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Reissue of SACRAMENTUM's legendary debut album, "Far Away From the Sun" (1996).
*A timeless masterpiece of majestic Swedish Melodic Black Metal, now remastered by Dan Swanö for unparalleled clarity.
*Presented in a limited-edition 6-panel digipak CD with a stunning new artwork design.
*Includes a 16-page booklet packed with rare insights.
*Features bonus tracks: the "Awaken Chaos" demo version and the "Finis Malorum" EP.
Sacramentum’s Far Away From the Sun stands as an enduring testament to the heights melodic black metal can achieve. Released in 1996, this album offers an enthralling fusion of icy black metal aesthetics and sweeping melodic grandeur, a balance rarely so masterfully executed. Often unfairly overshadowed by Dissection, Sacramentum carves their own identity with a deeply atmospheric and meticulously composed masterpiece.
The guitars dominate the album, weaving a rich tapestry of layered tremolo-picked riffs and mournful harmonies. Each passage is carefully constructed, flowing seamlessly between sections with an innate sense of progression. The interplay of melody and aggression is breathtaking, creating moments of poignant sorrow that effortlessly transition into bursts of raw, unrelenting energy. The melodies feel both triumphant and introspective, evoking a nocturnal landscape illuminated by ephemeral glimmers of light.
The drumwork complements the guitar-driven assault with precision and nuance. Though the production leaves the snare sounding somewhat understated, the dynamic use of tom rolls and reverb adds depth and drama where it counts. The drums act as an undercurrent, subtly propelling the music forward and binding the compositions together with an almost orchestral sensibility.
Vocals are shrouded in reverb, lending a ghostly quality that enhances the album’s mysterious atmosphere. The delivery is fierce yet controlled, a rasp that perfectly matches the epic scope of the music without overpowering it. This choice underscores the immersive ambiance of the record, placing the listener firmly in the heart of its haunting soundscape.
What truly sets Far Away From the Sun apart is its compositional sophistication. Sacramentum understands the art of musical storytelling, building their songs with a precision that feels both calculated and deeply emotional. The architecture of the riffs, the transitions between tempos, and the use of melodic motifs all contribute to a work that feels alive with intent and vision.
While comparisons to Dissection are inevitable, Sacramentum’s approach leans more heavily into the melancholic and the mysterious, trading Dissection’s sharpness for a dreamlike atmosphere. It is an album that transcends mere genre boundaries, offering a listening experience that resonates on a visceral and intellectual level alike.
Though their later works never quite matched the brilliance of this release, Far Away From the Sun remains a high watermark in Swedish black metal. A sonic triumph of cold beauty and melodic intricacy, this is an album that continues to inspire and captivate, decades after its release.
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