SAMAEL - Passage LP (Black Vinyl)

Being release around two years after Samael’s best release “Ceremony of opposites,” this release, “Passage,” is easily their second best work too date. The style has changed quite a bit since CoO; it sound not as dark and grindier as previous releases. This is where Samael add in a little of their industrial genre. There are many changes in the style of music; I think that a few of the songs are less intense and more laid back then usual samael. Tracks like “MoonSkin,” are slower and not too intense, I would almost say that the song is kind of epic like something “Amon Amarth” would do. The atmosphere is more peaceful and happy…that is not saying its happy music it is just easier to listen to. Whereas other tracks like, “Born under Saturn,” are more powerful and demanding songs; so this album varies lots in its different tracks which makes it a brilliant release.

Several new aspects and styles are added into this album. Keyboard work is brilliant and is especially noticeable in songs like, “MoonSkin.” Vocals are about the same as other releases, maybe not quite as harsh. Lyrically “Passage,” does not have death or black metal lyrics as they used to be. The lyrics tend to be more about myth and odd twisted stories about gods and such. Some of the lyrics are rather disturbing. Drumming is exceptional in all of the songs keeping good time and such.