Style: Epic black metal, pure cheese
Primary Emotions/Themes: The cosmic beings and the mighty power they hold, the best keyboard work this side of the milky way
Thoughts: When I first heard Bal-Sagoth it was Starfire Burning Upon the Iceveiled Throne of Ultima Thule. That is one of the biggest mouthful's I've ever uttered for an album title. The song titles aren't much better. What did matter though was their incredibly unique music.
Bal-Sagoth in written description can seem like an exceptionally serious band. They sing about great sorcery, mystic beasts and vast legends. On The Power Cosmic they speak about the powers that forged the universe and the clashing between good and evil. The music has a strong interplay between guitar and keyboards with both instruments serving as the lead in various parts of the songs. Often times they will compliment each other so well that the song would be severely lacking if either instrument were to be taken out.
The drums and bass are an excellent compliment to the melodic leads. The drums on this album are played by none other than Dave Macintosh (later of Dragonforce fame). Then there are the vocals. This is perhaps the most distinctive and unique part of the band. The minority vocal style is a typical black shriek that is used for specific characters and emotions. The primary vocal style on display here is a deep narration that carries weight and authority to it. It's emotive and highly engaging.
Everything on paper sounds like this should be high epic fantasy that leads me into the depths of fantasy. The truth of the matter is that this is perhaps one of the cheesy albums I've ever heard. Those epic keyboards intentionally use the worst of the worst synthesizers. The guitars compliment these keys in the best way possible by accenting the notes with their own melodies. The interplay between the two is very well done, but it feels more like a Conan or Flash Gordon soundtrack than anything out of Lord of the Rings.
The vocals... oh the vocals. Byron's narration is what makes this band for me. He not only narrates, but he does it with such authority and conviction that it feels like he truly believes that he is delivering the mightiest of speeches. I've never heard anything quite like his vocal delivery in another band. Bal-Sagoth stands alone.
Despite the cheesiness, this album is pure quality. The music is catchy, and oozes quality. It tells me that the band is intentionally putting the cheese in intentionally to further their sound. The Power Cosmic is instantly recognizable, as is the rest of Bal-Sagoth's discography. This is without a shadow of a doubt... amazing.
Written February 6th 2024
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