His deep connection to these cultures inspired him to learn diphonic singing, contributing to Sarmates' distinctive sound. The artistic roots of Sarmates can also be traced back to certain tracks from Broda's previous band, Lycosia, including "Shaman Ceremony," "Scythia," and "Altaï."
In 2005, these tracks helped Lycosia win the Sacem/Adami "Jeunes Talents" contest. Between 1996 and 2011, Lycosia collaborated with prominent producers such as Kit Woolven (Thin Lizzy, David Gilmour, David Bowie) and Stéphane Buriez (Loudblast, Sinsaenum). The band released five albums and toured extensively across Europe with notable metal groups, including Anathema, Immortal, Cradle of Filth, Loudblast, Aqme, Eisbrecher, Cinema Strange, and Death Stars.
