Emerging from the Copenhagen metal scene in the early 1990s, Saturnus has carved a unique path through the extreme metal landscape. Their journey, marked by a shift from brutal death metal to a melancholic blend of doom and melody, has garnered them a dedicated following and solidified their place as one of the genre’s more intriguing acts.
Death Metal Seeds: The Birth of Asesino (1991-1993)
The story of Saturnus begins in 1991 with vocalist Thomas A.G. Jensen and bassist Brian Hansen. United by a passion for death metal, they formed the band Asesino, a name that translates to “assassin” in Spanish. This early incarnation channeled the raw aggression of the genre, drawing influence from bands like Death and Morbid Angel. However, the seeds of their future sound were already present. Jensen, with his clean vocals and lyrical focus on themes of sorrow and loss, hinted at a desire for a more nuanced approach.
A Name Change and a Shift in Sound: The Arrival of Saturnus (1993-1997)
In 1993, the band underwent a significant transformation. They shed their death metal moniker, Asesino, and adopted the name Saturnus, a clear reference to the Roman god of time and melancholy. This name change symbolized a shift in their musical direction. While the death metal influences remained, they began incorporating slower tempos, evocative melodies, and a stronger focus on atmosphere. This evolution can be heard in their early demos, like “Og Sangen Blev Død” (And the Song Became Death), which showcased a more melancholic and atmospheric sound.
Building a Legacy: Paradise Belongs to You and Martyre (1997-2006)
1997 marked a turning point for Saturnus. They signed with Euphonious Records and released their debut album, “Paradise Belongs to You.” This record solidified their signature sound – a blend of melodic death metal with elements of doom and gothic metal. Jensen’s vocals became a defining feature, seamlessly transitioning between growls, clean singing, and spoken word passages. Tracks like “Christ Goodbye” and “The Rise of Nakkiel” showcased their ability to weave intricate melodies into a crushing sonic tapestry.
Their follow-up album, “Martyre,” released in 2000, further cemented their reputation. It explored even deeper themes of loss and despair, with tracks like “My World Has Ended” and “Martyre” showcasing a raw emotional vulnerability. This emotional depth, coupled with their evolving musical complexity, resonated with a growing fan base.
Live Triumphs and Lineup Shifts (1997-2008)
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, Saturnus actively toured, sharing stages with notable acts like My Dying Bride and Anathema. Notably, their performance at the Roskilde Festival in 1997, where they played alongside an eight-piece choir, cemented their status as a powerful live act. Despite these successes, the band faced internal struggles and lineup changes throughout this period.
A Period of Hiatus and Return: Veronika Decides to Die and Beyond (2006-Present)
The release of “Veronika Decides to Die” in 2006 marked a new chapter for Saturnus. Inspired by Paulo Coelho’s novel of the same name, the album delved further into themes of emotional turmoil and existential despair. This period, however, was followed by a hiatus that lasted for several years.
However, Saturnus refused to fade into obscurity. In 2012, they announced their return with a new album, “Saturn in Ascension.” This record marked a sonic return to form, showcasing the band’s signature blend of doom and death metal with renewed intensity. The following years saw them sign with Cyclone Empire and release critically acclaimed albums like “Sorrow” (2017) and their most recent offering, “The Storm Within” (2023).
A Legacy of Emotional Brutality
Throughout their career, Saturnus has consistently challenged the boundaries of extreme metal. Their music transcends the genre’s typical aggression, weaving a tapestry of sorrowful melodies and introspective lyrics into a sound that is both emotionally resonant and brutally heavy. As they continue their musical journey, Saturnus remains a vital force in the metal scene, a band that has carved a unique path through the darkness, leaving a legacy of emotional brutality in their wake.
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