Hydra focuses on the law of Thelema. A great metal album with a newer feeling

 

The 5 piece band Satariel weighs in with their latest album "Hydra", recorded at Dug-Out studios (Meshugga, In Flames, Soilwork etc.), with guest appearances by Lenny Blade (Hypnosia), Simon Johansson (Memory Garden).

Unlike alot of dark metal, this album focuses on the law of Thelema (Thelema meaning "Will"). A religious philosophy that was given to Aleister Crowley, by Aiwass (Minister of Hoor-Paar-Kraat) in Egypt in 1904. And hence became the teachings of the Ordo Templi Orientis.

This album is a very nice blend of metal styles. Borrowing from from death, black, melodic and power, just to name a few.

The vocal styles range from melodic, to dark carnivorous and sometimes both. While growling does occur (and what fun would it be without them?), the lyrics are definately discernable, and emotion laden.

The guitar work, is well composed and definately not overly repetitive, with plenty of changes, and emotionally vibes from acoustic, to airy, to balls out crunch, to keep the music fresh and interesting.

The drums keep the emotions of the songs with small intricacies and well placed change ups, that make the music seem to "flow".
And to make the atmosphere complete, synths are there to make it all gel into one cohesive unit. The atmosphere, and fills gives this album a great finished edge.

Songs to check out on this album (while they are all good) are definately,  "Vengeance is hers", with it's melodic beginning, (which continues on and off through the song), and it's powerful riffs, and lyrical content (their feelings on the topic of rape). Vocals are a superb balance of melodic/aggressive.
"Nihil Juggernaut" With it's raw aggressive in your face death feel. While lyricaly alluding to "Will" and the macrocosm / microcosm philosophy.

The break down: A great Metal album, with a newer feel. Definately worth checking out.