THE GALILEAN SATELLITES

The Galilean Satellites by Rosetta is a landmark album in the Post metal genre, in my opinion at least. It helped establish Post metal as a genuine genre, along with Oceanic by Isis, Somewhere Along the Highway by Cult of Luna, Through Silver In Blood by Neurosis, and Australasia by Pelican. It not only helped establish the genre, it influenced many bands and musicians to go on and create their own music.

The album consists of two discs, each a little over an hour in length. They are intended to be played at the same time, in a similar vain as Times of Grace by Neurosis. The first disc are the band's regular Post metal, and the second disc is ambient tracks that fit in with the first disc. How apt. Musically, the album's sound is the classic, sludgy Post metal sound, but there are also the quieter, more atmospheric parts to balance out the sound. Lyrically, the album deals with themes of astronomy and space travel, similar to how Cult of Luna would eventually do on their album Mariner with Julie Christmas.

The Galilean Satellites has to be one of my personal favorite Post metal albums. Also, Europa, the second song, has to be one of my favorite songs of all - time, period. This album is essential Post metal listening, and it is key in the development of the genre. In my opinion, if you are a fan of Post metal, or you're getting into the genre, The Galilean Satellites is essential listening.