Bal-Sagoth – The Chthonic Chronicles

» 5 out of 5 Evil Faces

OK, I have been waiting for Bal-Sagoth to release a new CD since their last one “Atlantis Ascendant” back in 2001.

I really got into this band when I first heard them in the late 90′s. They had a unique style all to their own. It was both majestic and heavy at the same time. Plus the album and song titles could not be outdone.

In fact a couple friends and I used to have a running competition to come up with the longest song titles ever. Mainly just because we we’re bored, but also because I personally like long song titles.

I bought all of Bal-Sagoth’s Cd’s (that had been released) within a month of each other. I bought their second release “Starfire Burning Upon The Ice-Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule” and “Battle Magic” at the same time, then came the original, next “The Power Cosmic” and finally when “Atlantis Ascendant” was released I got a copy of that too.

Like I say I was a big fan of this band. I listened to their Cd’s so much over the first few months I had them, I got burnt on them for awhile, but with the release of “The Chthonic Chronicles” I have been listening to them again in an attempt to compare them all.

Not burnt on them anymore!

Anyway, enough with all that, lets get on with what you are really here for. My opinion of the latest release from these masters of epic black metal.

The Chthonic Chronicles, 5 years in the making and definitely worth the wait! Once again Bal-Sagoth release another masterpiece!

They have yet to disappoint me!

Though this release is a bit different than the others. In fact it is heavier IMO. It still has all the stuff the other releases had, but this is more of a blend of there first release “A Black Moon Broods Over Lemuria” and the rest of their releases combined together.

It’s not as heavy as Lemuria, and not as atmospheric as the others. Though they have not lost anything. In fact it has grown on me, since I got it.

I will level with you, it is no “Battle Magic” (my personal favorite) nor is it their best release, but it still packs a punch.

The only real complaint I have is that when they get a good groove going, they seem to move away from it too soon. Not letting it play long enough. It seems a bit more sporadic than there previous releases.

So as I always say. If you are fan of Bal-Sagoth and enjoyed listening to their other Cd’s,

The Chthonic Chronicles will not be a disappointment.