Lengsel - Solace (2000)
Lengsel from Norway perform an unusually satisfying style of "textured" black metal. They have not hopped on the "symphonic" black metal bandwagon, nor are they the old primitive style either. They are honest, refreshing and unique in thier approach to music. The music, although similar to Extol (in its originality and progressive qualities) isn't really comparable to any other "black" metal band I have heard before. The lyrics are dark, poetic and very personal. I have always said that I view life as a long, dark tunnel with Christ being the only light of hope in an otherwise hopeless world. This sentiment seems to be shared by Lengsel. There are bound to be some comparisons to Extol just because of the sheer talent and progressiveness of this. It is more "black" sounding than Extol. The entire disc is saturated to its very essence with the "Scandanavian" sound. The production is strong yet very "primitive" sounding with emphasis on the high ends. The accuracy and clarity of all instruments is very good. There is plenty of grinding speed but also a good amount of mid-paced areas which allow the music to flow to and fro till the speed breaks back through like an icy Nordic storm. Beauty and brilliance are combined from start to finish as Lengsel combines their many styles and emotions to create something that almost sounds like a completely new genre of music! Shredding electric guitars, blast beats, acoustic segues, and keyboards for atmosphere are melded together in this symphony of stories of life, pain and searching. In the middle of track #4 it even has a break with some wildly tortured screams that sound as if they belong in a horror movie! The keyboards are kept to a minimum and kinda in the background (used only to enhance the overall sound) so this is atmospheric but still definitely harsh and grim. There are also some very nice melodies crafted into the material that should keep metal fans on the edge of their seats! The vocals are high and raspy and done very very well. In contrast there are some clear vocal parts that remind me of the clear vocals used by Amorphis (probably mostly because of the accent). If you do not own this cd you are truly missing out on an unparralleled metal experience! -- Review by Norm