Review of Bal-Sagoth - 'Battle Magic'
Tracklisting:
1. Battle Magic
2. Naked Steel (The Warrior's Saga)
3. A Tale From The Deep Woods
4. Return To The Praesidium Of Ys
5. Crystal Shards
6. The Dark Liege Of Chaos Is Unleashed At The Ensorcelled Shrine
Of
A'zura-Kai (The Splendour Of A Thousand Swords Gleaming Beneath
The
Blazon Of The Hyperborean Empire Part II)
7. When Rides The Scion Of The Storms
8. Blood Slakes The Sand At The Circus Maximus
9. Thwarted By The Dark (Blade Of The Vampyre Hunter)
10. And Atlantis Falls...
'Battle Magic' is Bal-Sagoth's third album, and it's my pleasure to report that it's an absolute masterpiece. I must make one thing clear from the start, however - this album isn't as instant as it's predecessor, 'Starfire Burning Upon The Ice Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule.' In fact, I was rather disappointed with this album to begin with, and it took about 10 listens until it's majesty really started to shine through. I've noticed that 'Battle Magic' has received a few average reviews, and I think the reason for that might be that some people haven't listened to the album enough before forming their opinion on it.
If you're familiar with Bal-Sagoth's previous album, you'll have a good idea of what to expect - extreme Metal meets sword and sorcery imagery and lots of symphonic keyboard. However, this album is a definite progression, with songs like track 8 seeing the band experimenting somewhat with circus-style melodies and what sounds like sleigh bells!! To begin with, this particular track didn't do much for me, but you really must persevere with this album, since I've now come to the conclusion that it's one of their best songs ever!
The production admittedly sounds a little strange at first, but you soon get used to it. The sound certainly isn't weak however, and if you play this album loud it's truly breathtaking. There are still plenty of 'Conan The Barbarian soundtrack' type melodies to be found here, and there's even more keyboard orchestration than before (which is absolutely excellent, and needless to say about a thousand times better than most other bands who attempt to use keyboards to add 'atmosphere' to their music). The musicianship in general is splendid, with very tight drumming and sharp, cutting riffs. There are also a few instrumentals, the first of which is the title track itself, which is surprisingly 'light' sounding, reminding me slightly of Mozart's Horn Concerto no. 4!
As before, the vocalist and lyricist, Byron, sticks mainly to narrating the lyrics in his characteristic deep tone, although he sometimes uses his more Black Metal-ish rasped vocal style. In track 6, there's even a very brief clean singing part. The lyrics themselves are as fantasy- based as ever, telling stories of warriors, kings and all that business. He's certainly a rather imaginative chap, and his storytelling fits the mood of the music perfectly. Suffice to say, every single track is excellent, although as I said before some of the songs may take some time to grow on you. Personally I think Bal-Sagoth are one of the most unique, talented bands around, and even if you're turned off by the arguably 'cheesy' imagery, please give this album a chance if you appreciate quality music.
Rating: 10 out of 10.
