» 4 out of 5 Evil Faces

Okay, here is a band that hails from right down the road from me. Well, maybe a little farther, but compared to all the other bands that I listen too this one is rather close.

This is not a new band. They have been around for 20 years now. Though there was a hiatus for the last 7 or so.

Solitude Aeturnus hailing from none other than Arlington, Texas. formed back in 1987 and unleashed their somber doom metal songs onto the world, or at least North Texas.

Anyway, I remember seeing Solitude Aeturnus play at a local club back in the late 80′s or maybe early 90′s. At least I think it was them. I was young, dumb and full of… alcohol. So I could be mistaken. Admittedly this was not my favorite band growing up. As previously mentioned they are rather somber and doomy. When I was young I was into only fast speed and death metal.

Though over the last few years my tastes have been expanding and guess what, doom metal is currently one of my first choices when it comes to buying CDs these days.

I just picked up a copy of this one, though I think it has been out for a few months now. So maybe you have already heard it. If so, feel free to skip this article. Though if by chance you are even farther behind schedule than I am and have still yet to get a copy of this release then by all means read on.

This CD is entitled “Alone” and so far it is awesome. I have not made it all the way through it yet. Just put it on before I started writing this review.(hence the overly long lead in) Anyway, I have heard enough of it now that I feel comfortable in reviewing it. If it has any abrupt changes toward the end, I will let you know.

As mentioned above this is pure doom metal. Not in the vein of Coffins, or Electric Wizard but more in the style of Candlemass. Clean vocals very somber, almost depressing but has a majestic inspiring tone mixed in as well. It has an old school metal sound but is progressive enough to still work today.

If you are sad or depressed, you might want to steer clear of Solitude Aeturnus until you are in a better mood, as it could be the final straw in what has obviously been a miserable existence up to this point. On the other hand, if you just got back from the circus, birthday party or other fun filled experience put on this CD and give it a spin. It might hamper your happiness a tad bit, but I think you will be fine in the end.

This CD starts at one speed (slow) and rarely gets any faster. It gets slower in parts and has some unmistakable rhythm. The vocals are top notch and the leads are cool as well. All in all, this CD is awesome. Of course you have to be into this style in the first place or else it just ain’t going to cut the mustard.

If you like slow, somber doom metal with clean vocals, tight rhythm and you got $15 bucks. Go buy a copy right now.