Satarial - Hydra
Candlelight
2006
CD

Reviewer: The Goat

Thus begins the Education of the Goat.

Satari a l has been in existence for approximately 10 years.  Their first album of record, “Lady Lust Lilith,” was produced by the legendary Tomas Skogsberg.  I was not familiar with their previous work but this gives me (and anyone in the know - wink, wink nudge, nudge) an idea of what they sounded like at that time.

“Hydra” was produced by Daniel Bergstrand and you'll know it right away.  The suffocating closeness of the instruments, the tightly placed sound quality, all speaks to the production style.  I must confess, with little and no knowledge of Satariel's previous back catalogue, I was pleasantly surprised.  It just goes to show, don't judge a death metal album by its innocuous cover art.
If you like your Swedethrashdeath in a Tranquillity “Mind's Eye” era vein, then you will most assuredly love this.  It definitely parched my thirst there.  Just imagine if DT got Mr. Bergstrand behind the helm at that time.  Dual guitars, classical-like elements, keyboards (but not overindulged), clean operatic vocals.  Apparently, Messiah Marcolin, of Candlemass fame, did guest vocals on a previous release (“Phobos & Deimos” the twin moons of Mars). 

There are two extra tracks that are not named (so if you upload this to your iTunes and several question marks arise for some tracks - I accept the blame).  They are almost an after thought with lead female vocals and it is precisely these two tracks that push “Hydra” out of the typical Swedethrashdeath (ahem, this is a patented term by me - send all payments care of…). 
It is really hard to find originality in Swede thrash / death sound these days, but Satari a l manage to sound unique.  No Haunted rips here, no metalcore, no black metal, just straight Swede death / thrash with a touch of Behemoth.  I say Behemoth, because apparently Satariel are followers of Thelema magick and the lyrics reflect this influence like the reference Polish heretics.

Overall, it is an excellent album.  The production is first rate.  The album is well paced to keep the listener's ear from becoming distracted.  There is enough speed and melody to satisfy those longing for the Gothenburg days of yore.  There are enough occult themes in the lyrics to irk the most Crowleyan advocate.  Just don't expect a black metal album and you'll be okay.

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