CCMusic.com

• Track Listing

From northeastern France comes a new band, born from one man's idea but brought to life through the collective effort of experienced musicians. SOLSTITIUM play a riveting mix of '90s death/doom and epic heavy metal, with each song standing out thanks to varying proportions of each style, a wide range of tempos, moods and arrangements. Terms like "epic" and "crushing" get thrown around a lot, but here, it's difficult to find more fitting ones. Only "bone-grinding" might be more accurate for their riffs and sound as their debut album is the musical equivalent of a steamroller. The sound is so thick, you could cut through it with a knife. Yet, thanks to excellent recording and production, every instrument breathes and shines. The vocals are equally impressive, offering both deep, beasty growls, sinister-sounding harsh parts and imposing clean singing. The lyrics, steeped in the worlds of Robert E. Howard and Tolkien, bring heroes, mighty rulers and warriors from ages past back to life. Imagine an unexpected encounter between old PARADISE LOST, BOLT THROWER, CELTIC FROST and GRAND MAGUS on a battlefield, while Basil Poledouris' music resounds through the plains! And we're sure you can spot also RUNEMAGICK, IRONSWORD, old MY DYING BRIDE, NECROS CHRISTOS, epic era BATHORY and DOOMSWORD on the flanks. Sounds intriguing? It sure is!