Samsara - Charon's Lullaby
By Flork
Emerging from the remnants of the Black Death Metal band MORS OMNIA SOLVIT in 2009 (which is a latin saying meaning Death Solves Everything), Samsara was initially conceived as a side project by guitarists Tibor Š. and Martin M. Their journey into the depths of atmospheric doom metal began as a whisper, a reflection of the cyclical nature of birth and death, from which their name derives. Over the years, the band grew in stature, garnering praise for their evocative compositions and captivating live performances. And despite facing pivotal changes in 2015, with the departure of drummer Peter J. and then a bit later, co-founder Martin M., Tibor Š. remained resolute in his vision for Samsara. With unwavering determination, he continued to uphold the band‘s legacy, orchestrating performances with the assistance of a temporary lineup, including Nickolas V. on drums, Brigita L. on bass, and Peter M. on guitar.
In 2017, Samsara unveiled their debut album, When The Soul Leaves The Body, under the banner of SMA (Slovak Metal Army). Recorded between 2012 and 2015 at the J. Kankulu studio in Partizánske (Upper Nitra Valley), the album bore the creative imprint of the Topoľčany band‘s founding members.
Now, in the present day, Samsara presents Charon's Lullaby, a haunting 4-track album (it is not an Ep) that delves deeper into the recesses of the human psyche. The title track, which spans nearly eighteen minutes and launches the voyage, serves as an opus of existential reflection, drawing on parallels to the solemn voyage of Charon (the lonely ferryman) across the river Styx. Tibor Š.‘s vocals, guitars, and samples conjure a haunting atmosphere, while the interplay between Lubo Čahoj‘s guitars and Martin Sokol‘s bass adds layers of depth to the sonic tapestry.
Buried Love provides a brief interlude, a moment of respite amidst the brooding darkness. Beautiful female vocals take over, very lullaby in nature, unfortunately I have little to no information on guest performers or producers of this album to give credit to. The lady sings extremely well, adding touches of celestial life to a barren landscape of death. Hats off to whomever recorded and mixed this album, as the sound quality is top-notch, with its ambient washes and moments of balance between light and heavy. The album‘s centerpiece, Sleeping Beauty, unfolds over fourteen mesmerizing minutes, and here, Samsara explores the ephemeral nature of existence, weaving a hypnotic web of melody and melancholy that ensnares the listener in its embrace. I am captivated by this music and my emotional side longs for more.
Closing out the journey is Memories, a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the ghosts that linger in its wake. Like Buried Love, this track is only 4 minutes or so long, but extending it would be futile. Through evocative lyrics and impassioned delivery, Tibor Š. brings the EP to a haunting conclusion, leaving a lingering sense of melancholy in its wake.
And Mr. Flork’s prognosis? Well, I have to say that I enjoyed this album immensely. Charon's Lullaby is the result of Samsara‘s evolution as a band. It demonstrates their ability to traverse the darkest depths of human emotion and emerge with music that resonates on a profound level. Each of the four tracks lure the listener into a world of introspection and catharsis, forging a connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death, and perhaps beyond. Well-written and composed with attention paid to the smallest of details, Samsara places high on my list of bands to look out for in 2024.
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