Samael is the
black metal legend from Switzerland, formed in 1987 by brothers Vorphalak (vocals, guitar) and Xytraguptor (drums). Known for their dark,
atmospheric style and gradual shift toward industrial and electronic elements, Samael began with a raw, harsh sound deeply rooted
in the first wave of black metal. Their early demos and EPs laid the foundation
for their cult debut, “Worship Him,” in 1991, which helped define the early '90s
black metal landscape. Influenced by bands like Hellhammer
and Bathory, they quickly developed a
personal style that mixed slow, ominous riffs with harsh vocals and occult
themes. Over the years, Samael evolved,
incorporating more keyboards and industrial textures, but their early
recordings remain crucial to their identity.
“Morbid
Metal” is a carefully assembled retrospective box that presents Samael's earliest material in one place, with
attention to presentation, sound quality, and historical value. It includes
four early recordings from 1988–1989 and a previously unreleased live set from
1992. The sound is raw, direct, and primitive, with minimal production and an
authentic underground feel.
The demos—"Into
The Infernal Storm Of Evil," "Macabre Operetta," "Medieval Prophecy," and "From
The Dark To Black"—offer a snapshot of a band taking its first steps in the
extreme metal scene. The guitar tone is thick and heavy, the drumming
relentless and ritualistic, and the vocals harsh and distant. Songs are often
slow to mid-paced, focusing on creating a cold and menacing atmosphere rather
than speed. The songwriting is simple but memorable, with a clear influence
from early Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, though there is already a
recognizable identity forming in how Samael balances
melody with atmosphere.
The 1992 live tracks show the band just before their debut album made them more widely known. The performances are tight and intense, capturing the energy of a band deeply immersed in their craft. The live version of “Into The Pentagram” is especially effective, revealing how well the material translated to a concert setting.
The
presentation of “Morbid Metal” is detailed and thoughtfully curated. The
production remains true to the time period, retaining the rawness of the
original tapes while making the listening experience more consistent across the
set. The inclusion of the hardcover book provides a deeper view into Samael’s formative years, filled with rare photos,
interviews, and background that help paint a vivid picture of their early
journey.
For fans of
early black metal, “Morbid Metal” is more than just a collection—it’s an
important document of the genre’s formative period. The primitive charm of
these recordings still holds power, and the atmosphere they create is unique to
this era of the band. The box also highlights how much vision and intensity Samael had before their first full-length album,
making it a meaningful release for collectors and listeners interested in the
roots of black metal.
Score:
8.5
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