Independent New York City death metal band Solemn Vision are a name deserving of attention. Their 2019 self-titled debut is an ambitious release spanning multiple metal styles. On the band’s website, each of the five members names specific bands and musicians who have influenced him. Vocalist Aaron Harris includes The Black Dahlia Murder among his influences, and was among the many artists in the scene to pay respects to the legendary Trevor Strnad earlier this year. Instrumentally, Solemn Vision takes inspiration from Scandinavian bands such as Opeth, Insomnium, Wintersun, and At the Gates.
Solemn Vision’s self-titled album makes these influences apparent, while presenting a unique approach. At an hour in length and most tracks spanning eight minutes or more, there’s plenty of space for the intricate guitar work, blast beats, and progressive song structures to shine. Standout tracks like “Midnight Sun” and “A Perch For Demons” are simultaneously melodic, intricate, and brutal. Atmospheric sections throughout offer a brief respite. The closer “Reincarnate” contains both clean and growled vocal sections from Aaron and reflects the duality of early Opeth albums. The song’s lyrics “The wolves howl towards the sky/The phoenix now shall fly/From ashes we are born/Born from those who mourn” mirror the striking album artwork.
You can listen to Solemn Vision on streaming platforms, or purchase the album on Bandcamp and directly support the band. An instrumental version is also available, which you can download for free or name your price.
