SAMAEL - Above
March 30, 2009, 15 years ago
(Nuclear Blast)
Oh man, where has this version of Samael been hiding all these years? Abandoning the electro-metal direction of its ‘00s output in favour of a return to black metal-inflected work, Samael has created what is undoubtedly its best record since Passage as these re-invigorated Swiss harbingers of everything metal prove there’s a whole lot left in Samael when it decides to rear its horns. Beginning with the black metal riffery of ‘Under One Flag’ and then letting it rip with impressive album highlights ‘Virtual War’ and ‘Black Hole’, Samael has unbelievably delivered a real-deal metal effort once again (referencing everyone from Mayhem, Slayer and Impaled Nazarene in the process), a move that will hopefully bring large dividends for the band and its long-suffering fan base. The fact that Samael has actually heeded the return-to-extremity call of its most ardent fans is to be commended because, as well all know, not many bands actually listen to their patrons; for that - and for writing a superb record in Above - Samael must be commended in the highest order.
