Starfire Burning upon Ice Veiled Throne of Ultima Thule [IMPORT]

Bal Sagoth

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 29, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 1996
• Format: Import
• Label: Cacophonous Records
• ASIN: B00005YB5M
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #329,010 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutly Brilliant!, December 25, 2003

By	Andrew S (Chesterfield, MI United States) - See all my reviews

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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST ALBUM EVER!!!, October 2, 2002

By	bertrandt (vancouver, canada) - See all my reviews

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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars blood dripping metal, September 11, 2003

By	torquemada "sweating_demon" (beirut, lebanon) - See all my reviews

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.