Samael
Passage
Century Media 1996
Reviewed for Urkraft Webzine (www.urkraft.tk)
Samael is a unique band from Switzerland. Black metal, Space Metal, I really do not know. This album has been in my collection for sometime and I have enjoyed every listen. Once upon a time Samael used satanic themes in their music but on Passage they begin to focus on space and the cosmos, even the album cover is a huge picture of the moon. This fourth full length album is brilliant and will leave you wanting more Samael.
Is this album extreme death metal with lightning fast riffing and drumming? No, its metal mixed with keyboards and synths. Passage is a mostly mid-paced album that never stops and is always enthralling. Samael have further increased the use of synths that began on Ceremony of Opposites. If you think keyboards are cheesy just take a listen to this album. Keys give the music a dark, sometimes industrial feel. Passage is quite an accessible album; this is probably why many consider it their breakthrough album.
This album is pretty unique because it is mostly by two people, Vorph and Xytras.
Vorph provides vocals and is the primary guitarist and Xytras provides all keyboards and synthesizing; even synth drums. This blend of electronic drums and keyboards makes this album a killer listen.
I recommend this album to anyone who listens to any kind of metal. I recommend the tracks Rain, Shining Kingdom, and the piano laced Moonskin as a taste of the whole album. Passage is going to receive a 10/10 because it is a brilliant album that will be in your album collection forever.
Jon
Passage
Century Media 1996
Reviewed for Urkraft Webzine (www.urkraft.tk)
Samael is a unique band from Switzerland. Black metal, Space Metal, I really do not know. This album has been in my collection for sometime and I have enjoyed every listen. Once upon a time Samael used satanic themes in their music but on Passage they begin to focus on space and the cosmos, even the album cover is a huge picture of the moon. This fourth full length album is brilliant and will leave you wanting more Samael.
Is this album extreme death metal with lightning fast riffing and drumming? No, its metal mixed with keyboards and synths. Passage is a mostly mid-paced album that never stops and is always enthralling. Samael have further increased the use of synths that began on Ceremony of Opposites. If you think keyboards are cheesy just take a listen to this album. Keys give the music a dark, sometimes industrial feel. Passage is quite an accessible album; this is probably why many consider it their breakthrough album.
This album is pretty unique because it is mostly by two people, Vorph and Xytras.
Vorph provides vocals and is the primary guitarist and Xytras provides all keyboards and synthesizing; even synth drums. This blend of electronic drums and keyboards makes this album a killer listen.
I recommend this album to anyone who listens to any kind of metal. I recommend the tracks Rain, Shining Kingdom, and the piano laced Moonskin as a taste of the whole album. Passage is going to receive a 10/10 because it is a brilliant album that will be in your album collection forever.
Jon