Review by Felix on March 31, 2023.

Since the release of "Ceremony of Opposites" I was convinced that Samael are blessed with an extraordinary talent. "Passage" was already a very different but still fantastic work. Nevertheless, at the end of the last millennium, it became more and more obvious that Samael's intentions and my musical taste were no perfect match any longer. "Solar Soul" was another brick in the wall that separated their ambitions from my musical wishes.

First of all, it is no m***l album. Yes, I don't want to write the word m***l in this review, because the sound engineers worship synthesizers, while the guitars are just a subordinate accessory. In addition, none of the "natural feelings" of a m***l album does occur: no anger, no aggression, not even the smallest touch of insanity, no oppositional attitude, no revolutionary emotion. Instead, Samael offer eleven uniform tracks, standardized in length (3:30 – 4:39) and speed. Mid-tempo till death is on the agenda. Switzerland's avant-garde sees the highway, but the dudes prefer to drive on the side street with reduced traffic where life is a long and silent (or should I say boring?) river.

Anyway, let's get back to the sound. If you cherish keyboards bombast, the precision of Swiss clockworks and robots that think they are human beings, you will love the production. But I do not like this objectively flawless mix. It is warm, full and smooth, but without depth or individuality. Additionally, it conveys rather a theatrical mood than a m***lic approach. So one of my last still working brain cells sends permanently the confusing signal: something is wrong here. Why did you buy a heavy pop album? I beg your pardon, brain cell, I am too old to remember.

Due to the absence of riffs, we have to put the focus on the melody lines. They commute between monotonous and great. Yes, the flickering melody of 'Slavocracy' and its slightly menacing mood make this song to the highlight of the album. Apart from this track, the comparatively powerful 'Valkyries' Last Dance' cuts a swath through the jungle of mid-tempo monotony. Nevertheless, I cannot forget the thought that Samael prove their ability to waste their potential in a very dubious manner. The seemingly endless stream of similarly constructed songs leaves me more or less cold, even though the majority of the songs are acceptable. "Acceptable" - what a shameful word in connection with Samael!

Even when it comes to pretty good (pop) harmonies ('Quasar Waves' is based on a charming, oriental tone sequence), "Solar Soul" remains ironically quite soulless. Overall, I see no possibility to join the ranks of those highly respected reviewers who have given this work an amazing high score. My sad conclusion is: competent musicians have recorded an album full of electronic gimmicks and monotonous, not very charismatic vocals whose totality is less than the sum of its parts. Evaluating each piece individually would perhaps result in a higher rating than indicated above. But on the long haul, it's just tiring and a bit limp.

Rating: 6.3 out of 10

Review by Felix on March 31, 2023.

Since the release of "Ceremony of Opposites" I was convinced that Samael are blessed with an extraordinary talent. "Passage" was already a very different but still fantastic work. Nevertheless, at the end of the last millennium, it became more and more obvious that Samael's intentions and my musical taste were no perfect match any longer. "Solar Soul" was another brick in the wall that separated their ambitions from my musical wishes.

First of all, it is no m***l album. Yes, I don't want to write the word m***l in this review, because the sound engineers worship synthesizers, while the guitars are just a subordinate accessory. In addition, none of the "natural feelings" of a m***l album does occur: no anger, no aggression, not even the smallest touch of insanity, no oppositional attitude, no revolutionary emotion. Instead, Samael offer eleven uniform tracks, standardized in length (3:30 – 4:39) and speed. Mid-tempo till death is on the agenda. Switzerland's avant-garde sees the highway, but the dudes prefer to drive on the side street with reduced traffic where life is a long and silent (or should I say boring?) river.

Anyway, let's get back to the sound. If you cherish keyboards bombast, the precision of Swiss clockworks and robots that think they are human beings, you will love the production. But I do not like this objectively flawless mix. It is warm, full and smooth, but without depth or individuality. Additionally, it conveys rather a theatrical mood than a m***lic approach. So one of my last still working brain cells sends permanently the confusing signal: something is wrong here. Why did you buy a heavy pop album? I beg your pardon, brain cell, I am too old to remember.

Due to the absence of riffs, we have to put the focus on the melody lines. They commute between monotonous and great. Yes, the flickering melody of 'Slavocracy' and its slightly menacing mood make this song to the highlight of the album. Apart from this track, the comparatively powerful 'Valkyries' Last Dance' cuts a swath through the jungle of mid-tempo monotony. Nevertheless, I cannot forget the thought that Samael prove their ability to waste their potential in a very dubious manner. The seemingly endless stream of similarly constructed songs leaves me more or less cold, even though the majority of the songs are acceptable. "Acceptable" - what a shameful word in connection with Samael!

Even when it comes to pretty good (pop) harmonies ('Quasar Waves' is based on a charming, oriental tone sequence), "Solar Soul" remains ironically quite soulless. Overall, I see no possibility to join the ranks of those highly respected reviewers who have given this work an amazing high score. My sad conclusion is: competent musicians have recorded an album full of electronic gimmicks and monotonous, not very charismatic vocals whose totality is less than the sum of its parts. Evaluating each piece individually would perhaps result in a higher rating than indicated above. But on the long haul, it's just tiring and a bit limp.

Rating: 6.3 out of 10

Review by Krys on August 19, 2003.

After the break-up of Emperor, thousands of fans eagerly awaited any news from the Samoth and Trym camp hoping for any sort of continuation of this now legendary act. In 2001, Zyklon was the answer and became one of the most talked about underground bands on the planet. Parading an impressive mix of black and death metal, our two ex-members of Emperor teamed up with Destructhor (Myrkskog) and Daemon (Limbonic Art) unleashing their Zyklonic musical vision named "World ov Worms".

Two years after this highly acclaimed release the team returns with not just their most convincing work to date but with an album so complete and powerful that you will wet your bed for the next month straight while being let gasping for air in disbelief and excitement after each listen. With "Aeon" Zyklon not only proved its place in the top league of today's heavy hitters but made a strong mark that it's here to stay and ready to challenge anyone for the crown.

For those unfamiliar with their sound, the simplest way to describe it is as a hybrid between Morbid Angel and Emperor. But this description is as incomplete as your teeth would be when your jaw hits the floor shattering them. Need a proof? Listen to 'The Prophetic Method' and embrace fantastic licks harking Bay Area thrash at its best.

The guitar team of Samoth and Destructhor quickly is becoming one of the best axe duos of today's scene, perfectly complementing each other's skills. At times they are highly technical, but the obvious focus is on quality and creativity in the compositions. The result will blow you away not because of the speed but because of intelligent use of their craft in creating a cold and brutal atmosphere. That's right, atmosphere is the most noticeable change since their debut. An array of mid-tempo sections thunders around a variety of Trym rhythms and the sinister vocals of new member Secthdamon. Don't be alarmed though, Trym still dishes out plenty of whoop-ass by varying his drumming style the overall feel of the album comes as even more brutal and aggressive than "World ov Worms".

There's really nothing on "Aeon" that I can complain about. Every aspect is taken to the highest level and it just makes me wonder how the hell they can top this. Even the mic/bass debut of Secthdamon strikes as the best fit for this band. He uses every vocal style he has in his arsenal and does damn good job with it. Mothers hold your children, the storm is on the horizon and it's unstoppable.

Bottom Line: With the bar set so high "Aeon" not only will it be a challenge for any band to surpass but next time Zyklon themselves might be forced to call for reinforcements. For now though, let's enjoy this essential destruction tool of 2003 and leave this daunting task to unlimited creativity of Zyklon members.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 10
Originality: 8
Overall: 10

Rating: 9.4 out of 10