Solystalgia: A Deafening Debut from Salt Lake City

Solystalgia is an exciting new project emerging from Salt Lake City, Utah. Formed just last year, the band has made an impactful statement with their self-titled debut album, Solystalgia. The trio consists of Austin Wheeler on drums, Paul Black on vocals, and Wilco on guitars and bass. While Wheeler is known for his work with the band Savage Oath, the other members have mostly guest-featured on tracks by Sindar, Judicator, and Visigoth. Despite their relatively brief resumes, their connections within the vibrant Salt Lake City metal scene indicate a deep understanding of how to contribute meaningfully, making Solystalgia a project worthy of attention.

Album Overview

The self-titled album features eight tracks of atmospheric and funereal death/doom, interspersed with elements of black metal. Spanning 37 minutes, Solystalgia serves as a powerful commentary on the disturbing realities behind the American dream, juxtaposing societal unrest with personal grief. The album explores the complex experience of mourning, both for large-scale tragedies and personal losses.

Interludes and Atmosphere

Throughout the album, three interludes—“(Procession),” “(Wake),” and “(Reflection)”—provide a haunting backdrop, blending ambient soundscapes with oceanic melodies drenched in reverb. These pieces not only enhance the album’s heavy atmosphere but also incorporate subtle post-rock influences, enriching the overall pacing. Given the album’s focus on the vulnerabilities of mourning, skipping these interludes would feel almost disrespectful, as they are integral to the emotional experience.

Track Highlights

1. Funeral

The album opens with “Funeral,” a track that immediately immerses the listener in melodic gloom reminiscent of Hooded Menace. Lyrically, it grapples with understanding the unknown that lies between life and death, emphasizing the journey of remembering those we’ve lost. This grandiose introduction sets the stage for a band that has much to convey right from the outset.

2. Conflagration

Next, “Conflagration” features a more abrasive mix and introduces clean vocals, while maintaining a poignant lyrical focus on the ongoing conflicts that beset humanity. This track stands as the most outwardly furious piece in the collection. While its mixing can be challenging, it effectively captures the essence of its message.

3. Collapse

Kicking off the second half of the album is “Collapse,” where the emotional intensity escalates. This track showcases a strong Warning influence and contains elements of black metal following a spoken word intro. It serves as a highlight for drummer Austin Wheeler, demonstrating his ability to blend thunderous fills and blast beats with precise grooves.

4. Entropic

“Entropic” emerges as the standout track, clocking in at just over ten minutes. It offers a searing critique of power-hungry individuals and the resulting atrocities while expressing sorrow over eroding hope. The final verse features Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties), whose impassioned delivery adds weight to the lyrics. The song builds to an emotional climax, using powerful samples—including Rashida Tlaib’s testimony—underscoring its themes.

5. Acceptance

Closing the album is “Acceptance,” a stylistic outlier that still feels essential as a final piece. This track is thematically rich, tying together the album’s various emotional threads. Wheeler’s somber vocals reflect on both personal loss and broader societal grief, ultimately conveying a message of acceptance and the various forms mourning can take.

Conclusion

Solystalgia’s self-titled debut is a remarkable achievement, resonating with the same emotional weight and significance as albums like Ethereal Shroud’s Trisagion and Agalloch’s The Mantle. The band has skillfully crafted a work that is both beautifully poignant and devastatingly impactful, making a powerful introduction to the music world. Solystalgia is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the depths of grief and the complexities of human experience.

FAQs

What genre does Solystalgia play?

Solystalgia blends atmospheric and funereal death/doom with elements of black metal.

How many tracks are on the album Solystalgia?

The album features a total of eight tracks, including three interludes.

What themes are explored in the album?

The album delves into themes of grief, societal unrest, and the complexities of mourning both personal and collective losses.

Who are the members of Solystalgia?

The band consists of Austin Wheeler (drums), Paul Black (vocals), and Wilco (guitars and bass).

Where can I listen to Solystalgia?

Solystalgia is available now via Nameless Grave Records.