IN SOLITUDE - In Solitude
March 13, 2013, 11 years ago
(Season of Mist)
Swedish vintage heavy metal band IN SOLITUDE mesh the old school like it was second nature. The band’s 2008 sold out eponymous first full-length gets a re-release including two rare bonus tracks, “Hidden Dangers” from their 2006 demo and a demo version of “Faceless Mistress.” Satanic and occult references set to old school heavy metal, á la MERCYFUL FATE, as well as obvious NWOBHM influences (IRON MAIDEN, DIAMOND HEAD and ANGEL WITCH) puts them almost on par with fellow countrymen ENFORCER, who are in the forefront of the so-called retro metal movement. CD opener “In the Darkness” sets the tone with a dark riff, nice pace and some terrific guitar harmonies in the vein of Shermann and Denner. Chugging MAIDEN gallops rears its head on “Beyond Is Where I Learn” and “7th Ghost.” A splendid THIN LIZZY dual harmony stutter-step riff permeates through “Temple of the Unknown.” In Solitude is by no means reinventing the wheel here, but that’s not even the point. What they are good at is celebrating the music of the great metal bands of yore by bringing a fresh attitude and determination to the table.
