Is Bastard a good place to start with Subway to Sally?

Yes, Bastard is recommended as a starting point for new Subway to Sally listeners. A darkly atmospheric blend of medieval melodies and heavy metal, infused with theatrical storytelling and traditional instrumentation. When 'Bastard' was released in 2007, Subway to Sally was solidifying their position in the German medieval metal scene after gaining recognition with previous albums like 'Foppt den Wizard'. This album came as their seventh studio release, following a period of extensive touring and growing popularity, showcasing their continued evolution in sound and thematic exploration.

Bastard works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Bastard?

Bastard has 13 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Bastard

Subway to Sally · 2007

46 min · 13 tracks · medieval metal

A darkly atmospheric blend of medieval melodies and heavy metal, infused with theatrical storytelling and traditional instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Meine Seele brennt Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and powerful vocals, embodying the themes of struggle and existential reflection that permeate throughout.
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Puppenspieler — With its catchy chorus and engaging narrative, this song exemplifies the band's ability to marry storytelling with heavy instrumentation, making it a standout piece.
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Tanz auf dem Vulkan — This track captures a sense of urgency and impending doom through its dynamic shifts and rhythmic intensity, making it a pivotal moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends medieval melodies with metal, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy guitar riff that is quickly joined by traditional instruments, creating a layered soundscape.
Several tracks feature alternating vocal styles, with clean singing juxtaposed against harsh vocals to enhance the theatricality.
The use of medieval melodies is prominent in the arrangements, often leading to shifts in tempo and dynamics throughout the tracks.
The final track concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an echoing sense of atmosphere that contrasts with the heavier preceding songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked a significant commercial success, debuting at number 6 in Germany.
Themes: medieval struggle· theatrical storytelling
Career context: When 'Bastard' was released in 2007, Subway to Sally was solidifying their position in the German medieval metal scene after gaining recognition with previous albums like 'Foppt den Wizard'. This album came as their seventh studio release, following a period of extensive touring and growing popularity, showcasing their continued evolution in sound and thematic exploration.
Stylistic neighbors: In Extremo· Schandmaul· Korpiklaani