This is the fifth album from Swedish death/doom band Soliloquium.
It’s always a pleasure to receive a new Soliloquium album. 2020’s Things We Leave Behind and 2022’s Soulsearching both hit harder than the melodic death/doom style typically does for me. Will the 57-minute, (with bonus track), Famine continue this high quality trend?
Yes it does!
If this is your first time with Soliloquium, then the promo blurb’s recommendations list should put you in the right mindset – Katatonia, Anathema, Daylight Dies, October Tide, Swallow the Sun, Ghost Brigade, and Insomnium. One of the reasons I latched on firmly to Soliloquim though, (through 2018’s Contemplations, which I never got to review), is because within this musical framework, they have spark of their own.
Soliloquium’s death/doom is dark, progressive, and melodic, and carries with it a mournful sense of loss that is tangible. The core band members are enhanced by a range of guests, (including the singer of Cailleach Calling/Dawn of Ouroboros), that support Soliloquium’s increasingly rich and multifaceted sound.
Over time Soliloquium have broadened their sights, bringing in a few different elements of different styles to augment their old-school doom metal heart. This has culminated in Famine, the band’s most textured and well-differentiated album, yet one that still also adheres to the central death/doom framework. Interestingly, it achieves this duality quite effortlessly. It’s a classic musical journey of darkness, misery, and loss, while also simultaneously branching out to explore surrounding styles and genres when needed. This has resulted in a satisfying and enjoyable collection of tracks being tastefully crafted.
Famine is an album of deep emotional feeling. The music runs bright with emotive expression, shining with warmth, despite the fact that it is also a record of immense darkness and sorrow. Each song channels the central themes of despair and emotional weight in related, yet different ways. In this way Famine offers a variety within its chosen musical parameters that’s rewarding and moreish.
Despite having a duration of almost an hour, Famine is an engrossing listen. Soliloquium apparently keep getting better with every release. Famine is a multifaceted exploration of darkness that’s absorbing throughout.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 