Ever wonder what space themed metal might sound like? Merge science fiction themes and metal and there you have it. The self proclaimed "aliencore" band Rings of Saturn is a sterling example of what space themed metal is. They are not the first ones to do it, nor shall they be the last, but they are indeed a terrific milestone for this niche in the extreme metal category. Don't get sidetracked with sub genres or attempting to classify this band and put it in a box, just enjoy the fast, technical, brutal and progressive Lugal Ki En.
This Bay Area band has been around since 2009, having already released two successful albums, Embryonic Anomaly in 2010, and the very favored Dingir in 2012. Finally, the long awaited arrival of Lugal Ki En has been seemingly teleported to earth to in order to take over the extreme metal genre.
It appears that Rings of Saturn has totally abandoned the slow-chugging breakdowns in Embryonic Anomaly, and really focused on the more technical and creative aspects of Dingir. Some may not relish this direction and prefer the more simple style of Embryonic Anomaly, but given their current musicianship and creativity, why should a band not progress and evolve? Dingir was a fascinating album in that it was unique and the band was really discovering their sound. Lugal Ki En is a refined and mature sounding Dingir. Speedy catchy riffs, fast beats, choppy transitions, and even some expressive timing is thrown in small segments enhancing specific qualities and making the entire album a rich experience.
There is hardly anything bad about Lugal Ki En. The only real complaint could be around the production. It's exceedingly clean and refined. In some cases, the guitars are so fast and clean, the music sounds more like a computer or synthesizer has taken over and is just producing astonishing sounding grooves. Perhaps this is the tone the band was aiming for, but I perceive it takes away from the music as a whole. This in no means results in the album being inadequate, but was just an observation that grew after deeper analysis.
The opening track "Senseless Massacre" is a dominant track. It's more of a traditional sounding ROS song that just starts off shredding flesh through a jet fueled turbine. Its blistering speed fuels the song until there is around 40 seconds left. It then drifts into a calm, ambient tune that closes the track and gives the listener a taste of what is to come.
This drifting ambient-like journey is a common occurrence on this album. It's mixed once or twice through a song, and can be compared to a catchy alien version of Between The Buried and Me. This progressive twist rarely occurred on Dingir, and is what sets this album apart, and produces such a creative campaign. This advanced focused direction is absolutely the best attribute on this record. These distinguishing segments are magically unified within portions of the songs in a manner as not break up the progress or mood of each track.
"Lalassu Xul" opens with a somewhat annoying guitar tune that sounds uncomfortable and very awkward, but after the first 50 seconds of this mindless strumming, the band gets to work sorting the mutilated flesh from the waste piles created previously by their relentless turbine. Fast paced break downs and memorable riffs tied into a chorus-type structured song makes for an extremely groovy and mind-melting experience. The final 30 seconds closes with a brilliant guitar solo, then a breakdown-like jam ending with a satisfying and abrupt halt.
If technical extreme metal is a genre that you enjoy, there is no doubt Lugal Ki En will satisfy. It's not for everyone, but those who really enjoy this type of metal will be spinning this disk for some time. A solid 9/10 for the technical progression and progressive feel this band is now focused on.
Be sure to view the video with 3D glasses for an enhanced experience.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQYWC9ezebw[/youtube]
