Given the nature of Samael’s musical endeavors, claiming that one album is the most experimental in their discography might be a stretch. However in the case of 2005’s Reign of Light, few would deny the title to this particular album. Following my personal favorite Samael album Eternal, and with five long years between, it is obvious that the objective here was to change the status quo once again. While Reign of Light remains a metal album, it does so rather loosely with the distinction of a “dance” metal album. Bringing to the forefront the rhythms and beats that have always been a part of the Samael experience since predominately Passage, and creating the album around them rather than simply incorporating them into the music in small doses, Xy and Vorph truly created an anomaly in the metal scene. One could also mention the industrial elements of the album, but in truth they are more subdued than anything before or after that Samael have done. Naturally these elements divided the fan base upon release, with many decrying this album as a commercial “sellout” due in large part to many of the vocals and beats being based on hip-hop rhythms, but in doing so I believe they failed to see the beauty and unique quality in this album. For all of the shock factor involved in this one, there is a more organic and personable quality in both the music and lyrics that make this album Samael’s most accessible and relatable to date. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this album is the most positive and uplifting album they have made, with very little of the lyrics going into attack mode on any of the usual subjects (religion, politics, etc…). Instead, Reign of Light is about self-empowerment and actualization, and few albums in my collection are better suited for helping me get into a creative zone when I need to bring my A game to a project or undertaking.

On the musical front, as mentioned, Vorph’s vocal deliveries are done in rhymes that are largely poetic, and definitely test the limits of what metal purists will accept. If you thought his lyrics were sometimes hard to understand before, this album will leave you behind in the dust. The amount of words, and his use of them to fit within the structure of the song, at times border on the ridiculous (Moongate is a prime example of this). Yet despite these flaws, it never detracts from the overall feel and joy one gets on listening to the songs. If you can simply sit down with the book in hand and follow along, the message delivered more than makes up for the faults. On the other side of the house is Xy, delivering the drum programming and effects as always. He really flexes his creative muscles here, able to escape from the often limiting nature of industrial metal and mix in elements of dance and hip hop that create a different flow altogether. Makro (guitars) and Mas (bass) are as solid as always, with riffs that serve the music rather than the other way around. Nothing that will blow your mind on their own, but often bad ass non-the less.

Individual songs for the most part are quite enjoyable. Opener Moongate serves to immediately establish the feel of the album, and probably stopped more than a few listeners in their tracks. Inch’Allah and High Above are in my eyes the two weakest tracks on the album, with little to inspire a return to them. However the title track is pure fucking gold. Simple yet brilliant in execution, it is little wonder that it has become a mainstay in their live shows. Lyrically it is about as inspirational and empowering as a song can get, with a chorus that absolutely pounds the point home. There is a strong possibility this is the Samael song I have played the most over the years. On Earth uses the tried and true (though often unsuccessful) formula of singing about various cities on Earth and trying to link them together. It is a very good song, and catchy as hell, but not for everyone. Oriental Dawn and As the Sun are both quality tunes, but it is on Further that Reign of Light once again shines. Much like the title track, this song just blends a catchy simplicity with thoughtful and uplifting lyrics to drill its way into your head. Heliopolis and Door of Celestial Peace wrap things up in successful fashion, with the former in particular standing out thanks to some creative riff work blended with tribal drum patterns.

There is no doubt that Reign of Light is the odd man out in Samael’s discography, but for those willing to overlook a few uncomfortable elements (at least in terms of what is traditionally acceptable in metal) it possesses more than enough strengths to be worth your time and money. Not their best, but perhaps their most creative and unique effort.