About this album
Where they were
Released in 1998, 'Battle Magic' marked Bal-Sagoth's third album following their acclaimed sophomore effort 'Starfire Burning Upon the Ice-Veiled Throne of Ultima Thule.' At this point, the band had solidified their unique blend of symphonic elements and black metal, further developing their signature narrative style. The album came during a period when they were gaining traction within the underground metal scene.
Why it matters
'Battle Magic' received critical acclaim for its ambitious composition and theatrical storytelling, helping to define Bal-Sagoth as pivotal figures in the symphonic black metal genre. The album's intricate arrangements and lush orchestration influenced many subsequent bands and contributed to the rise of fantasy-themed metal in the late '90s.
Essential tracks
- "Blood Slakes the Sand at the Circus Maximus" — This sprawling track combines intense instrumentation with rich storytelling, capturing the album's thematic essence of epic battles.
- "When Rides the Scion of the Storms" — The song showcases Bal-Sagoth's trademark blend of ferocity and melody, emphasizing their ability to create a vivid musical narrative.
- "A Tale From the Deep Woods" — This track features atmospheric elements that transport listeners into a mystical realm, exemplifying the band's fusion of metal and fantasy.
Release Date
January 1, 1998
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
- 1 Battle Magic 2:45
- 2 Naked Steel (The Warrior's Saga) 4:44
- 3 A Tale From the Deep Woods 5:36
- 4 Return to the Praesidium of Ys 6:29
- 5 Crystal Shards 2:17
- 6 The Dark Liege of Chaos Is Unleashed at the Ensorcelled Shrine of A'zura-Kai (The Splendour of a Thousand Swords Gleaming Beneath the Blazon of the Hyperborean Empire, Part II) 4:14
- 7 When Rides the Scion of the Storms 6:16
- 8 Blood Slakes the Sand at the Circus Maximus 8:53
- 9 Thwarted by the Dark (Blade of the Vampyre Hunter) 6:18
- 10 And Atlantis Falls... 2:22
