SAMAEL, the legendary Swiss industrial/black metal band, has released a new single, 'Hail To The Sun', marking a significant return to the forefront of the extreme metal scene. This release is a testament to the band's enduring influence and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. With nearly 40 years of continuous activity, SAMAEL has become a cornerstone of the genre, shaping the dark and heavy soundscape through their unique blend of black, industrial, and symphonic metal.
The single, 'Hail To The Sun', is a powerful anthem that addresses life's challenges and the importance of taking chances. It showcases the band's signature sound, characterized by heavy, stomping rhythms and a blend of dark precision and apocalyptic grandeur. This new track continues the band's journey into the new era, which began with the release of 'Black Matter Manifesto' in 2025, their first piece of new music in eight years.
In a recent interview, SAMAEL frontman Michael 'Vorph' Locher discussed the progress of the band's long-awaited follow-up to 'Hegemony' (2017). He revealed that the album is nearly completed, with some final adjustments and editing being made by drummer Alexandre 'Xytras' Locher. The band aims to release one song this year and the album next year, according to their current plan. Vorph also hinted at the musical direction, suggesting a strong connection to 'Hegemony' while incorporating new elements and a more guitar-oriented approach.
The band's musical evolution is a fascinating aspect of their longevity. SAMAEL's willingness to experiment and adapt while maintaining their signature sound is a testament to their artistic integrity. However, Vorph acknowledges the potential pitfalls of over-tinkering with recordings, highlighting the importance of balance and the need to make decisions that enhance the song rather than getting lost in the details.
The addition of acclaimed Swedish producer Daniel Bergstrand to the production team further underscores the band's commitment to excellence. Bergstrand's involvement in the vocal recording process for the upcoming album is a significant development, adding to the album's overall quality and production value.
SAMAEL's lineup has also seen some changes over the years. The band welcomed Ales Campanelli as the new bassist in June 2020, replacing Pierre 'Zorrac' Carroz. This addition brought a new dynamic to the band, as Campanelli had been playing with guitarist Thomas 'Drop' Betrisey for many years and was familiar with SAMAEL's unique style. The band's guitar duties have been taken over by Betrisey, who has been a longtime member, while Marco 'Makro' Rivao left the band in 2018 to pursue other musical endeavors.
'Hail To The Sun' serves as a powerful reminder of SAMAEL's enduring legacy and their ability to create music that resonates with audiences across generations. It is a testament to the band's artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of extreme metal while staying true to their core identity. As SAMAEL continues to evolve, their music remains a beacon of innovation and a celebration of the dark and heavy soundscape that they have helped to define.
