In these stressful times, it’s nice to think about something other than global suffering, political unrest, and unending hatred. Sure, it’s impossible to avoid it all the time, but an escape can be nice, right? Especially if you can land in the palm of heavy fucking metal.
Seattle-based power Sölicitör are heavy metal from front to back, from the leather and spikes to the songs packed with retribution and strength to their sound that could easily have lived comfortably four decades ago. On their thunderous second record “Enemy in Mirrors,” the band—vocalist Amy Lee Carlson, guitarist/keyboard player/piano player Matthew Vogan, guitarist Patrick Fry, bassist Damon Cleary-Erickson, drummer Johanson Waymire—still gets into the grit of what makes classic metal so fiery, but they also have refined their approach and added some new texture. None of that betrays their spirit. Instead, it makes for a smoother landing and proves the ability these folks possess over these thunderous 10 tracks.
“The Descent” is an icy, foggy instrumental intro, piano keys falling like freezing rain, synth blazing as we work into “Paralysis,” that starts with guitars surging and Carlson commanding. “I’m losing my mind, I’m out of time,” she wails, washing through a fury, guitars blazing. The leads then go off, leaving you up to your neck in smoke, rippling with energy. “Iron Wolves of War” chugs, the singing commanding, mashing with relentless speed. The leads hammer as they carry a metallic banner, the vocals smother with ferocious thunder, and a blinding pace takes us to the end, where wolves cry out. “Spellbound Mist” is clean and eerie as it enters, and then things ramp up, stomping as Carlson’s powerful voice pushes through, guitars twisting in a fury. Things get faster as the guitars spit fire, the singing rules over everything, and the final moments drip like saline. “We Who Remain” burns in as the guitars charge, the singing belts, and a forceful tempo breaks through walls. Leads then engulf as the powerful chorus enraptures, blistering and leaving your skin brush burned.
“Fallen Angel” opens with the bass leading the charge, then everything tears open, speedy playing making your adrenaline pump. The tempo churns while the soloing leaps into high gear, Carlson’s singing looming large even over a simple chorus that breaks through your chest. “Crimson Battle Beast” stampedes, gang shouts rippling down your spine, Carlson belting, “Time is the enemy, we won’t survive.” Guitars lather as every element rises to the top, ending everything in fury. The title track is hazy at first as the bass tramples, guitars rouse, and the singing sends jolts through your veins. The tempo gets nastier and more devastating as Carlson wails, “The fires of hell are burning bright for me.” “Black Magick and the Devil’s Hand (Part I)” starts in a synth haze before the pace strengthens, and twin leads glaze, giving off a classic metal feel. “Now is the time, vengeance is mine!” Carlson vows as the power combusts, and a key cloud hovers over menacingly. Closer “Black Magick and the Devil’s Hand (Part II)” has charging riffs, a fast pace, and the singing powering everything, Carlson absolutely in the driver’s seat. Twin leads storm as soloing breaks out of that and devastates the senses, power blasts through your system, and birds cawing send you off to ice wounds.
“Enemy in Mirrors” is a sonic step in a slightly different direction for Sölicitör, but one that keeps their spike-covered boots steadily entrenched in classic metal. Admittedly, it took me a few listens to really let this sink in, and once it did, the nuances stood out more, as did their ferocity. This record is perfect for the coming cooler nights when you your hoodies and leather jackets feel just right, and the power of metal is what compels you.
For more on the band, go here: https://solicitor-speedmetal.bandcamp.com/
To buy the album, go here: https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store/
For more on the label, go here: https://cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com/
And here: https://www.gatesofhellrecords.com/
Meat Mead Metal 