This is the fifth album from Norwegian progressive metal band In Vain.
I really, really liked 2018’s Currents, so to my mind it has been far too long since we’ve heard from In Vain. Featuring 61 minutes of new music, Solemn is a grand affair, mixing together the band’s progressive/melodic death metal ingredients into a feast of tasty extreme metal.
Solemn benefits from well-performed vocals, mixing growls, screams, and striking cleans. The lead vocalist – growls and cleans – has a cracking voice. His growls are expressive, but his cleans are like liquid emotion given flowing form.
The musicianship is impressive throughout. In fact, everything about Solemn reeks of high quality. The detailed songwriting and nuanced performances speak of music that has had time and passion fed into it repeatedly. The end result is a record that is a captivating listen, with so much to absorb and take in that many repeated spins are required to properly get to grips with the true treasures hidden within its many landscapes.
The songs are littered with creative ideas and engaging soundscapes, including the use of brass and symphonic elements, as well as extensive progressive worldbuilding. Each song is a well-realised world unto itself, yet fits snugly next to its kin like peas in a pod. Satiating and filling, this is music that feels wholesome and good for you.
Despite the strength of the vocals, I really like that In Vain are unafraid to let the music itself take centre stage. The band frequently take exploratory instrumental journeys that are rewarding and absorbing, and I enjoy this a great deal about Solemn. Spanning everything from the epic to the intimate, from straightforward riffs to delicate intricacy, Solemn boasts so much quality content its the proverbial embarrassment of riches in aural form.
Currents was a notable album, but on Solemn In Vain have truly outdone themselves. Well, it’s definitely been worth the wait, so make sure that you don’t miss out on this absolute gem of an album.
Fans of bands such as Amorphis, Barren Earth, Opeth, In Mourning, Soilwork, Borknagar, and Enslaved should lap this up.
Wonderbox Metal 