Samael has treaded a long way, and over the years their sound has evolved fairly naturally. On their latest album "Solar Soul", signs of founding 'the sound' are taking place - the music still has subtle traces of their black metal roots, but the crossover of thrash and industrial metal are more dominant. Danceable grooves with heavy guitar-driven rhythms and catchy industrial & symphonic parts stamp this record, and show intrinsic progression from their previous album Reign of Light, which was softer compared to Solar Soul.

The production on this record is rather good, although the mastering could have been a tad bit lower so there wouldn't be any overs. Furthermore, some synth sounds are a bit too sizzly. Regardless, taking into account the industrial genre, those clips are rather unnoticeable. And despite those little details, the hoarse vocals stay at center of attention with their distinctiveness. In addition to Vorph's raspy singing, his vocals are coupled on chorus of "Suspended Time" with a female voice.

Quasar Waves has rather nice oriental feel to it with its sitar parts, and as the titles on this record point out, the band still explores astral themes in their music. However, also political issues have made their way onto this record, as you can hear on Western Ground. All in all, Solar Soul is pretty good album, although for some it may be a bit too commercialized.

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- MAGE (July 12th, 2007)



"Slavocracy" Video:

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LINE-UP:
Vorph: Guitar & Vocals Makro: Guitar Xy: Keyboards, Programmings and Drums Mas: Bass
Producer:	Sorychta, Waldemar and Xy
Mixing by:	Glaumann, Stefan
Mastering by:	Jonsson, Henrik

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Solar Soul 02. Promised Land 03. Slavocracy 04. Western Ground 05. On the Rise 06. Alliance 07. Suspended Time 08. Valkyries' New Ride 09. Ave! 10. Quasar Waves 11. Olympus Length: 43:00