Warthur Half a decade had passed since Atlantis Ascendant, but when Bal-Sagoth returned for The Chthonic Chronicles little in the way of musical growth could be discerned. If anything, I think their symphonic black metal sound has regressed a bit - it's competently performed stuff, but the compositions are a bit too neatly divided into "narrative bit, symphonic bit, black metal bit" for my liking. Hardcore fans of the band will enjoy their continued exploration of classic pulp fantasy, SF and horror themes through the strange black metal/power metal mashup they offer, but to be honest I find that Bal-Sagoth are a joke which has run its course by now.

arcane-beautiful Ah, Bal-Sagoth.

When it comes to this band, their are many groups, either you love them, just like them for what and who they are, or just don't understand them at all. And I love em...

This band is so unique, taking a symphonic black metal sound, mixing it with soundtrack esque music. Adding Byron's amazing narration and epic growling, and the concept which basically is a further installment of the Necricomicon, but still you gotta love em.

This is the last album they made, and I heard they might not make another, which is an absolute shame, because the world really needs more of this band.

1. The 6th Adulation Of His Chthonic Majesty - Epic evil instrumental, with killer narration. Very Rhapsody. 9/10

2. Invocations Beyond The Outer-World Night - Very Chthonic (I mean both concept wise, and with some dashes of Tawainesse symphonic black metallers). The odd language spoken always makes me laugh (coo coo coo ra). 10/10

3. 6 Score & 10 Oblations To A Malefic Avatar - A bit like an anesthetic punch in the face (I should know about that, having one of me teeth fixed today, painful much). Epic as hell. 10/10

4. The Obsidian Crown Unbound - Wow, what an intro. The brass and symphonic glissando's are amazing. Savage riffing. 9/10

5. The Fallen Kingdoms Of The Abyssal Plain - Sounds like Disney gone mad. Some nice atmosphere and noise. 9/10

6. Shackled To The Trilithion Of Kutulu - Some nice black metal riffing. Byron sounds like he's on the brink of orgasm at times. 9/10

7. The Hammer Of The Emperor - Some nice arrangements. Beautiful guitar work at the end. 9/10

8. Unfettering The Hoary Sentinels Of Karnak - Some nice guitar work. Petty kick ass and frantic. 9/10

9. To Storm The Cyclopean Gates Of Byzantium - Another Disney esque instrumental. 8/10

10. Arcana Antediluvia - One of the more contemporary songs (can Bal-Sagoth have that). Quite catchy and very battle metal 10/10

11. Beneath The Crimson Vaults Of Cydonia - Pretty epic with some amazing vocals. Love the Megadeth like mantra (Crush them, grind them, slay them all). 10/10

12. Return To Hatheg-Kla - Quite Merzbow. Very atmospheric. 8/10

CONCLUSION: If you need an epic soundtrack to go into battle, buy this album, it will heed you well.