Solemn (Twilight Foundation)

 This Canadian quartet was formed in 2001 under the name of The Mass, the band recorded only a full length under Great White North in 2004 called “Towards Darkness”, after been informed about a US act also called The Mass, the band decided to change its name in 2005… This brand new album I’ve got in my hands right now, the band’s debut album as Towards Darkness, consists in seven tracks of sinister and atmospheric Funeral Doom Metal in its most macabre expression; the ominous, sometimes pretty symphonic keyboard work of Simon Carignan (also member of Longing For Dawn) contributes with a disturbing atmosphere of devastating obscurity that reigns over the 63 minutes this album lasts, always complemented by obscure and agonizingly slow guitar riffs and a simple and cadent drumming. The vocals of Kevin Jones are certainly an element to remark; sounding quite away from the typical ultra low Death Metal styled grunts, this guy is capable to deliver an incredibly grim and ripping mid-toned vocal style, sometimes closer to Black Metal than to anything else, contributing with an intense and infernal evil aura… Even when Towards Darkness moves definitely into the well defined Funeral Doom Metal parameters, this album is undoubtedly an original piece; varied atmospheres that range from suffocating, dense passages, droning and atmospheric parts to everything in between, make of this opus a hypnotic, yet diverse piece of funeral art. I’ve been listening to this album for three days in a row and there’s no way I can get bored of it… Tracks such the asphyxiating, solemn, funerary and macabre “Continuity Error” (my absolute favorite one) or even the mesmerizing and abstract Ambient closing track “Solemn”, make of this album a highly addictive piece worthy of consideration… If you enjoy the obscure, occultist and sinister music in every shape, “Solemn” is an album that will certainly blows you miserable head off… Excellent album! (AP)