Sūrya – Solastalgia

Label: Argonauta Records
Releasedate: 26-07-2019

Hailing from London, UK, Solastalgia is the second album of Sūrya. Even if listening to doom metal in the middle of July is a bit of nonsense. I mean, this would be a perfect band to see in a dark, gloomy basement on a rainy Autumn day, drinking your molded wine. At this moment, while listening the album and reviewing it, the sun is shining out there and I can only think of mojitos and swimming pool. Somehow, Sūrya doesn’t really suit this picture and their music is not that versed for summer days. Summer nights will do the trick, though. A proper sludge/doom metal festival in the middle of a mountain forest with nothing but the star sky upon us and the sound explosions to astonish the listeners.

About the album…

Was a nice start. No, it was a great start! I like more this album than the previous, Apocalypse A.D., released in 2015. There is a pace that is pleasing to the listeners of the genre. Somehow that is a calmer attitude but very solid resolution, shared by all the member of the band. The first track, “Anthroposcene” is a calm introduction to what we can expect during the album. And the second track, “The Purpose” is a rhythm marvel, with a combination of sounds from the diverse instruments that is not exaggerated, yet marks a confident position where the band stands. Tall and proud, providing the listener with power and introspection. The spoken word parts reflect upon civilization. The experimentation done by this group is worth the listening. “Fenland” is the shortest and mildest track of the album, setting the ground for the presentation track “Black Snake Prophecy”. Which is a blast! This reminds me why I like so much doom and sludge sounds. The full structure of the song is perfectly orchestrated. I almost see a story here and dread the black snake. This is the environmental apocalypse story. In the end, “Saviours” blasts with drums beating like machines and clean guitars that progress to the final screech.

The album is great, enjoyable, and I am more than willing to see these guys live. The show must be immense and immersive. The album is awesome, with the only bad thing about it being the shortness. I would like to hear it more. I guess we will have to wait for the next album.

Line up:

• Raquel – drums
• Greg – guitar
• Mark – bass
• Bartek – guitar

1. Anthropocene
2. The Purpose
3. Fenland
4. Black Snake Prophecy
5. Saviours

Links:

Facebook
Bandcamp