Search - Bal-Sagoth :: Battle Magic

All great music

Matthew | 03/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Bal-Sagoth's third CD. It is a true musical masterpiece. Some of the tracks take a while to get used to, but it's well worth your time. For example, I had to listen to 3-"A Tale From the Deep Woods" over a dozen times before I felt comfortable with it, but now it's one of my absolute favorites. Another track that took me a long time to get used to is 9-"Thwarted by the Dark (Blade of the Varmpyre Hunter)". It is now also one of my favorites.Some of the tracks lean towards a sci-fi mood, such as "Return to the Praesidium of Ys", while others have more medieval sorts of fantasy elements.There's a huge amount of orchestral stuff done on this CD (synthesized, yes, but that may actually be part of the charm). Along with that is, of course, the necessary heavily-distorted guitar, and the drums, etc.This CD has a lot of surprises in store for you. One moment there will be a very happy, triumphant-sounding melody, and then it will suddenly become very dark and ominous. You never know what to expect! Although the big surprises wear off after enough listenings, they're still fun.I will admit that I don't like the tracks that have only the synthesizer playing quite as much as the other tracks. These "synth-only" tracks are 1-"Battle Magic", 5-"Crystal Shards", and 10-"And Atlantis Falls...". The synth-only tracks on this CD are actually better than the synth-only tracks on other Bal-Sagoth CDs, but I still don't feel that they have as much of the action-packed feeling that the other tracks do. On the other hand, you may be glad to have a little rest in between tracks so you can catch your breath. Please note that these synth-only tracks are still great pieces of music; they just don't have the same intensity that the other tracks do.Another great thing is that the melodies all sound very different, and they're all very catchy and fun. I mean ALL of the melodies! This band does not throw in filler material anywhere, or if they do then they have sure fooled me.Finally, there is no song on this CD that is not a great song. They are all amazing pieces of music.If you enjoy this CD, then be sure to check out Bal-Sagoth's other CDs too! I strongly recommend their fifth release, Atlantis Ascendant!..."

An Upbeat Masterpiece

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

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nipping at the heels of Bal-Sagoth's second full-length album, 'Starfire Burning', 'Battle Magic' hits you full force with another CD chalk full of utter ear candy. From the whimsical, almost feel good, opening synthesizer intro 'Battle Magic', to the epic fanfare romp of 'Blood Slakes the Sand at Circus Maximus', to the mysterious and suspenseful soundscape of 'Return to the Presidium of Ys', this album covers a wide range of themes and emotions, as any Bal-Sagoth album does masterfully.



Production wise, everything on Battle Magic is much clearer than any Bal-Sagoth album coming before it, though I wish the guitars were a bit more pronounced as there are some interesting riffs. The drumming could've been a bit louder as well. Lord Byrons vocals and the simply fantastic keyboards have taken center stage on Battle Magic. Not a bad thing.



While I like the song composition better on 'Starfire Burning', 'Battle Magic' comes in at a close second place. It should also be noted that this album has a more light hearted feel to it overall, than the ominously thunderous and mysterious sounds of 'Starfire Burning'.



I can pick my favorite song on every other Bal-Sagoth album but each and every song featured on 'Battle Magic' is so good I've given up trying to pick a favorite. As with any Bal-Sagoth album, I'd highly recommend this. Whether it's the first time you listen to it, or the fiftieth, it just never ceases to be an entertaining journey through the mythological universe that Bal-Sagoth's tasty music is set in.



Bal-Sagoth are not for everybody. If you can accept the fact that they are not trying to be the most brutal band on earth, and you appreciate bands that innovate and do their own thing, you should give them a shot. They take their music very seriously and it shows."