Karl Sanders
Saurian Meditations

Surely the most frantic headbangers surfing on debaser will know Karl Sanders as the guitarist and main composer of Nile. Evidently stressed by the furious and uninterrupted brutality of the band in question, our man decided a couple of years ago to take a break to record this solo album.
Before introducing the actual review, I must dutifully preface this: the writer appreciates and admires the technique, style, and attitude of Nile, but cannot handle one of their albums. Meaning: I don't find a logical thread. Don't get me wrong: they're not too heavy, and they're not bad (I love the songs!), but as an album, they just don't flow for me. Sorry if I've disappointed you.

Let's start by saying that this work is extremely atmospheric. Every sound, every instrument (from the intimate acoustic guitar to the powerful gongs up to rare electric guitar solos) is aimed not at itself but rather at recreating ethereal, refined, mythical, but also malevolent and dark environments. As Sanders himself specifies, Egypt is not the only inspiration, but there's also a lot of literature ("Elder God Shrine" is a clear Lovecraftian reference).
Being openly a studio album*, dear Karl has indulged himself with the instrumentation. Besides the use of numerous voices (various religious choirs, but also the dark voices of the priests, the ethereal voice that seems like that of an ancient bard, and others), ethnic instruments abound, both percussions and string instruments. The use of instrumentation is never excessive, and here it is necessary to mention the remarkable songwriting work, extremely fluid, which makes Saurian Meditations a very enjoyable album, with a sure impact.

All that's left is for me to warmly recommend giving it a listen, to immerse yourself in atmospheres of absolute beauty.

* when asked if S. M. will ever be performed live, Karl says: “ I don't think so. Touring with Nile takes up a lot of my time. I have a nine-year-old son and touring with two bands would mean failing him and disrespecting him. ” How sweet, huh? ^^