Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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Solemn Vision’s sophomore album, “Despite the Rise of the Sun,” dropping via Black Lion Records on October 20th, 2023, is a relentless explosion of contemporary melodic death metal, beckoning the listener deeper and deeper with their raw energy, intense and aggressive vocals, incredible guitars, gut-busting drums, and incredible arrangements. This album fully encapsulates their raw energy and incredible musicianship.
The band, which features Aaron Harris on vocals, Anthony Rafferty on bass, Kadin Wisniewski, Mauricio Cornejo on guitars, and Carlos Crowcell on drums, seems to be on a rapid trajectory towards the stratosphere with this upcoming release, with just the right push and the right ingredients to get them onto the international stage.
Kicking off their latest effort, “Farther From the Flame” thrusts you into the album’s world with an immediate gut-punch. It’s a relentless onslaught featuring savage vocals that pierce through the mix, complemented by killer guitar riffs adorned with tasty pinch harmonics. The song is driven by rattling blast beats that set a ferocious tone and an ominous atmosphere, establishing the intense journey that lies ahead.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Avarice” and “Gates” only intensify the sonic and sensory assault. These songs not only showcase Solemn Vision’s exceptional musicianship but also come with an unapologetic rhythm section that hits like a sledgehammer. “Avarice,” in particular, carries hints of Dimmu Borgir’s signature grandeur, which elevates its epic and haunting qualities even further.
“A Debt To The Wraith” takes you on a journey deeper into the album’s darkness by expertly blending aggression and melodic complexity. The track seamlessly transitions between these elements, creating an intense and multifaceted listening experience.
It’s here that you’ll find a respite, as the first half of the track “On The Eve Of Silence” offers a brief moment to catch your breath. This allows you to process the intense onslaught you’ve just been served. The song employs clean vocal melodies in the verses, which provide a melodic contrast to the more aggressive choruses. In the latter part of the track, harsh vocals take command, creating a dynamic shift that evokes an epic doom atmosphere. This captivating journey is bound to draw you back for more, as you explore its intricate layers.
“Sea Of Trees” emerges as a standout with its rich melodic landscape. This mid-tempo track carries shades of Opeth in its sound, offering a blend of brutality and impressive vocal interplay. The contrast between spoken word and harsh vocals adds depth to the song, creating a compelling and evocative sonic landscape.
In contrast, tracks like “Bane And Benumbed” open with an ethereal and haunting sound, living up to their dark title. This introduction lulls you into a false sense of calm before unleashing heavy riffs that hit like a ton of bricks. The track’s ability to shift from eerie atmospheres to crushing intensity really adds incredible depth.
“Unfinished Tapestry” seamlessly combines melodic guitars with unmatched ferocity, creating a sonic journey that keeps you engaged throughout. The juxtaposition of melodic and aggressive elements is particularly striking, with a clean guitar section that bears the influence of contemporary jazz fusion. This infusion of jazz-like clean guitar work adds a unique dimension to the song, leading into a distorted solo with an incredible melody. An underlying synth provides an additional layer to the track, evoking vibes reminiscent of Cradle of Filth’s “Dusk And Her Embrace” era, creating an atmosphere of dark enchantment.
Meanwhile, “The Cerebral Labyrinth” is a complex and intricate journey through intricate arrangements and powerful vocals. This track highlights the band’s growth and maturation, revealing their ability to handle complex musical structures with ease. The song’s compelling arrangements and commanding vocals illustrate just how far the band has come in a relatively short period. It’s a testament to their dedication and evolving artistry.
The album’s closure with a dark, moody, and exquisitely beautiful acoustic version of “Unfinished Tapestry” provides a reflective and introspective ending to the journey. This acoustic rendition brilliantly highlights Aaron’s clean vocals. It’s a poignant and contrasting conclusion to an album that has taken listeners through a wide range of emotions and musical experiences, leaving a lasting impression of Solemn Vision’s artistic depth.
“Despite the Rise of the Sun” is a testament to Solemn Vision’s mastery, taking their craft to a whole new level! This album sees a redefining of the genre, breaking the norms and pushing boundaries! If Solemn Vision isn’t already on your radar, you’re not going to want to miss their upcoming release! This is definitely a band to watch!
Verdict: 4.5/5
*** Also, if you’re in the New York City Metro area, be sure not to miss Solemn Vision’s album release show Thursday, November 2nd at Main Drag Music in Brooklyn, NY! Info below! ***
Ethereal Metal 
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