Heaviness and darkness are not solely of the metal world, though they do exist in generous portions in that territory. London-based artist A.A. Williams has brushed elbows with more metallic-oriented artists, touring with Cult of Luna and Russian Circles, playing Roadburn, and recording with cinematic juggernauts MONO. But she is morbidity of a different type.

Williams definitely delves into thorny territory, but her vibe and sound is more diverse and delicate, evidence of which is on her third record “Solstice,” her first for Reigning Phoenix. These 11 songs and nearly an hour of material is vulnerable, bleeding, defiant, and yes, heavy, but not just sonically. There’s a true weight to this material that feels thick and foreboding, but it also draws you into its center and keeps you there, acting as a means of strength you can draw on when your own torment comes calling again. If you can envision something like Emma Rith Rundle, Marissa Nadler, and Tori Amos painting walls pitch black, you have a good idea of what’s ahead.

“Poison” starts with piano dripping and then grungy guitars cutting, Williams’ singing swelling as she pleads, “Be my savior from myself.” The drama builds and sweeps, Williams calling, “With you, I am born again,” as guitars lather and scorch, the last notes melting away. “Wolves” has a guitar lull heating up, darkness swelling as the chorus rises, Williams singing, “No matter what you are, no matter what you believe,” a mantra that repeats later. The playing glazes and digs into wounds, bowing out to the shadows. “Little By Little” buzzes with a nighttime vibe, Williams admitting, “I want nothing more than to disconnect.” The playing then gusts open, the chorus sweeping back, Williams lamenting, “You’re the only reason I can’t feel anything,” as everything fades into mystery. “Hold It Together” has keys brushing, the vocals more hushed before blooming, pained and broken feelings coloring the edges, guitars bringing light that swims along with the pace. Leads layer as the vocals turn more vulnerable, letting a storm settle overheard that brings cooling relief. “Outlines” has steely guitars, strings that glaze, and dark melodies boiling, leaving hearts heaving for a meaningful touch. Williams’ singing pushes the momentum, the pace taking on water, going quiet as words pierce wounds, gradually blending with the horizon.

“I’ve Seen Enough” has the piano guiding through fog, the singing leading into a frosty gaze, pained feelings grasping for relief, guitars scraping over the hovering atmosphere. “I should have known no one would save me sinking down,” Williams sings as the tumult brings added pressure. “The Veil” opens with piano splashing, Williams’ singing fluttering as she levels, “Wasting away like the longest day, I can’t keep this flame alive on my own.” The playing is slow and drizzling, making you feel the full weight of the price. “Just a Shadow” is more direct, guitars bustling, the keys buzzing as the chorus punches through. The tempo shifts as things grow more spacious, sun bursting through with fuzzy guitars and a gentle disappearance. “It Won’t Rain Forever” pulses, keys trickling, the singing icing bruising, a sense of calm achieved as the strings slowly rise. The mood turns gloomy as synth pulses, sounds glimmer, and the final notes slip under the waves. “Breathe” opens with Williams pleading, “Give me peace, give me hope,” guitars turning on and brushing skin. “I must breathe and carry on,” she urges herself, strings gusting as the guitars expose thorns, entering into an electrically charged atmosphere that sinks in its teeth. Closer “The Gentle Harm” bubbles as hushed singing flexes, keys swirl, and a sense of defiance strikes. “I did not for a second on my misery dwell,” Williams jolts, guitars foaming and flowing over, piano swirling in tornadic winds, the final embers turning out for good.

“Solstice” is a dark, enveloping record that reflects A.A. Williams’ enrapturing spirit that can encircle and capture your mind. Her music is best absorbed during stormy nights when lights are low and the windows rattle, kind of reflecting the tumult inside you. She leaves nothing inside her heart, instead flooding your and her senses with raw feelings and understandings, hopefully making for a harder outer shell for your next brush with chaos.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.aawilliamsmusic.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://aawilliams.rpm.link/solsticeWB

For more on the label, go here: https://reigningphoenixmusic.com/