Samael - Ceremony Of Opposites
1994 Century Media

Track Listing:
1.  Black Trip
2.  Celebration Of The Fourth
3.  Son Of Earth
4.  'Til We Meet Again
5.  Mask Of Red Death
6.  Baphomet's Throne
7.  Flagellation
8.  Crown
9.  To Our Martyrs
10. Ceremony Of Opposites

Line-Up:
Vocals:  Vorphalack
Guitars:  Vorphalack
Bass:  Masmiseim
Drums:  Xytras

Website:  www.samael.info

Uncle Meat's Rating:  B
Average Album  Rating:  B

Uncle Meat's Review:
Samael was a band I had never heard of before until I read an article in Metal Maniacs, can’t remember the date, about the band.  Nothing earth shattering but it piqued enough interest in me to pick up Ceremony of Opposites and soon after Rebellion.  One of the first things I noticed about the band is that their songs are very compact.  Ten songs in a littler over 36 minutes.  Nice and to the point.

Another thing I noticed about Samael is that the sum is often greater than the parts.  They are talented players, but put them together and you have a complete album.  Certain aspects of this playing are second rate, I’m thinking of the guitar playing right now.  As part of the overall song, it sound perfect.  One aspect that I love is the vocals.  Deep, angry, and forceful without being too much in any one area.  The voice also doesn't sound too whiney.  Quality black metal.

Song summaries include...

1. Black Trip - This track has two speeds:  Slow and slower.  The guitars hang in the air just long enough to really punch up the drumming.  Vorphalack’s tortured vocals are another standout.  A
2. Celebration Of The Fourth - The guitar and keyboard really drive this track.  Although neither is particularly inventive they play well off each other.  B- 
3. Son Of Earth - This track makes excellent use of space.  Before the verse kicks in, the drums are given a chance to be heard.  The guitars, up front in the mix, pick up in intensity in the last minute of the song.  B+
4. ‘Til We Meet Again - The hit-hat opening of this track is a great idea.  I’ve heard it said the this opening should be used for a wrestler.  Anyway...again very sparse use of keyboards.  The bass is low, but somewhat audible.  The guitar in this track is the same riff you have heard a million times before but slower.  B
5. Mask Of Red Death - Love the entrance of keyboard and guitar on this track.  The sound effects/samples are also a nice touch.  The keys add a nice background/atmosphere to this track.  B
6. Baphomet’s Throne - Best opening ever.  Very aggressive.  The guitar doesn't seam to be that strong in this track.  B-
7. Flagellation - My personal favorite.  The keyboard drives almost sound goth by comparison, but never sound cheesy.  The verse/chorus sections have some heavy riffs, typical black metal not as forceful as death metal.  A
8. Crown - This song really picks up about two minuets in.  Other than that it sounds like any other song from this album.  C
9. To Our Martyrs - The guitar sounds more forceful on this song.  Very little keyboard, excellent drum sound.  B-
10. Ceremony Of Opposites - Slow.  Very droney.  The stuttered guitars in the middle add to the feel of foreboding this track is going for. T he keyboards at the end drag on a little too long.  B 

Uncle Meat's Rating:  B

Also be sure to read:
Samael - Blood Ritual by Uncle Meat
Samael - Rebellion by Uncle Meat
Samael - Worship Him by Uncle Meat