Review by Saxy S for In Vain (NOR) - Solemn (2024)

The most recent album from Nordic progressive death metallers In Vain is quite the variety of sounds isn't it? While the album certainly retains its progressive tag throughout the hour runtime, the directions it takes to get there is quite varied. I really enjoyed the inclusion of a full brass section during the the albums highlight moments, such as "Eternal Waves" and "Shadows Flap their Black Wings". For an album that uses such a booming foundation, In Vain are not scared to embellish Solemn with bright/sharp tones; it gives the album a sense of direction that is not as dominant on other similar sounding death metal albums. The vocal styles change on a whim from Steven Wilson-esque hushed vocals, towering Einar Solberg cleans (complete with harmonic counterpoint), then alternating the rest of the time between low death gutturals and the occasional death metal screech. This all sounds like a lot to digest when you see it written down on a screen, but I promise that it is not as difficult of an album than I am describing it. In Vain have a skill of developing their foundation instead of becoming a new band on every track. It is also helped by the record not being quite extreme. At its core, Solemn is a death doom album with the occasional blast beat and tremolo guitar riff. This is what you might get if Wilderun and early Katatonia had a baby. The technique is solid too; granted the production might have a couple of minor hiccups here and there, Solemn remains incredibly consistent with its sound engineering. If anything, I think that the guitar harmonies might be a little too subdued throughout. I'm surprised it took me as long as it did to come around on this record, but I'm sure glad I did.

Best Songs: Shadows Flap their Black Wings, Season of Unrest, At the Going Down of the Sun, Beyond the Pale, Eternal Waves