Review Summary: Another bread & butter thrash album that does little to distinguish it's self from the pack.
As much as a I detest using the term “bread & butter” for any thrash album, Is is a very fitting description for Last Night of Solace. This is an album that offers very little in terms of creativity and progression. This is an album that evokes a distinct feeling of deja vu, as it sounds like something you have heard a thousand times over and over again. It falls in the same rut that the new Destruction and Tankard does, in that the album adds nothing new to the aging and generic formula that modern thrash records follow. Technical proficiency and speed is not enough anymore, and this album proves it immensely.
The tracks found here do little to distinguish themselves from each other, with literally no apparent stand out tracks to be had, and on top of that, the songs are all a bit too long, as nearly all of the tracks seem to wear out their welcome midway through. There are a few catchy riffs here and there, yet the the few solos strewn throughout the album offer nothing more than some fast playing with little melody or significance. I suppose the same can be said for the rest of the band, as there are very few memorable drum patterns or base rhythms, despite the band's fast approach to playing. The vocalist also falls flat, with no variation in vocal tone and no harmonizing. This vocalist almost sounds like Miland Petrozza of Kreator, except that this guy uses the same aggressive yell throughout the entire record, never changing approach or delivery, so fans of clean vocals need not look here. On the other hand, production values are adequate with a good overall volume and guitar tone, but that alone will not save this album.
While it lacks variation and memorable tracks, it is still very much a modern thrash record, meaning that if one is to turn their brain off for a while, this can be a fun listen. It's fast, aggressive and energetic, and does more or less what you would think a retro thrash album would do, but why waist your time? There are far better albums this year to pick from. Last Night of Solace offers nothing you haven't heard before, and is sure to disappoint many veteran thrashers looking for something fresh and new. Approach this album with little expectations.
