Solace: The Return of Dirt Metal with “Fading Failing Ruin”
A Legacy Revisited
Formed in 1996, Solace emerged from the remnants of the alt-metal band Godspeed, a group that gained recognition for their management by Geezer Butler and their role as Bruce Dickinson’s backing band on a Black Sabbath tribute album. With such a rich history, Solace has established themselves as veterans in the metal scene, and their latest release, “Fading Failing Ruin,” marks only their fifth studio album in nearly three decades.
Defining “Dirt Metal”
The New Jersey quintet has spent years honing their unique sound, which they refer to as “dirt metal.” This genre blends stoner metal, doom, and hints of hardcore, creating a sound that is both heavy and dynamic. While stoner metal influences are prominent with heavy, bluesy riffs, “Fading Failing Ruin” leans more towards hard rock, especially when the band incorporates elements beyond the traditional blues scale. The track “Culling the Herd” exemplifies this approach—it’s a tight, energetic number that fuses hardcore vigor with metal intensity.
Album Highlights
Innovative Ideas and Layering
Throughout “Fading Failing Ruin,” Solace showcases impressive musical ideas. The dual guitar arrangements create rich harmonies, and extended riff structures add variety to the song pacing. A guest musician’s slide guitar contributes an additional layer of texture, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Lengthy Tracks and Their Impact
Despite its strengths, the album does suffer from some excessively long tracks. Certain songs linger on a stoner rock groove for too long, causing a loss of momentum. For instance, “Fettered to a Stone” features a lengthy outro where Justin Goins repeats phrases over a riff for two minutes. Similarly, the intro of “Wrath’s Object (The Big Fall)” stretches out for nearly seven minutes, creating a disconnect with the remainder of the 14-minute track. This tendency to extend certain sections can detract from the album’s overall energy, especially towards the end.
Exceptional Longer Tracks
Not every extended track is in need of trimming, however. The seven-minute “Beyond Below” stands out as a remarkable piece that shifts tempos seamlessly and features a memorable chorus. It evolves from sludge metal to a melodic anthem, eventually diving into menacing doom metal enriched by swirling Hammond organs, before returning to its roots.
Short and Powerful Offerings
Additionally, Solace delivers some standout shorter tracks. With three songs under five minutes, the album includes gems like “Spiral Will,” which opens the album with a robust doom metal sound and catchy vocal hooks, and “Culling the Herd,” which is fast-paced and aggressive.
Conclusion
“Fading Failing Ruin” presents a mixed bag of experiences. The standout moments reflect Solace’s ability to fuse diverse influences into high-energy compositions, occasionally dabbling in progressive elements. However, the album’s potential is somewhat hindered by the presence of tracks that could benefit from tighter editing. Nevertheless, the strong songs on this album make it worth a listen for fans of the genre.
FAQs
What is “dirt metal”?
“Dirt metal” is a term coined by Solace to describe their unique blend of stoner metal, doom, and hardcore influences, resulting in a heavy and dynamic sound.
How many albums has Solace released?
As of the release of “Fading Failing Ruin,” Solace has released five studio albums since their formation in 1996.
Where can I find “Fading Failing Ruin”?
The album “Fading Failing Ruin” is available now via Magnetic Eye Records.
