Samael – Above - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Switzerland

Genre : Black Metal / Industrial Metal

Release : 2009

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The glacial winds of the Swiss Alps have long whispered tales of the arcane, and from their frozen heart, Samael emerged, a harbinger of a sound that would redefine the boundaries of black metal. Their 1995 release, “Above,” stands as a pivotal moment, a stark departure from the raw, unvarnished aggression of their earlier work, and a bold leap into a more atmospheric, ritualistic, and ultimately, more profound sonic landscape. This is not an album to be passively consumed; it demands immersion, a descent into its meticulously crafted sonic catacombs.

Track Analysis:
“Above” opens with the chilling, droning synth of “Earth Ritual,” a soundscape that immediately conjures images of ancient ceremonies and primordial darkness. It’s a deliberate, almost hypnotic preamble, eschewing immediate blast beats for a palpable sense of dread. This segues into “Baphomet’s Call,” where the signature Samael rasp of Vorphalack emerges, albeit more restrained, layered over a surprisingly melodic, almost mournful guitar riff. The drumming, handled by the formidable Xy, is less about relentless speed and more about precise, impactful hits, creating a driving, yet deliberate, rhythm. The introduction of keyboards, particularly the organ-like textures, adds a crucial layer of gothic grandeur.

“The Dark Quest” is an exercise in controlled chaos. The guitars weave intricate, dissonant patterns, creating a sense of unease that is both disorienting and compelling. The bassline is a thick, rumbling foundation, grounding the more ethereal elements. Vorphalack’s vocals shift between guttural pronouncements and a more chant-like delivery, reinforcing the ritualistic atmosphere. The mid-section introduces a brief, almost jarringly clean guitar passage, a moment of fragile beauty before the storm returns.

“Starbreaker” is perhaps the most overtly atmospheric track. The synths take center stage, creating vast, echoing soundscapes that evoke cosmic journeys and celestial mysteries. The guitars provide a more restrained, yet potent, counterpoint, their melodies imbued with a sense of melancholy and longing. The drums are sparse, allowing the ambient textures to breathe and expand. This is where Samael truly begin to explore the “above” of the album’s title, reaching for something beyond the earthly realm.

“Son of the Damned” injects a palpable dose of aggression, but it’s a more refined, almost regal fury. The riffs are sharper, more defined, and the drumming possesses a more urgent pulse. However, the keyboards are never far behind, weaving their dark tapestries around the core aggression, preventing it from becoming a mere thrash or death metal exercise. The vocal delivery here is particularly commanding, carrying a weight of ancient prophecy.

“From the Dark” revisits the more dissonant territory, with jagged guitar lines and a sense of impending doom. The vocal performance is raw and visceral, conveying a deep-seated anguish. The interplay between the distorted guitars and the subtle, yet pervasive, keyboard melodies is a hallmark of “Above,” creating a unique tension that is both unsettling and captivating.

“Angel of Death” is a surprising, yet ultimately fitting, inclusion. While the title might suggest a more aggressive track, it’s imbued with a somber, almost elegiac quality. The guitar melodies are hauntingly beautiful, and the synths provide a mournful accompaniment. Vorphalack’s vocals are delivered with a profound sense of loss, making this a deeply emotional piece.

The album concludes with “Darkness is the Way,” a sprawling, seven-minute epic that encapsulates the album’s thematic and sonic journey. It begins with a slow, deliberate build-up, gradually introducing layers of synths, guitars, and drums. The track ebbs and flows, shifting between moments of intense, almost suffocating darkness and periods of stark, desolation. The vocals are at their most potent here, a powerful declaration of surrender to the inevitable. The final fade-out, with its lingering synths and echoing guitar notes, leaves the listener with a profound sense of having witnessed something ancient and immutable.

Conclusion:
“Above” is a testament to Samael’s artistic evolution, a bold and successful venture into a more sophisticated and atmospheric form of extreme metal. It’s an album that eschews the predictable for the profound, trading raw aggression for a carefully constructed tapestry of darkness, ritual, and cosmic contemplation. The integration of keyboards is not a mere adornment but an integral component of the sonic architecture, creating a unique and enduring sound. This is a record that has lost none of its power or its ability to transport the listener to a realm of shadows and celestial mysteries.