How often is it that a band that is just starting out gets to have
guest appearances from a well-known death metal band and still put out a
solid album? In the case of Virginia's Solace of Requiem, their
opportunity is presented in the form of Brett Hoffman of Malevolent Creation
and the overall results of Utopia Reborn are solid.
Before getting into the album itself, there are some things to know
about the people involved in making Utopia Reborn. Besides Hoffman, who
contributes to the song Language of the Gods, there are also others
involved. Providing guest vocals on Lost-Vapors is Delta Voltage's Dirk
Tatzel, the drumming on the entire album is done by Joe Walmer of
Aletheian, and Andy Classen helped out by mastering the album. Given all
that, one would expect nothing less than an album that wows the listener.
Well, Solace of Requiem is most of the way there. Solace of Requiem is
death metal at its purest, but that is only the beginning. Their
lyrics are philosophical, which is largely unheard of in the genre.
However, thoughtful lyrics are nothing if they cannot be deciphered
immediately by hearing and that is where Andy Classen's work on the soundboard
comes in. Thanks to his contributions, Jeff Sumrell's vocals are not
only what is expected in the death metal genre, but they can also be heard
clear and every word can be picked up without having to flip through
the liner notes. The music does well to compliment the lyrics by being
more methodical and deliberate than most death metal bands, but that
does not mean they cannot speed it up when they have to do it. As for the
actual music itself, it is rather generic death metal that does not do
too much in the way of experimentation. Of course, as Solace of
Requiem progresses in their career, they can build on the solid foundation
that they have built for themselves. It is also hard to say how much
Hoffman or Tatzel contribute to the album, but they at least provide a big
name to a band that can go far in the death metal scene.
Overall, Solace of Requiem's Utopia Reborn is a good, but not great
album. With thought provoking lyrics and vocals that help deliver that
message, Solace of Requiem is a few step ahead in the genre. With a
pedestrian music structure, they do not make too many mistakes, but they
could also afford to experiment more. With experience and more albums
under their belt, Solace of Requiem will be a band to watch for in the
years to come.
