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As a Samael fan since the Medieval Prophecy EP and From Dark To Black demo times, I have seen a band that is in constant evolution and pushing the envelope, a beast of several transitions who regardless of any changes keeps its essence intact. When you listen to their whole discography, although many changes are evident I still can hear the same band I learned to love many years ago and got used to the idea that they are always trying to reinvent themselves and of what seemed like a constant in every new album: industrial and electronic elements, the whole astral theme... developing in general a visual and musical concept farther from their black metal roots but I still loved the band and accepted them as they came with every new album.
Then I heard a new Samael album was out and when I saw the cover I instantly felt like there was something about this one. And what a pleasant surprise it has been to listen to Above. This is a very interesting album, far from what I was expecting, it seems like with Above the band has decided to stick to their metal roots. "Under One Flag" sets the scenario for more black metal oriented songs that still differ in mood and structure from albums like Worship Him, Blood Ritual, and Ceremony Of Opposites. The feeling in these songs is more vicious, the vocal work of Vorph sounds harsher and more aggressive than in the aforementioned albums, not only because of the pace itself but mainly the pitch of the same. As for the guitars and drums the same aspects of the pace apply, faster, angrier and more aggressive than ever. There are passages in which they take these elements to the limit and the best example is in the opening of the third track "Polygames," which starts just blasting and even reminded me of Impaled Nazarene in the Ugra-Karma-era, which can also be noticeable on several other parts of the recording.
Although the drumming is very proficient the sound of the drums has this synthetic feel to it and Black metal feeling apart, you will still find samplers and keyboards throughout the album. Not as protagonists this time, as has happened on previous recordings, but as elements to support and fill the mood of what is happening in the front. The only exception is the last song, which is an electronic mix of "Black Hole."
Those old fans of Samael who probably lost their faith and love for the band a few albums ago should definitely give Above a chance as I am sure you’ll love it as any fan of good and aggressive metal will.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Under One Flag |
| 2. Black Hole |
| 3. Polygames |
| 4. Earth Country |
| 5. Illumination |
| 6. Virtual War |
| 7. In There |
| 8. Dark Side |
| 9. God’s Snake |
| 10. On The Top Of It All |
| 11. Black Hole (Verso Mix) |
: 42:06
| Buy other Samael albums |
