Reviewed by Greg Sammons

And so the musical evolution of our favourite Welsh metallic hardcore five-piece continues. So what's new? Well the melodic vocals on their debut full-length are the most notable addition, introduced four songs in on "Taylor", the song which seems to act as their lead single. They still have that hardcore passion and brutal intensity with a keen metallic crunch but the whole melodic dimension of their sound has really come forward this time round. In the past it had been alluded to in the guitar sound but never matched vocally. The guitarwork remains excellent and as the album gets past the halfway point the experimentation is commendable. Luke's songwriting remains one of their greatest draws; poetic, thought-provoking, positive, life affirming. Previously I've described their sound as As I Lay Dying meets mid-career Zao, now may I suggest Beloved meets Hopesfall - when Through Solace are at their most melodic especially. "We Were So Sincere" and "Change Of Heart" are songs that show why Facedown/Strikefirst Records were right to take the gamble and sign a part time band. "Landmark" has a delicately atmospheric intro, an impressive set of tempo/time changes and perhaps their best demonstration of their suddenly acquired vocal diversity while outro "Tides 2" leaves a great last impression, taking an expansive musical journey to a beautiful conclusion. It would have been easy for these Celts to have delivered an album sounding like those we've heard 101 times before such is the number of bands occupying the metalcore territory. Instead, Through Solace have their own sound. And it's a good one.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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