Albert Bell’s Sacro Sanctus – Liber III: Codex Templarum

Chris Galea — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 11:34:15 +0000

“Codex Templarum” is the third chapter (or third ‘book’) from Sacro Sanctus about the Templar Knights. This album chronicles the Templars’ persecution, regrouping and vengeful resurgence.

As in the previous two albums (“Deus Volt” of 2014 and “Ad Aeternum” of 2016), the main sources of musical inspiration seem to be Motörhead, Bathory and Celtic Frost. Unlike its predecessors, however, in “Codex Templarum” Albert Bell (Forsaken, Nomad Son) outsources the services of both a drummer and a guitarist rather than playing most of the instruments himself. I feel this move has been hugely beneficial to the music, as clearly evidenced in tracks such as ‘Order of 13’ or ‘Mater Europa’. Depending on the track at hand, Albert’s singing varies from harsh to whispering to thickly articulated and this helps convey a different personality to each song.

The music still has some riffs which I found a bit laboured but I have no doubt in saying that this is the best Sacro Sanctus album to date. Perhaps delving into a couple of tracks would also serve to illustrate the wider attributes of “Codex Templarum”. So, with this in mind…

‘Order of 13’ is a fist-pumping gem boasting a shred-tastic guitar solo and has the shadow of Lemmy lurking at every corner. ‘Mater Europa’ ponders on the role of the Knights Templars and the Knights of Malta in conceiving the notion of unity through diversity. On the other hand, ‘Rosenkreuz’ looks at the more covert undertakings of the Templar Knights – I absolutely loved the song’s instrumental excerpt which leads to its end.

Also worthy of a mention is the CD booklet which is so beautifully and intricately designed.

With “Liber III: Codex Templarum” the indefatigable Albert Bell notches a trilogy of albums about the Templars. One wonders what other musical (ad)ventures he has in store?

Forsaken – Pentateuch

Chris Galea — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 13:08:34 +0000

For me, a new full-length from Forsaken was one of the most hotly anticipated releases of the year. Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Bible, and this album is in fact the fifth in Forsaken’s history. The title also hints at the whereabouts of its lyrical inspiration, and a recurring theme seems to be the concept of a final judgment for our sins as an attempt to make sense of the chaos on earth. Well at least that’s my own interpretation of what Albert Bell, bass player and main lyricist, has penned. Now,let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the album!

Forsaken specialize in an epic vein of traditional Doom Metal, which in the case of Pentateuch bears a close rapport to the band’s previous two albums, After The Fall of 2009 and Dominaeon of 2005. Where Pentateuch differs is a stronger influence from the NWOBHM and early templates of the Metal genre. This can clearly be heard in the (relatively) uptempo ‘Sabaoth (The Law Giver)’ and with the chorus and melodies of ‘The Dove and the Raven’. This is not to say that Pentateuch isn’t dark, for it does indeed get quite murky at times.

Particularly noteworthy are the inspired solos of Forsaken guitarist Sean Vukovic. Similarly remarkable are the earth-shatteringly heavy riffs of the album. ‘Primal Wound’ weaves some interesting rhythmic patterns into a pulsating tempo. I reckon the aforementioned ‘Sabaoth’ is destined to be a classic in Forsaken’s repertoire. If Pentateuch is inherently epic, then album closer ‘Apocryphal Winds’ is the most grandiose of the lot. Clocking in at almost 16 minutes, it’s the crown jewel of this release, a bewitching and gloriously heavy track. My only complaint is its all-too-sudden ending.

Apart from some minor reservations with the sound, I feel Pentateuch is a masterful addition to the band’s discography. Forsaken’s relationship with Mighty Music has started off on the right foot.

forsaken – Power Of Metal.dk

Albert Bell’s Sacro Sanctus – Liber III: Codex Templarum

Forsaken – Pentateuch