Saturnus – Saturn In Ascension

Releasedate:30-11-2012; Label: Cyclone Empire
By: Martine Goffard

The Danish band Saturnus doesn’t produce many albums – they have released 4 CDs in 20 years – but when they do, you better run to the closest shop and buy it! This album was awaited with great expectations. Could they possibly do better than the latest “Veronika Decides To Die” (2006), which had already reached the top of what a doom band can create? Without any more suspense the answer is yes, “Saturn In Ascension” does as well and even better.

When most of the doom bands welcome the dusk, Saturnus welcome the dawn. The blackness of the themes, about death, abandon and destruction is balanced by the light melodies and the soft female choirs that appear like pure angels voices to lead you on the path to salvation. As it’s described on the ethereal “A Lonely Passage” death here is a deliverance from the misery on earth. So tired to live, you surrender to the dark for a sweet hereafter. The music is infinitely clean, melancholic, mixing the sobriety of the piano with delicate, refined guitar solos. The growls alternate with a sepulchral spoken voice. Some songs like “A Fathers Providence” insist more on the modern gothic metal, while “Call Of The Raven Moon”, with its flute solo, is a sublime love song tainted by the 19th century’s gothic poems. The delusion and despair go straight into your agonizing heart. “Forest of Insomnia” will make you cry in front of such majestic beauty. Cradled by the cellos of the funeral “Between” you lay down on the cold frost of winter and close your eyes. Your shattered soul is free.

It’s eight delicate requiems that Saturnus offers us. This album is perfection. You must buy it if you are a fan of My Dying Bride, Swallow the Sun or simply… if you have a heart.

Line up:
Thomas A.G. – Vocals
Henrik Glass – Drums
Mattias Svensson – Guitar
Rune Stiassny – Guitar + Keyboard
Brian Pomykala Hansen – Bass

Tracklist: 01. Litany Of Rain 02. Wind Torn 03. A Lonely Passage 04. A Fathers Providence 05. Mourning Sun 06. Call Of The Raven Moon 07. Forest Of Insomnia 08. Between 09. Limbs Of Crystal Clear (remastered Demo-Track from 1994)

Links:
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