SOLEFALD
In Harmonia Universali
What can a man say about Solefald?
Solefald is a band, consisting of only two members, but their sound comes closer to a classical orchestra than to a regular band, in terms of how well the soundscape is filled out, and how much attention there is for details. This band really takes you on a mighty sound trip. You travel from rough metal riffs, on to classical compositions, to jazzy rhythms, and breath taking vocal performances, and you end your trip sitting in the chair where you started. On top of that the deep lyrics, who sometimes look a bit childish or easy, but don't be fooled, by the deep meaning that forms an important side of the music.
As mentioned earlier Solefald is just a two men project, meaning that they both do multiple things in the band.
The line up of this in 1995 formed post black metal/ avant-garde band is as follows:
Cornelius Jackhelln - Vocals, Guitar & Bass
Lars Nedland (Lazare) - Vocals, Synthesizers & Drums.
This is the 3th Studio release from this band, hailing from Norway, and in my opinion the best, showing the most diversity, and the most avant-garde like music.
Their complete discography consists of:
Jernlov (released in 1998, Demo
The Linear Scaffold (released in 1997, Full-length)
Neonism (released in 1998, Full-length)
Pills Against The Ageless Ills (released in 2001, Full-length)
In Harmonia Universali (released in 2003, Full-length)
Tracklisting:
1. Nutrisco Et Extinguo 07:11
2. Mont Blanc Providence Crow 05:15
3. Christiania 08:20
4. Epictetus & Irreversibility 05:58
5. Dionysify the Night of the Spring 08:12
6. Red Music Diabolos 04:34
7. Buy My Sperm 04:35
8. Fraternitée la Grande Lumi貥 05:12
9. The Liberation of Destiny 06:28
10. Sonnenuntergang Im Weltraum 04:32
Total running time: 01:00:17
The album was released under the Century-Media label.
The production on this album is excellent, everything is audible, and all the effort and ideas put in to this album can be heard well. So nothing is wasted. A very distinct thing about this album is the synthesized organ sound which is almost on any track. The keyboards take in a big place on this album, and come in all forms and shapes, organ, synth, piano, choir, strings. The harshness of the metal riffs provided by the guitars and bass are nicely balanced with the keys, and the great vocal harmonies. Which may sound rather unusual, the very melodic and beautiful voice of Lazare (borknagar, Age Of Silence) is combined with the rather raspy old man's vocals of Cornelius. But they work out brilliantly The drumming is very creative, and adds a lot to the album without taking in too much room in the soundscape.
The lyrics as stated before, might look a bit childish, but when you look deeper you will discover wonderful metaphors and great stories being told through the lyrics. These guys won?t let themselves be restrained by one language. On this albums the songs are in: English, French, German, and Norse(I believe) Each of the lyrics are written with some story, anekdoten, or historic occasion in mind.
Some track highlights:
Dionysify This Night Of Spring
Very Epic song, with a choir sung part, and a saxophone part ;)
Buy My Sperm
A song with, well, weird lyrics, but with awesome vocal harmonies.
I think I've said enough about this album, and think it's better for you to find out yourself. But this is not for everyones ears, so watch out, but at least give it a chance :)
4/5
