Samael - Hegemony (Napalm Records)
Samael are giants in their own right, with very influential black metal albums in the beginning of their career, transitioning into an atmospheric/industrial/gothic vibe later on, and producing one of the best albums of that genre, "Passage". Many years have passed since then, with the band dabbling in many different genres, but keeping their essence true, while lyrically expanding into societal issues, from a socialist perspective. Their new album, Hegemony, swings the pendulum back into a more "heavy" sound compared with its 6 year old predecessor, and pays tribute to "Passage" by being by far the album more reminiscent of that sound since then. But that does not mean that the band compromises or simply imitate itself; rather it can be seen as an introspective step backwards to move forward for Samael. Best tracks out of the album include the almost operatic "Red Planet" and bass-heavy "This World", as well as "hit" song "Black Supremacy", which generated some controversy when released. Overall, a solid listen from a band that here, did not re-invent the wheel, but rather went back to its roots, to reclaim all elements defining it.
91/100
Below is the music video for "Black Supremacy".
Samael are giants in their own right, with very influential black metal albums in the beginning of their career, transitioning into an atmospheric/industrial/gothic vibe later on, and producing one of the best albums of that genre, "Passage". Many years have passed since then, with the band dabbling in many different genres, but keeping their essence true, while lyrically expanding into societal issues, from a socialist perspective. Their new album, Hegemony, swings the pendulum back into a more "heavy" sound compared with its 6 year old predecessor, and pays tribute to "Passage" by being by far the album more reminiscent of that sound since then. But that does not mean that the band compromises or simply imitate itself; rather it can be seen as an introspective step backwards to move forward for Samael. Best tracks out of the album include the almost operatic "Red Planet" and bass-heavy "This World", as well as "hit" song "Black Supremacy", which generated some controversy when released. Overall, a solid listen from a band that here, did not re-invent the wheel, but rather went back to its roots, to reclaim all elements defining it.
91/100
Below is the music video for "Black Supremacy".
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