SATURNUS shouldn't need an introduction but just in case you were born about three seconds ago or only listen to techno accordion pop, the band is legendary.  These melodic death/doom giants formed in 1993 and hit the metal underground with their debut demo, simply titled "Demo 1994.' Since then, the band has not been very prolific.  But when it comes to just about everything, especially music, it is quality over quantity. Every album SATURNUS releases is one that commands attention and is guaranteed to offer no disappointment.  Their fifth album, "The Storm Within,' finally lands after a very long wait of eleven years. It goes without saying but these doomed-out Danes do not disappoint with this massive release.

The album sounds perfect, one of the best produced and mixed albums I've heard all year.  The atmosphere is balanced, offering clarity but never lets the doom and gloom stray too far.  Every little detail can be heard effortlessly yet it can at times also present itself as a massive body of sound. The whole band brings it to another level but Indee's lead guitar in particular is very special across the entire album. It showcases his abilities to play emotional music while keeping in line with the instruments around him. Each solo, each melody, keeps the song/album themes in mind and also helps bring out every detail contained within.

The album opens with the nearly twelve minute long title track. The first three minutes or so is made of clean guitar, keys, and Henrik's impeccable drumming-he knows what each part of each song needs and nails it every time. At the 2:54 mark, the rhythm Guitars ramp up and a death growl rips through. Indee and Julio play a nearly serene clean opening on 'Chasing Ghosts,' which seems like it will be a lighter song but then Brian's deep bass drops like a rock as Mika's keys help build up to insanely deep growls, courtesy of Thomas.  He gives perhaps his best vocal performance on this album-his death vocals are just out of this world fantastic.  He sounds clear yet frightening and Gothic all at once.

From 8:22 all the way to the end, the song is the penultimate example of the emotional prowess of SATURNUS.  The music is an expansive swirl of bittersweet doom and I didn't want it to end. When I first received the promo, 'The Calling' was the first song that I really latched onto.  The opening melodies are infectious and the drum/bass combo is on point.  Thomas' growled lyrics are catchy and the whole song is one long catchy earworm.  The guitars truly soar and the band holds them up with a sterling foundation to allow them to reach these heights. Then we come to "Even Tide,' a song that is very different from the other songs yet the same.  It exemplifies just how well the tracks have been placed in their order.  This song sets perfectly in the middle of the album, allowing a nice break yet keeping the album on familiar ground.  This song doesn't have any metal or growls to it-all spoken word, clean vocals, and clean instruments. However, it keeps the same atmosphere and themes as the other song.

'Closing The Circle,' is built around a melody that begins with keys but is also played by the guitars at various points.  These two instruments compliment each other, giving the song a sense of openness yet because the lead guitar and the very journey of the song is built around the opening minute. The lead guitar shines so bright in this song too. 'Breathe New Life,' is the most aggressive song on the album.  The way the drums drive the opening rhythm guitar riff makes this one a much more direct approach than the other songs.  The bass is thunderous, slapping against the riffs not unlike the breaking of waves against a shoreline.  Thomas' vocal delivery is both potent and catchy, gliding alongside the depressive melodies.

The final song, 'Truth,' begins with clean piano. As the song progresses guitar, keys and spoken word are added to the mix. At the 2:51 mark, Drums kick off expansive but massive riffs and deep growls. I really like the build up to this moment, the band understands when the music should be light and when it should go heavy....it doesn't seem like an arbitrary switching of styles but instead a purposeful and thoughtful approach to songwriting. The massive bass, which echoes the album's cover art, and the highly moving guitar solo are highlights and help end the album on a high notes. SATURNUS' 'The Storm Within' is a darkly beautiful album full of melancholy and stirring emotions.  When I hear albums like this, a part of me wonders why doom metal isn't the biggest genre in the world.  Hopefully we don't have to wait so long for their next album but this one has enough longevity to see us through the waiting.