In recent months the traditional metal sound is not only making a comeback of sorts, it’s utterly kicking in the doors and forcing itself into your psyche in the most volatile fashion. Where it was once England that powered through the mire of Sabbath-esque cloning, Sweden has taken up the mantle and proved that this once-proud and innovative sound is welcome back in our yard at any time.

For its sophomore effort, In Solitude’s The World. The Flesh. The Devil. reads like a how-to for this flat-black straight-ahead style that is once more taking the movement with hurricane-force storming. It amazes me that Metal Blade has been signing some very potent bands of late in Primoridal, King of Asgard, Portrait and now In Solitude. At this rate the label will reach some stellar heights as it did in its early 80’s heyday. The main element of this album that makes it so great is the pinpoint perfect ‘dated’ sound that doesn’t serve as a detriment as much as it provides a window back in time. I grew up on this music and recall its day in the sun very clearly, and In Solitude calls upon such magical days with all of the essence and honesty it deserves.

Vocalist Pelle Ahman offers a style so brilliantly perfect; it’s an even, clean tone that just resonates and digs into your skull, settling in the crevices as a memorable performance all over. Without relying on silly screaming, guttural growling or inane rasping Ahman’s abilities are simple, to the point, and as good as it gets. I’m a huge fan of this guy now. Musically the band behind him is just as crisp and fluid as the opening title track suggests. With some elemental fusing of old school demographics and modern-day touches of flair and design, The Flesh… is a literal cornucopia of heavy metal goodness for the fan that simply accepts no substitute for driving guitar riffing and effortless, resounding vocals that are sure to be the new standard. “To Her Darkness” could be a lost Mercyful Fate track off the first EP as it’s so laden with that early traditional sound, and while this may be sacrilege I don’t see King Diamond handling this track any better than Pelle Ahman. The chugging riffs are reminiscent of Michael Denner and Hank Sherman, yet Henrik Palm and Niklas Lindstrom stamp their seals all over this one, as well as the rest of the album. “On Burning Paths” ends this album with some of the heaviest chord assaults that these ears have heard in some time. This album is a total surprise collective for me.

For the fan that simply can’t live without a myriad of guitar riffs that retell the tales of old and scatter some newer bodies of their own along the roadside, the twin attack of Palm and Lindstrom is a definitive force to be reckoned with in all facets. It’s not speedy for the sake of pace, intricate for the sake of arrogance or lengthy for the sake of space; The World. The Flesh. The Devil. is that one album that you find yourself repeating again and again simply because you either missed the sound the first time around or you found that piece of your past you never knew was really missing until a slap across the face in “Dance of the Adversary” reminded you. Either way, you’re here, you’re happy and it’s heavy as all hell!            

TRACK LISTING

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

1.  The World The Flesh The Devil
2.  We Were Never Here
3.  Serpents Are Rising
4.  Poisoned, Blessed And Burned
5.  Demons
6.  To Her Darkness
7.  Dance Of The Adversary
8.  On Burning Paths

Total playing time:  57:39

Release Date: May 23, 2011
Label: Metal Blade Records

In Solitude - The World. The Flesh. The Devil

Reviewer: Chris

June 6, 2011