Search - Solitude Aeturnus :: Through the Darkest Hour

Not bad, not their best.

D. Knouse | vancouver, washington United States | 02/15/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"3.5 stars. After their masterpiece "Beyond the Crimson Horizon" a letdown was inevitable. Many times during this album the band sounds as if they are struggling to put together their ideas into a cohesive product. To their credit, or downfall, they are not trying to replicate their previous release and in trying to branch out in different directions the road sounds difficult. The only constant here is Robert Lowe's voice which he varies into trance-like Stoner Doom on occassion as well as soaring vocals though they are not nearly as prevalent here as on "Beyond the Crimson Horizon." I very nearly gave up on this band after hearing this album before any of their others. This would be a mistake for newcomers as this is nowhere near the pinnacle of their work. There are certainly moments on this release that are noteworthy but it should not be considered a first purchase. "Beyond the Crimson Horizon" is exciting from start to finish as is their most recent album "Alone" which rose from the ashes after an eight year hiatus from the band to show all Doom Metallers just how it should be done. Buy either or both of those albums first before filling out your Solitude Aeturnus catalog as they are far superior to "Through the Darkest Hour.""