The band incorporates black metal influences and symphonic elements into an overall grandiose canvas, with the elaborate lyrics of Byron Roberts painting a picture of battles in an antediluvian age where Atlantis had not yet been destroyed and the continents were still joined in a Pangaean mass. A predominant feature is the use of epic keyboards played by Jonny Maudling who composes and arranges the music. The guitar, drums and keyboards work together as an integral entity rather like a symphonic work. The vocals of Byron Roberts are a mixture of spoken word and black metal screams making the songs more like stories set to music than anything else. The stories are told like a play, with many characters (or groups of characters, speaking in unison) exchanging dialogue. Byron uses different vocalizations and effects to set them apart. The songs frequently have very long titles. Byron intends to release some short stories and novellas based on his lyrics and also some graphic novels created in collaboration with the artist Martin Hanford.
They currently have six albums out. The music for the latest one, "The Chthonic Chronicles" was recorded and produced at Jonny Maudling's studio "Waylands Forge", while the vocals were recorded at Academy Music Studio, the same studio where the band's previous five albums were recorded.
Crystal Shards
Bal-Sagoth Lyrics
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Enraptured by bloodlust, and nine fire-gems ablaze,
I am beckoned by sylph-spells and the jewelled sword a'gleam,
As the great war-fleet of Ys sails the crystalline waves.
The lyrics of Bal-Sagoth's song "Crystal Shards" describe a scene of intense fantasy and adventure. The singer stands amidst the tranquility of a winter evening, when suddenly he is overcome by a deep sense of bloodlust. This uncontrollable desire is accompanied by the sight of nine fire-gems aglow, which may represent the singer's growing power and his readiness to embark on a great quest.
As the singer is seduced by the magic of the sylph-spells and the shining sword held before him, he gazes out to sea and sees the great war-fleet of Ys heading towards him. The use of the term "crystalline waves" suggests that the sea is particularly unique or magical, and the arrival of the war-fleet may symbolize a pivotal moment in the story. The singer's destiny is entwined with the magical forces around him, drawing him deeper into a world of enchantment and peril.
Line by Line Meaning
I stand engulfed by the moon-magic of a winter eve's dream,
I am overwhelmed by the enchantment of a wintery night, illuminated by the mystical power of the moon.
Enraptured by bloodlust, and nine fire-gems ablaze,
My senses are captivated by a fierce desire for battle, and the fiery radiance of nine precious gems intensify my passion.
I am beckoned by sylph-spells and the jewelled sword a'gleam,
The spells of the sylphs draw me forth, and the shining sword adorned with jewels beckons me towards the battle.
As the great war-fleet of Ys sails the crystalline waves.
The war-fleet of Ys, sailing through the sparkling waves of crystal, awaits my arrival, ready for the impending clash.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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