ALBUM REVIEW: Solaire – Pteroglyph

PTEROGLYPH have been blazing a trail through the UK metal scene for quite some time now, scoring slots at the likes of Bloodstock Open Air and UK Tech-Fest along the way. After going through various iterations of their lineup they have settled on a formidable trio of musicians that are determined to leave their mark. Their hotly anticipated follow up to 2017’s Death Of A Prince is quickly approaching in the shape of Solaire which is due for release on November 6th via Blood Blast. What will this bring to the table?

Solaire doesn’t trifle with such trivialities as atmospheric, brooding intros, the title track launches headfirst into ferocious, sledgehammer riffs and aggressive vocal blasts from frontman Jimmy MacGregor. Melodies begin to seep in as it progresses but for the most part you are confronted with a barrage of intensity that sets the bar remarkably high. Black Death follows suit in continuing the feverish tempo. The dark, ominous tones send shivers down your spine and are accompanied by an incredibly addictive chorus segment.

Feed The Wolf commences with a slightly more restrained pacing whilst still maintaining the brutish stride of its predecessors. The instrumentation feels particularly jarring, especially the thunderous drumming which meticulously chips away at your ear canals. Collateral offers up an additional slab of carnage, bludgeoning you with waves of monstrous, polished riffing. The layered vocal pieces hit the mark, adding an extra later of impactful viciousness to the track.

Forlorn kicks it up a gear as skull-crushing drum beats join forces with swift, sharp guitar work which would have DECAPITATED nodding in approval. Boisterous roars spurn forth to coincide with the unravelling devastation. Last but not least Crown Of Bones ensures that this release departs on a scintillating high with volleys of punishing grooves that are guaranteed to get your headbanging along.

For a three-piece PTEROGLYPH can certainly conjure up an impressive, hefty wall of sound. Solaire has no give in it whatsoever, relentlessly battering you throughout every inch of its run time. They impressively mesh an abundance of genres to form a compacted blast of pure rage which will undoubtedly grab the attention of anyone who has not stumbled across them whilst having existing fans jumping for joy. This release could be exactly what they needed to take the next step up the ladder.

Rating: 8/10

Solaire is set for release on November 6th via Blood Blast.

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