BYRON ROBERTS

BAL SAGOTH

In the next episode of Metal Portal's X Commandments we would like to present you a list of 10 milestone classic albums drew up by Byron Roberts- a charismatic leader of British band BAL SAGOTH- symphonic black metal precursors, one of the most unique groups on extreme music scene. Here they are...

I. METALLICA “Master Of Puppets”
Not only the best Metallica album, but one of the best albums ever recorded, in any genre of music. This was when the world realized that metal was a valid art form which was capable of expressing compelling ideas in a dynamic and erudite way. This album has never been equalled or surpassed, and it never will be.
 
 

 
II. SLAYER “Reign In Blood”
Masterful riffs, outstanding lyrics, and ceaseless aggression, all wrapped up in about 28 minutes of finely honed, metallic perfection. The best Slayer album ever, and one of the best metal albums, without exception.
 



 
 
III. BATHORY “Blood Fire Death”
This album is my favourite Bathory opus, and one of the primary influences on me in the creation of my own band. A genre was created here, and this album is infused with unparalleled atmosphere, as well as being the undying source of inspiration for countless artists over the years. These songs are unforgettable, and this album is the ultimate expression of raw, epic black metal.
 

 
IV. CELTIC FROST “To Mega Therion”
The finest Celtic Frost album, and a fantastic journey into a realm of baroque extreme metal and dark poetic art. No other CF album ever quite matched up to this one, and it still stands as one of the most influential and compelling metal albums ever.
 
 


 
V. MORBID ANGEL “Altars Of Madness”
Probably the best death metal album ever recorded, this is an extreme, labyrinthine masterpiece. With riffs born of sublime artistic nightmare and outstandingly sinister and Lovecraftian lyrical topics, this album remains unsurpassed as the pinnacle of Morbid Angel's twisted genius.
 

 

 
VI. DEICIDE “Deicide”
One of the ultimate manifestations of brutal death metal, this benchmark album is a pitiless and punishing storm of excellent riffs, powerhouse drumming and malefic, hatred infused vocals. The purest and most potent expression of Deicide's merciless Satanic crusade.
 
 


 
VII. SABBAT “History Of A Time To Come”
The debut album from Britain's best thrash band, and still their most effective and memorable opus. Their compelling pagan image, fused with their great riffs and elaborate finely crafted lyrics, makes this album an enduring highlight in the realm of thrash metal.
 
 


 
VIII. IRON MAIDEN “Powerslave”
My favourite Iron Maiden album. This was the mighty Maiden at their unassailable peak. Heavy metal perfection.
 




 
 
IX. JOHN WILLIAMS AND THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA “Star Wars” soundtrack
I include this masterwork here not only because I'm such a big Star Wars fan, but because it was the first LP I ever bought as a child, and it ignited my enduring appreciation for classical music, and music in general.


 
 
 
X. BASIL POLEDOURIS "Conan The Barbarian" soundtrack
One of the very best film score albums ever created. Conception and execution in absolute harmony.








CV:
Real Name: Byron Roberts
Stage Name: Lord Byron
Function: vocals
Associated: BAL SAGOTH