The Galilean Satellites is the first studio album by American post-metal band Rosetta, released in 2005 on Translation Loss Records.

The album is two discs long and the track lengths on each disc correspond to each other, indicating that the band intended the albums to be played at the same time. Disc one is in a heavy metal style while disc two is ambient noise.

Production

Originally, the band intended to record a standard one-disc album and use the ambient pieces as segues; however, the band had enough material and the approval from Translation Loss to record a second disc. This setup was inspired by Neurosis' album Times of Grace.

Scott Hull of Pig Destroyer and Agoraphobic Nosebleed fame was originally hired to master the album; however, the band's dissatisfaction with his work caused him to leave the project; Weed did the mastering himself instead.

Release

The album was first released in 2005 in a digipak format, then later in 2006 in a standard jewel case, both on Translation Loss Records. A release for the album on vinyl was hopeful, but a release date is currently not set. Additionally, an acoustic remix of "Au Pays Natal" was also recorded, but is not included in the album; rather, it was released as a download-only track on the band's website.

A 5.1 surround sound DVD-R version of the album was also made by the band. The mix featured the first disc in the front speakers and the second disc played at the same time in the rear. The first version, a plain disc, was sold at shows in 2006, while it was re-released for mail distribution in 2006 and 2007. The DVD also included three live videos. These editions were very limited and are no longer available.

The album's gatefold artwork was designed by Hydra Head Records founder and artist Aaron Turner, after Translation Loss themselves asked Turner to create the art. The band members have stated that they are fans of Turner's work (Isis in particular, to which Rosetta is frequently compared).

Themes

The liner notes contain no lyrics; only the phrase "These songs are about a space man", indicative of the band's fascination with astronomy. The lyrics themselves also seem to be (on one level) about space travel, and make many references to Europa, one of the Galilean moons. The band themselves have stated that the songs tell a story about a man who becomes dissatisfied with the world around him and leaves to find a place of solitude (Europa). However, upon reaching it, he realizes that he left behind things that were meaningful to him.

The track names on disc two all are names of different stars: Deneb, Capella, Beta Aquilae, Ross 128, and Sol (the Latin name for our own sun). The track names on disc one are all French phrases (apart from "Europa", since "Absent" is the same in English and in French).

Track listing

Personnel

• Michael Armine – sound manipulation, vocals
• David Grossman – bass guitar
• Bruce McMurtrie Jr. – drums
• J. Matthew Weed – electric guitar, violin, mastering
• Aaron Turner – artwork

References