Is Hegemony a good place to start with Samael?

Yes, Hegemony is recommended as a starting point for new Samael listeners. Industrial metal heaviness melds with electronic textures, creating a dystopian soundscape that is simultaneously aggressive and atmospheric. By the time 'Hegemony' was released in 2017, Samael had already established themselves as pioneers in the industrial metal genre since their formation in 1987. This album came nearly a decade after their previous release, 'Lux Mundi,' marking a significant return that showcased their evolution and willingness to experiment with new sounds.

Hegemony works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, themes of chaos and renewal and atmospheric soundscapes for immersion.

How many songs are on Hegemony?

Hegemony has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Hegemony

Samael · 2017

51 min · 13 tracks · industrial metal

Industrial metal heaviness melds with electronic textures, creating a dystopian soundscape that is simultaneously aggressive and atmospheric.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hegemony Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Angel of Wrath — This track exemplifies the album's blend of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies, reflecting the band's ability to evoke both power and introspection.
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Black Supremacy — The controversial subject matter and sharp lyrical commentary make this track stand out as a critical reflection on societal issues, showcasing Samael's fearless approach.
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Rite of Renewal — With its driving rhythm and dynamic shifts, this song encapsulates the album's overall theme of transformation and resilience amidst chaos.

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 blends industrial and metal elements effectively, showcasing strong production and thematic depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a heavy, driving rhythm that persists through the first half, creating a sense of urgency.
Tracks feature layered electronic elements that intertwine with traditional metal instrumentation, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that shift from aggressive sections to more ambient interludes, adding dynamic contrast.
The final track concludes with an extended instrumental outro, allowing the themes of the album to resonate.

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 mid-tempo progression
themes of chaos and renewal
atmospheric soundscapes for immersion
introspective energy for focus
relentless drive for motivation

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification
seek short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in the industrial metal scene.
Themes: dystopian soundscapes· societal critique· transformation amidst chaos
Career context: By the time 'Hegemony' was released in 2017, Samael had already established themselves as pioneers in the industrial metal genre since their formation in 1987. This album came nearly a decade after their previous release, 'Lux Mundi,' marking a significant return that showcased their evolution and willingness to experiment with new sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Fear Factory· Ministry· Strapping Young Lad

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Black Supremacy

A stark contrast emerges when addressing ideologies directly linked to oppression, shifting the narrative from personal to global concerns.

This pivot not only amplifies the song's intensity but also challenges the listener to confront uncomfortable truths about power structures.