Bal-Sagoth is one of the most underrated bands in the metal music world. Formed in 1997, the band has released six full length studio albums over the years - Starfire Burning Upon The Ice-Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule (1999), Atlantis Ascendant (2001), The Power Cosmic (2004), Battle Magic (2006), A Black Moon Broods Over Lemuria (2008) and The Chthonic Chronicles (2009).
Throughout the years, Bal-Sagoths sound has evolved tremendously. From the dark, heavy and fast thrash of their early years to the epic choirs, symphonic orchestration and delicate acoustic passages of their later albums - this band truly defined what it means to be “epic metal”. The music is highly imaginative, as quoted by the band an uncompromising blend of raging speed metal, nostalgic
classical symphonic motifs, straight-forward traditional heavy metal, and mesmerizing acoustic melodies.”
The lyrical content complements the music perfectly. The lyrical themes are mainly based on science fiction and fantasy, with tales about ancient empires, lost civilizations, cosmic wars and stories of a forgotten world. Bal-Sagoth is also well known for their fully fictional language, named Adluxanit. Bands leader Byron Roberts is a master at “envisioning” his own universes, as heard in tracks like Unfettering The Hoary Sentinels Of Karnak or Return To The Praesidium Of Ys.
Throughout their career, Bal-Sagoth signed with big names in the metal music industry like Nuclear Blast and Cacophonous Records. However, despite the majority of good ratings received for their albums, the band could never reach a bigger audience. This is obviously a shame - their music definitely deserves more recognition.
One thing is certain - Bal-Sagoth is the master of epic metal. From the crack of thunder and walls of distorted guitars to the tender vocals and the gravitas of the female choir - from the bombast of symphonic orchestrations and complex structures to the mid-tempo riffs - all of it creates an atmosphere that can’t be duplicated by any other band. They are true keepers of the genre and should be highly respected for that.
