ALBUM REVIEW: Stardust – Soul Dissolution
A 2-piece atmospheric black metal band may sound peculiar to some, but this band shouldn’t be judged by cover alone. Hailing from Belgium; Soul Dissolution have brought their second album out after a change in composition style. Maintaining their key elements, the duo of Jabawock and Acharan have set their sights high after 2016’s Pale Distant Light.
Opening with Vision, the listener bathes in a thick and luscious wave of symphonic beauty, a full choir joining the strings is a blissful treat as the song cascades into Circle of Torment. The guitars are massive and punchy, plummeting a soul striking melody joined by the backing synths. The soundscape is enormous. Soon Acharan comes into play with a volley of high pitched and piercing vocals. Slow blast beats bring the black metal roots straight to the front as transitions throughout the atmosphere assault. This 10-minute progression showcases the bands ability to create a scene through melodic guitars, beguiling symphonies and snarling vocals sure to enthral all who allow its size to be understood.
Title track Stardust follows and refuses to pull any punches, pushing forward with a faster beat and tremolo picked guitars. This near 8-minute epic continues a barrage of double bass drums rhythmically joined by the tight and punchy bass lingering below. The guitars are layered beautifully, alongside the major based composition a wailing guitar echoes in tandem with the vocals; this creates a thick yet sweet ambience and showcases both Acharan and Jabawock’s ability to create music of this calibre. The song reaches its peak after a slow reverberated guitar solo set above the barrage of drums below; closing with the guitars in isolation. Mountain Path is a slow and peaceful transition, based on a softer melody with chorus effected guitars and pianos bouncing between each other. The Last Farewell is a slow starter, a solo guitar brings the melody forth as the other instruments join for the penultimate instalment. Carrying on the trend for long slower epics, this near 9-minute piece follows suit with a host of slower guitar solos, set apart through breaks with softer vocals and arpeggio-based guitars. Synths follow all elements and create a relaxed and serene setting throughout the wall of guitars and drums. Finally comes closing track: Far Above The Boiling Sea Of Life, a fitting end to an album packed with melodic highs throughout. The melody here is simple yet fitting, the combination of vocals and guitars leaving a feeling of peacefulness despite the aggression portrayed in isolation. Several changes bring forth slower elements and guitar solos to end the album on a high note, the original melody remaining throughout in either ambience or delayed guitars.
This sophomore output improves on their debut in every way; the production here is clean, clear and well rounded. While some may argue this goes against the genres roots of dark and gritty sounding releases, it suits this bands style and vision. The ability to hear every layer of guitars alongside the synthesizers gives the songs the power to set scenes which give the listener an experience unlike any other. Soul Dissolution have pushed their boundaries and created something both unique yet accessible to fans within the genre, something few bands can admit to.
Rating: 9/10
Stardust is out now via Black Lion Records
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