BalSagoth - Starfire Burning Upon Ice Veiled Throne Ultima Thu +Album Reviews

Absolutly Brilliant!

Andrew S | Chesterfield, MI United States | 12/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I begin with my review, I will admit I have a bit of a bias. Bal-Sagoth are one of my favorite bands and this is definitely what I consider their best album (as well as one of the best albums of all-time). I also love Fantasy and Bal-Sagoth take Fantasy (as well as Metal music in general) to a new and outstanding level. Anyhow, as I said, keep in mind I'm just a tad biased ;-)How can I begin to describe Bal-Sagoth's creative music? Well, for starters, I guess I could describe it as a mix of Power Metal and Black Metal. How? I'll admit it's even hard for me to explain. They take some of aggression of Black Metal and mix it with the general atmosphere of Power Metal to make something truly unique. I'd say the only band equal to Bal-Sagoth's creative music is the Fantasy-inspired Italian Power Metallers Rhapsody. On a side not, if you're a Rhapsody fan and are thinking of looking into Bal-Sagoth (even if you hate Black Metal), Starfire Burning Upon The Ice-Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule is a perfect place to start.I consider every single song on this album (including the keyboard intro, interlude and outro) to be absolute perfection. Everything about this release is incredible. From the amazing songwriting to the crisp production, I cannot think of one negative thing to say about this fantasic album.I suppose I could make this review longer but I'm pretty sure I'd just go on and on about how great Bal-Sagoth really is so let me say this ... if you enjoy Fantasy and/or enjoy Fantasy-inspired Metal your collection is not complete without Bal-Sagoth ... 'nuff said! And ...... all Hail Bal-Sagoth! :-D"

.... its the best cd of all time

Zsolt | Erie, PA United States | 09/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hmm.. I dont know where to begin so I'm not going to at all. Buy the cd and see for yourself.. this is definitally my favorite cd of all time. Just great, everything about it rocks my socks :)BUY IT NOW!!"

BEST ALBUM EVER!!!

bertrandt | vancouver, canada | 10/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bal Sagoth is a truly unique band. This album is a perfect mix of brutality and melody. The keyboards and the guitars mix well together. The music is brilliantly composed and is powerful, majestic, beautiful and uplifting. The vocals are amazing and like no other. The lyrics consist of warrior sagas and are beautifully written. Prepare to go back in time and experience the glory of the warrior kings in a world filled with mysticism. This is the kind of music that makes you feel real good and that forces you to face the adversity in your life and to overcome. If you appreciate good keyboards and majestic music, get it. Get it now!"

Blood dripping metal

torquemada | beirut, lebanon | 09/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in '96, Bal sagoth was a totally new name for me and it was with some reluctance that i parted with the 20$ in my pocket :) -must say that the CD's artwork has a persuasion factor... The first track (a symphonic, synth-driven instrumental) automatically sets the mood: grand, epic, spine chilling (and many other synonyms to these words). Then comes the first (blow?) track: barbaric rythms,
rock solid riffs and what, 4? 5 breaks in each song? you feel each song is no more than 3 minutes long then you find out you've been listening to a 7+ minute track. now that's musical mastery! Byron alternates his low voiced speeches with his (equally low) menacing black metal growls, amidst torrents of breakneck drumming, stunning melodies and
a new atmosphere with every new song. i was so glad i bought this album! epic metal never sounded (and might never sound) better than that. these warhearts have skillfully crafted a brilliant piece of music with a rare intensity and power."

Bal-Sagoth's Best Album

M. Weir | Denver, CO | 06/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had been into black metal for a few years and had heard the name 'Bal Sagoth' many times before I finally decided to give this band a try. I believe I had, at the time, 4 of their albums to choose from but I chose this one based off the totally outrageous long album title. And I'm glad I did as I don't think I would've came away with the same impression of the band had my bal-sagoth cherry been broken by one of their not-as-good releases at the time, such as 'Battle Magic' or 'The Power Cosmic'. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love all six of their releases. Starfire Burning just happens to be the best. This is one of those albums where you never forget where you were and what you were doing when you listened to it for the first time. It's just that special.

From the minute you press play you are whisked away into an utterly f*cking epic world of barbarian sword battles, dark sorcery, esoteric space gods, and betrayal. Okay, I know the word "epic" gets tossed around in the metal scene way too much, but this IS the definition of epic. To this day I still have yet to place Bal-Sagoth in any sort of genre. They are just Bal-Sagoth. Period.

Don't get this confused with cheesy powermetal with lyrics such as "ride the dragon to the sky" or anything like that. The story of this universe, and its past and future, that unfolds across Bal-Sagoth's six albums could easily fill a 10,000 page book if fully fleshed out. And the lyrics are set to an arrangement of brilliantly creative guitar riffs, absolutely mold-breaking keyboard passages, great drumming, and interesting vocals. The best part is that if you read along, and you must if you want the BEST lyrics/story ever penned for a metal album(s) - period! - , the music actually fits perfectly what is going on in the story. Track 2 is a perfect example of this.

The spine-tingling, hair raising emotional ride this album puts you through is practically impossible to muster into thoughts and sentences that actually make sense. Just go pick this up and give it a try for yourself. If you like it, definitely follow it up with 'Battle Magic' and their latest abso-f*cking-lutely-awesome-to-listen-to-I'm-gonna-cry-because-this-is-their-last-recording, The Cthonic Chronicles. Then get the other three. If you like your metal interesting and definitely unique, Bal-Sagoth's entire catalog should be in your collection. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go listen to Starfire Burning for the 9 millionth time.

"

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