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Kardinal Sin: S.A.L.I.G.I.A
Kardinal Sin - S.A.L.I.G.I.A Album Art

Kardinal Sin: S.A.L.I.G.I.A

Symphonic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.0/5.0

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AFM Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 14.04.2023 | Released: 07.04.2023

After a five year absence Sweden's Kardinal Sin returns with their studio album, S.A.L.I.G.I.A. The title is an abbreviation of the "seven deadly sins" in Latin. In the Roman Catholic religion they're also known as the cardinal sins (gluttony, greed, wrath, et al). Cardinal sins, Kardinal Sin, the Swedish metal band. While the release is celebrated, it arrives with some loss. Two members have left the band since the recording: keyboardist Thomas Gustafsson and guitarist Joakim Vähätalo.

Kardinal Sin Click For Larger Image

Kardinal Sin: recording lineup

Musically, once more you'll hear Kardinal Sin's trademark Scandi power metal with symphonic synth nuances embellishment. Synths tag team with a twin guitar attack throughout the album. The guitar solos are quite impressive as well. The gallop of power metal is often informed and driven by rock groove as with the song Devastation or In The Line Of Fire. Early on, with the opening track, Danne Wikerman's voice seemed unsettled, somewhat severe, but his vocal harmony and melody began to emerge as I listened through.


Considering a few more songs, the album contains a three part suite called Wasteland Symphony with the songs The Beginning Of The End, Lost Imperium, and The Aftermath. The concept appears to be about a post-apocalyptic earth. Curiously, the suite's songs are not played in succession, but appear as the second, fourth, and last songs. Which makes me wonder if this sequential interruption would, in turn, distract from the continuity of the story.

The title track may be the most interesting, if only for its theological references. First, the seven deadly sins are named in the context of original sin. These sins stay with you through life but then are juxtaposed with their opposing virtues. For example, humility rather than pride or patience rather than wrath. But eventually the lyricist succumbs to ambivalence, or simply dodging moral responsibility. A virtue life can not be lived ... With too many wonderful temptations, There is no way to keep your conscience clean, Yet the righteous way also seems pretty dull, I choose to wander somewhere in between. Essentially, the writer is describing how most people choose to live their lives in this generation.

All in all, Kardinal Sin's S.A.L.I.G.I.A finds the band in fine form, maturing in song composition and offering metal fans a strong platter of Scandi melodic power metal. Recommended.



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The Take Away

Kardinal Sin's S.A.L.I.G.I.A finds the band in fine form, maturing in song composition and offering metal fans a strong platter of Scandi melodic power metal. Recommended.

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