Switzerland's SAMAEL has returned to the sound that helped make them a household name, exploring an approach most similar to their classic Passage (1996). Having influenced a multitude of artists over the years, including RAMMSTIEN and recent billboard chart toppers DIMMU BORGIR, SAMAEL has created a record to influence a whole other generation of extreme music fans. Whether you’re a long time fan or just discovering the group, Solar Soul is the record you’ve been searching for.

One cannot help but agree that SAMAEL’s career has been nothing short of illustrious. At the dawn of the '90s, SAMAEL emerged with the genre defining Worship Him, setting the foundation of Black Metal in place for a whole generation. Since then the band has continuously evolved, redefining metal with each album resulting in the bands legendary status.

After six full-length albums and several EPs, SAMAEL has established themselves as a creative force and sonic phenomenon. The bands discography is a series of highlights, unanimously praised by both professional and public listeners alike i.e. Ceremony Of Opposites (1994), Passage (1996), Eternal (1999). Ultimately though, it was their breakthrough album Passage that saw SAMAEL explode into a realm of limitless creativity and endless touring opportunities. This also marked a time for major change for the band; Xy would switch from drums to keyboards, employing the use of a drum machine for now on.

Forged through a decade of constant touring, the reputation of the band’s incredible live performances is well deserved. Hundreds of shows in Europe and America - including numerous festival appearances - continue to build the band’s name worldwide. In 2003, the band made their long awaited return to the US with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and CATHEDRAL to legions of longtime fans.

2004 was the year SAMAEL would release Reign of Light, the bands first full-length after five years of absence. As is the nature of genius, SAMAEL had become restless with their sound and found it necessary to reinvent themselves once again. Lending themselves to a more electronic style this time around, fans and critics were split down the middle about whether to embrace or reject this newest incarnation of the band. Quite frankly some people either got it or they didn’t.

Solar Soul sees the return of SAMAEL the metal band, with some electronic and experimental flourishes thrown in to keep them firmly separated from the rest of the pack. Co-produced once again by Waldemar Scorychta (LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.) to crisp aural beauty, Solar Soul captures one of the bands best productions put to disc yet. A few special guest appareances by Sami Yli-Sirniö (KREATOR) who lends his Sitar skills on "Quasar Waves," along with the beautiful voice of Vibeke Stene (TRISTANIA) on "Suspended Time," help to enhance the band’s already dynamic sound.
Few bands have been able to successfully explore the obscure areas of metal, challenging themselves as progressing musicians and possessing a never-ending hunger for development and creative advancements. Whether you’re a fan of the bands early days, mid-period or more recent works, Solar Soul has something for every era-SAMAEL fan. (read less)

Switzerland's SAMAEL has returned to the sound that helped make them a household name, exploring an approach most similar to their classic Passage (1996). Having influenced a multitude of artists over the years, including RAMMSTIEN and recent billboard chart toppers DIMMU BORGIR, SAMAEL has created a record to influence a whole other generation of extreme music fans. Whether you’re a long time fan or just discovering the group, Solar Soul is the record you’ve been searching for.

One cannot... (read more)