">
 

Dawn of Solace
The Darkness


3.5
great

Review

by Xenorazr USER (120 Reviews)
October 3rd, 2017 | 8 replies


Release Date: 2006 | Tracklist


Tuomas Saukkonen must know a thing or two about breaking hearts. For a time, he appeared to be a machine initiating projects left and right, from the generally celebrated Black Sun Aeon to the fairly established Before the Dawn to the more obscure RoutaSielu. Then, as if with the snap of his fingers, he lit a fire that swiftly burned the bridges for every one of these projects, allowing him to focus on his then-latest creation, Wolfheart. Although this squandering of potential is tragic, there is a fine line between potential and realization, a line that Saukkonen has frequently struggled to cross. No one could ever doubt his ambition, especially prior to 2013. What has been up for debate, however, is his sense of adventure--his willingness to take risks and attempt something different. A wide host of melodic death metal albums may be ambitious, but tackling a wide range of genres would be adventurous. Dawn of Solace, a moniker that lands closer to RoutaSielu’s popularity (or lack thereof), is an acute example of Saukkonen closing in on the realization end of the spectrum, only to meander back into a phase of familiarity.

After a deceitfully ambient opening, The Darkness comes to life with an accessible blend of melodic death/doom metal. How the album is performed is distinctly melodic death metal, with mid-tempo rhythms dominating and comprising the backbone, reinforced by the expected contrast of intelligible growls and mournful singing. The latter isn’t entirely for show, since it aides in grounding the doom metal elements. Further laying the groundwork is the sense of droning every song seems to go for; tracks that could have just as easily been about four minutes are carried out nearly twice as long. Pacing, thankfully, is hardly an issue, since the lead riffs are just catchy enough to keep the momentum going. Guitars appropriately take center stage, and despite their performance model, they’re tuned in a way that’s thick and dense, likely in an attempt to give the admittedly-generic album title more credence. What this creates is a tightly woven blend of styles, one that achieves its tone in a way that breaks the surface, but just barely. It’s an effective technique, provided you don’t expect the unexpected. A melodic death metal frame with doom metal decor is the name of the game here, a game that’s fun if a bit light on substance.

The Darkness makes a compelling case for what it is: an album that’s somewhat intriguing yet completely unchallenging. Saukkonen likely aspired to create a more atmospherically-inclined shade of his music through Dawn of Solace, a shade that undoubtedly creeps through, but only so slightly. There’s enough to be entertained by, even repeatedly so, but not enough to fully invest and sink one’s mind into. The Darkness simmers with potential, welcoming you to peer inside its dismal caverns, yet it struggles to realize the extent of this potential, leaving little to examine once you hold a light to it.



Recent reviews by this author
Dream Theater Distance Over TimeAvantasia Moonglow
Swallow the Sun When A Shadow Is Forced Into The LightSeventh Wonder Tiara
Shylmagoghnar TransienceAmorphis Queen of Time
user ratings (44)
3.9
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
Xenorazr
October 3rd 2017


1466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Gonna try and slowly add reviews for albums that don't have any to hopefully get back in the swing of things.



As I mention, this isn't a particularly interesting album, but it is fun and a small step above Saukkonen's other works. At least, that's how I feel.

DungeonBoy
October 3rd 2017


9962 Comments


Good review. The name Tuomas Saukkonen made me immediately assume this would be run of the mill, average, melodeath. For being as prolific as he is, the guy just can't catch a break. Kudos to him for keeping at it, but I will most likely skip this. That being said Before the Dawn's - Eclipse was a pretty good song:

https://youtu.be/NGrJm-jBzfk

Pizzabakker5
October 4th 2017


69 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I actually think it IS quite an interesting piece of work. Reminiscent of his later Black Sun Aeon, the combination between Tuomas' pretty generic (though fun) melodeath sound with loads an loads of atmosphere and more unconventional song structures to me resulted in a very enjoyable piece of work. This is a must listen for those who are into the likes of Insomnium, Daylight Dies and Omnium Gatherum. Not because it is groundbreaking in innovation, but just pretty damn well crafted.

Xenorazr
October 5th 2017


1466 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

@DungeonBoy: This is worth listening to. If "I Was Never There" doesn't tickle your fancy, then the rest probably won't.



@Pizzabakker5: I wouldn't say the song structures here are unconventional, just a bit different from his usual material. The atmosphere is certainly there, but not to the point that it elevates it above the good/great level. I will agree with it being well crafted, however, I just wish it threw another curveball or two our way. Or maybe I'm just getting picky as I near my 30's.

Pizzabakker5
October 6th 2017


69 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Nah, I'd place it in 'great' ot maybe 'excellent' levels myself, so that isn't too far off.



But maybe I'm just getting soft as I near my 30's ;-)

necropig
September 12th 2019


7441 Comments


New one being recorded atm, just finished drums

necropig
December 2nd 2019


7441 Comments


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpjP5PXc-1k

New track

TheNotrap
Staff Reviewer
January 22nd 2020


19075 Comments


New album's been getting good reviews, I have to check



You have to be logged in to post a comment. Login | Create a Profile





STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS // CONTACT US

Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Site Copyright 2005-2023 Sputnikmusic.com
All Album Reviews Displayed With Permission of Authors | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy