Samael "Reign of Light" (Nuclear Blast)
By Taylor Green
Monday. Apr 18, 11:55 AM
Of creation and destruction; of everything and nothing.

The cover of Samael's first album in five years, Reign of Light, says almost all you need to know about it. It is an eclipse, possessing characteristics of both the extreme light and the extreme dark, of creation and destruction, and of everything and nothing. In a sense, it is what Samael have achieved with their latest release. Reign of Light is a far venture from the early Samael recordings, but with age comes metamorphosis. This album is a totally different experience from every other Samael album, and this disconnect from previous material – while still holding onto bits and pieces of their past – is the definition of why Reign of Light is good.

From the beginning of “Moongate”, the album’s first track, the mesh of tribal drums and electronic beats, the subtle complexity divulged from mounds of simplicity, make this something incredibly bizarre but pleasing to listen to. The detached and monotone vocals a la Till from Rammstein fit the mood and aesthetic of the album perfectly. Contrasts in style and instrumental selection compliment each other flawlessly. And like the title suggests, the lyrical material for Reign of Light is much more positive and progressive than most Sweedish metal on the market, which works even greater with the darkness of the riffs and electronica underlay of every song. Reign of Light is the perfection of a specific sound that, though may not fit everyone's tastes, hits exactly what Samael are trying to achieve.

While the musicianship isn't to the par of what Swedish metal has become notorious for, the song writing, diversity, and breadth of Samael make up for intense guitar solos and brutal drumming. But in an oversaturated market of incredible musicianship with often boring songwriting, Samael rise over their limitations and perfect what they do best. Reign of Light is not the typical metal album, but that's what makes it special.

Highlights: “Moongate,” “Inch'Allah,” “Telepath,” “Heliopolis.”
www.samael.info
www.nuclearblastusa.com

Taylor Green

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