Saurian Meditation

Karl Sanders

Having long been the driving, creative force behind critically-acclaimed Egyptian-tinged heavy music act Nile, Karl […]
By Panagiotis Koutsompogeras
March 20, 2005
Karl Sanders - Saurian Meditation album cover

Having long been the driving, creative force behind critically-acclaimed Egyptian-tinged heavy music act Nile, Karl Sanders has a deft appreciation and insight of Middle Eastern-based music. Saurian Meditation, Sanders's debut solo release expounds on the mystical sounds and hypnotic passages that he often weaves within Nile's music. Saurian Meditation's exotic instrumentation and rich textures induce mesmeric passageways to the imagination, seducing the listener with alluring waves of sound.
There is an eerie atmosphere throughout this album! You are strongly recommended not to listen to this album if you are alone in your house late at night! Even though this sounds kind of contradictory, what you can additionally find here is ambient elements combined with demonic Egyptian type of melodies. In order to get more pleasure from this music you must close your eyes and let your imagination guide you to places where ancient wisdom reigns. Although this is not a typical Metal album, Metal freaks will find it attractive especially if you are into Nile's philosophy. As it is extremely well known, Karl Sanders plays guitar and partially sings vocals for the Death Metal band Nile.
The singing in some of the songs of this album is performed in a mysterious way which really matches the whole climate. There are many acoustic parts in this album and he must definitely be using many Eastern type of musical instruments such as outi or even maybe bouzouki. If you can imagine a style of music that is like Nile but subtracting the Death Metal elements then what you get is Saurian Meditation.
I think that even Marty Friedman and Joe Satriani would definitely love this album since it contains many Eastern Phrygian passages and generally oriental elements in the songs. It would also be a fine idea if the producers of horror movies would choose some of Karl's themes (not to mention Slayer's or Nile's of course!) to dress their movies - movies mostly about ancient Sumerian, Egyptian themes? Karl plays all the main instruments here with the addition of certain guest musicians.
Do you think you love Egyptian style music? Then my friend seek no further for here lies your musical destiny! If you want to make a difference from mainstream type of music then this is one of the CDs you ought to check out! This is not an easy album for ear devouring and it takes some time to be completely understood! May the wisdom of Ishtar guide us, brothers and sisters!
- Album Highlights: Awaiting The Vultures, Of The Sleep Of Ishtar, Dreaming Through The Eyes Of Serpents  and  The Forbidden Path Across The Chasm Of Self-Realization.

7 / 10

Good

"Saurian Meditation" Track-listing:

Awaiting The Vultures  
Of The Sleep Of Ishtar
Luring The Doom Serpent
Contemplations Of The Endless Abyss
The Elder God Shrine
Temple Of Lunar Ascension
Dreaming Through The Eyes Of Serpents
Whence No Traveler Returns
The Forbidden Path Across The Chasm Of Self-Realization
Beckon the Sick Winds of Pestilence

Karl Sanders Lineup:

Karl Sanders - Guitars

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