Bal-Sagoth

Who around here knows much about this band? Are all of their albums concept albums? Are they an 'evil' band? Are they weaving a story from their very first album until their latest? Are they still together?

i like them alot. i wouldn't say there is anything evil about them. their lyrics are more fantasy/sci-fi type stuff. they are still together. they just released The Chthonic Chronicles last year.

mc666 -- do you know any more about them? I am actually listening to Chtonic Chronicles right now. Have not read the lyrics. I would describe this CD as sort of symphonic extreme metal. Actually quite good.

well i know they formed in 89 & have had at least 6 albums.

according to a website they took their name from Robert E. Howard's story entitled "The Gods Of Bal-Sagoth".

they do indeed play a form of extreme metal, but it's as you say, very symphonic & epic in presentation. their lyrics are story based & very intelligent.

Hmmm...I always thought they were death metal with misleading album covers! Haha. Every time I see an album I want to buy it, but thought they were death metal.

Any comparisons? I could probably check MySpace or something, huh?

Just went to Metal Archives. Lyrics based upon Epic Fantasy, Sci-Fi, in the vein of H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Very symphonic, but extreme vocals that fit quite well with the music. Every metalhead should check this band out.

I especially think Kmorg would like them.

Bal-Sagoth are hard to pin. They have elements of black metal (especially their first 2), death metal, power metal, symphonic metal, etc.

Their lyrics are like a fantasy novel, mixed with a comic book, mixed with sci-fi themes.

A unique band. Kinda goofy. They remind me variously of Rhapsody, Dimmu Borgir, Mechanical Poet, Manowar, Hawkwind, and the NWOBHM warmongers Tank. Confused? Me too.
Melodic, epic death metal I guess. I like them in principal, but I hardly ever listen to them.

Anything like Therion? Those descriptions have me thinking Therion.

sort of, with their grandiose arrangements. they are not quite as orchestrated as Therion though.

I'd say it's more like Moontower than Therion...lotsa cheesy synths. But not to be taken seriously. Fun...like Mechanical Poet.

They are like neoclassical power metal with keyboards and black/death metal vocals. Maybe they are a little like Children of Boredom. Grandios and silly IMO.

The best thing about them is the album title of Star-Fire Burning Over the Ice Veiled Throne of Ultima-thule, and the song titles of the aforementioned album. Hilarious!

These guys RULE!!! Hung out with them in Minneapolis at Heathen Crusade 2 and then again in the airport on the way out. The front man is the best front man I have ever encountered!!!