Usually I would have a problem digesting this sort of music (I am cautious not to refer to it as 'metal', for Bal-Sagoth's music – however to a lesser extent on this particular album – is not 'metal music' per se...), I did not like any of the two albums I had listened to in the past, there was too much filler, too little 'real music' and hardly any metal at all.

This, sixth album, however, may be considered as the pinnacle of Bal-Sagoth's creation, and the best of any of the band's offerings, as it portrays the genius of this band for what it is, with hardly any weak moment throughout its hour of playing, balancing perfectly the pomposity with the metallic elements and the outcome is simply grandiose. If anything, this is as epic as a musical creation can be, and what else, is that the band has managed to create sonicscapes and continuous scenes that blend into one another which can be visualized and almost materialized in one's mind, as the effect is not only on one's ears but it is a holistic experience, where the mind's eye sees what the ears hear, sort of...

The metal parts – although apparent and to some extent, dominant – are really negligible sometimes, as the synth does all the work, and great a work that it; it is as if the keyboards almost replace the role of the guitars, they are the driving force and the leading tool throughout the album, however accompanied more often than not by a thrashing, buzzing guitar sound adding some nice riffs and brilliant guitar solos, ranging from aggressive nihilistic black metal to almost laid back heavy metal, NWOBHM-oriented...

Bal Sagoth's one of many trademarks, the vocalist's spoken long passages of narration are still apparent and done exquisitely, using a deep, velvety and dark voice to tell its complex, detail-laden tale of ancient battles, invented lore and fictional magnificent lands and kingdoms, the usual escapist crap that personally does not interest me. It's nice to know, however, that there is a band like this that still keeps the flame of great authors such as Tolkien and Lovecraft and revives a dormant imagination that most lack and few manifest...

Bal Sagoth is the Vangelis of heavy metal, and this particular album i.e. "The Chthonic Chronicles" serves as the most definite affirmation for its talent and uniqueness as a band and as great artists - each in particular - and the epitome of the band's "career". A very interesting listening experience with some of the most intriguing, uplifting, original tunes and semi-classical orchestral arrangements you will ever hear.

Highly recommended to any music fan out there.

written by Chaim Drishner

Playing time: 60.39