Review Summary: A predictably solid release from the metal veteran.
Karl Sanders as a musician is anything but inconsistent. With extreme precision he calculates the future of notes before they even occur (he is a good guitar player). In this side project, apart from his god killing technical death metal band Nile, he still plays his typical Egypt worshipping music, just without the metal. He also uses various instruments from world music - music from other cultures, and seeks to enchant with the mystical melodies from beyond. As you might imagine, it’s a fairly unique and intriguing project. His previous two albums were both excellent, but is it possible for this boomer to continue his winning streak so late in his career? As always, the answer is still yes.
This is Karl’s third solo album, and it’s starting to sound old hat, yet the hat is still elegant. With the dark tone of the previous album noticeably diminished to the point of nearing non-existence, Karl attempts to fill the space with guitar flurries; not electrical flurries, but rather whatever other exotic instruments he has in his back pocket. The combination of nifty Middle Eastern music with always impressive guitar work is a move that pays off. His once exotic sound is sounding a little similar and predictable, but no less entertaining, with music that practically teleports you back to Biblical times when Pharaohs ruled. If one’s looking to hear more of Karl’s signature Egyptian worship with crazy guitaring - absolutely delicious acoustics this time - there’s plenty here, as well as thunderous percussion, and Arabic vocals. Karl may be possessed by an ancient Egyptian spirit, but he hasn’t lost his soul.
