Bal-Sagoth

Okay, I know right now that this band is going to be too heavy for some of you. While I initially disregarded them as just another black metal band, I quickly changed my attitude when I looked deeper into their lyrics. As I can not write a better description than what Wikipedia has, I'll just refer to its description of The Multiverse, in which all of Bal-Sagoth's lyrics are about.

The "Multiverse" is the alternate reality in which the lyrics of Byron Roberts are set. Based on ideas similar in concept to H. P. Lovecraft, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and especially Robert E. Howard, the Multiverse is mostly past tense, wherein Roberts describes ancient events that have already transpired. Worldwide floods, pan-galactic wars, rogue demigods, ancient empires and kingdoms, and sinister artifacts compose this alternate history of the earth. Mythical places such as Atlantis, Hyperborea, Ultima Thule, Ys, Mu and Lemuria feature prominently in the band's Antediluvian World. Additionally, many of the lyrics are set within the framework of recognizable history, with a cast of characters including historical barbarians, gladiators, corsairs and privateers, archaeologists and occult investigators whose exploits take place during recorded history from Roman times through the age of Reason, the late 19th century and early 20th century. Along with Byron's other, more science fiction oriented lyrics detailing a far future era of galactic struggle and interstellar war, the Bal-Sagoth lyrics span countless aeons and are truly epic in scope.

Oh, I should also mention that this band apparently loves REALLY long song titles. This song, for example, while being good, on its own, I knew I had to post it simply because of its redonkulously long title. This is *takes a deep breath* The Dark Liege of Chaos is Unleashed at the Ensorcelled Shrine of A'Zura Kai (The Splendour of a Thousand Swords Gleaming Beneath the Blazon of the Hyperborean Empire Part II) from their third album, Battle Magic.



Next is, The Thirteen Cryptical Prophecies Of Mu off their fourth album, The Power Cosmic.



And lastly, Shackled To The Trilithon Of Kutulu from their latest (And perhaps, last) album, The Chthonic Chronicles.



I doubt you picked up many of the lyrics that weren't spoken, which is a shame because the stories told are so brilliant. I HIGHLY recommend you find proper lyrics and the booklets with more back story and take in the entire discography in one sitting. Imagine it a black metal book on tape.