Well, this is one of these albums which I had to blast countless times before I finally decided to review it. I would not attribute this indecisiveness to the fact I was unsure what to think of “Morgoth.” Since I was already enchanted with its sonic richness. Indeed, this album is a real melting pot featuring numerous genres and subgenres of metal music: epic heavy metal, doom and even death metal! The very fact I was not too sure about this album`s classification should be, I claim, considered a good thing. The reason is: one simply cannot get bored with these sounds, no way. And “Morgoth” is, by all means, a damn powerful album. Its atmosphere makes me think of so-called “knightly chivalry” – it does boost my circulation. Choruses are just excellent; and pretty much in the vein of FALKENBACH and BATHORY (from “Twilight of the Gods” or “Hammerheart” albums). In short, outstanding. The sound is truly potent and “thickens” the album’s atmosphere even more. Guitar solos are genuinely noteworthy. This music has a lot to offer and gives off plenty of noble, positive energy. François toys with vocals in a perfect way. His range is truly sensational – from death metal growling to pure, clean epic singing. Or even climatic whispering. This approach renders this album very diverse and thus damn interesting. There is a lot going on here and therefore one enjoys “Morgoth” the way it should be. In my opinion, all the elements match each other very, very well. SOLSTITIUM knows how to toy with conventions and by doing so, they create a very noble, very gallant atmosphere. These songs emanate some sort of eerie, romantic and nostalgic vibe, if you ask me. This music is about yester years, full of heroes who walked their paths marking them with blood and sacrifice. I have listened to this album countless times and, interestingly, never been able to choose a favourite song of mine. Not an easy task, that’s for sure. Why? Because this album is very tight and concise. Simply, there are no fillers, no weak songs on “Morgoth,” lock stock and barrel. Ok, if you ask me, well, I can say that this album features two exceptional heavy metal hymns: ‘’Sparta” and its follower “Anathema of the Templar.” Sure, other songs are amazing too, but these two tracks are, in my humble opinion, most memorable. Well, wrapping up….unless you already have, I do think you guys need to listen to “Morgoth.” This debut album by SOLSTITIUM is for anyone who enjoys such bands as TIAMAT, IRONSWORD, BATHORY, FALKENBACH, GRAND MAGUS or AMON AMARTH – and it is the atmosphere it gives off since SOLSTITIUM do not copy the above-mentioned groups` music, that’s very obvious. I am more than sure this album will enchant you like it did enchant myself. And you will hear again about this very talented, unique band hailing from southern France.
Necronosferatus
