Artist: Samael
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 1994
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Ceremony of Opposites Artist: Samael Label: Century Media Release Date: 1994
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem:
Categorization of music can be useful at times, but can also create misguidance. Labeling Samael as a black metal band should be taken with caution, but it is accurate as far as I'm concerned. Samael never quite fit the mould of playing fast like most of their Satan worshipping peers, but their lack of speed make them unique. The music just grooves along at its own mid-paced desire, and this solid sense of groove is what keeps heads banging every second of the way. The vocal style along with the lyrics are a clear indication that Samael's mission is to denounce god in every blasphemous way possible. Ceremony of Opposites is my top pick of their 8 year career, proving more focused and effective than the first two albums, and the last album before their descent into electronic explorations which were questionable in quality.To start, the album's songs are quick and to the point, never exceeding the 5:00 mark (radio friendly they're not though!). The album itself clocks in at 36:00, also leaving the listener starving for more by the end of the final track. The album's true success lies in the addictive nature via the mid-paced grooves throughout and the simple but potent riffs of lead growler/lyricist Vorphalack. The band's utilization of the keyboards is subtle but effective in covering up any emptiness throughout, yet spine tingling when in the foreground. The album starts in full pummeling fashion full of double bass and speedy guitars before kicking it into chill mode, which is maintained for the remainder of the album. Expect nothing but mid- to slow-paced 4/4 tempos carrying along the simplistic guitar patterns and the evil snarls of Vorph. The production works surprisingly well for an overall thin sound, but it worked wonders on Metallica's Justice right? All the instruments come through clear as day, with the drums being the most dominant factor. And these drums are what hook you into the album's hypnotic groove. Nothing too fancy, but right on the money and just the right speed.
"Son of Earth" sees the utilization of bass and drums taking the spotlight at times, along with some tribal tempos and slow but steady double bass patterns. The guitars follow with their laid back nature and dissonant chord progressions. Vorph's vocals are some of the finest out there, being quite discernable, yet sound in the deepest state of possession. The final minute of "Mask of the Red Death" kicks in with some serious double bass and some crafty keyboard passages creating a mammoth ending of a great tune. It is here that the keys really stand out and take the spotlight admirably. "Flagellation" showcases the album's greatest track, again proving that when the keyboards decide to get flashy, songs reach their peak. But it's the process of not overdoing any one element that makes the songs so well written. And with lyrics like "I piss upon the cross/I vomit on the Holy Bible", there's no doubting that we've got Satan's stamp of approval on this one.
The album ranked high on my list back in '94 and still holds its value in today's high standards. The unrelenting mid-paced grooves make for a relaxed session in audio blasphemy, when all you want to do is chill out and pound a few brewskies. Quite like the AC/DC of black metal on this one, Samael find one successful formula and roll with it. Fast music has its moments, but a nice relaxing bubble bath while listening to Ceremony of Opposites just can't be beat. Easy listening for the evil at heart.
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