Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Since their inception, Saille has consistently released some of the best Black Metal albums around. Hailing from Belgium, they have just released their fourth full-length called Gnosis. This album is light-years ahead of previous efforts as it is more guitar-driven and relies less on symphonic keyboards and is overall heavier than its predecessors. Also in this release, Saille has taken a page from Emperor’s playbook and has added a layer of technicality to it. Although I’ve not heard any band as ever being described as Technical Black Metal, Saille (as well as late-era Emperor) surely fits the description.

Gnosis simply destroys from start to finish, with every song sounding unique and full of riffs, savage drumming, thunderous bass, and excellent vocals. The production is extremely well done and every instrument (as well as the vocals) sound equal in the mix. Who says that great black metal only has to have crappy production? Some standout tracks include Pandaemonium Gathers, Genesis 11:1-9, Prometheus and 1904 Era Vulgaris.

Saille is slowly but surely making their mark on the Black Metal scene. If they keep releasing albums like this, they will be the band to beat before too long. Gnosis is definitely a standout release of 2017 and currently in my top-5 metal albums of the year so far. Do yourself a favor and support this awesome band by picking up Gnosis and hear what true black metal is all about!