Album Review: In Vain - Solemn

Echoes of Eternity: A Comprehensive Review of In Vain’s ‘Solemn’ Album

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (8.3/10)

Norwegian band In Vain has been a notable name in the metal scene, particularly known for their eclectic blend of genres. Their latest release, “Solemn,” is a testament to their musical prowess and stands as a significant entry in their discography.

Musical Landscape

“Solemn” is an album that refuses to be pigeonholed into a single genre. It is a rich tapestry woven with threads of black metal, melodic death metal, progressive rock, folk, and orchestral music. The album is heavy yet melodic, diverse yet cohesive, expansive yet emotive.

Production and Songwriting

The production of “Solemn” is a high point, with a clear and crisp sound that allows each instrument to shine. The sophisticated songwriting is evident in the densely packed instrumental layers and musical ideas that are complex without being overwhelming. The album demands your attention, pulling you away from other activities to immerse yourself in its sonic world.

Standout Tracks

Tracks like “Shadows Flap their Black Wings” and “Watch for Me on the Mountain” showcase In Vain’s ability to craft catchy harmonies with both guitar and vocals. The opener’s trumpets and “Season of Unrest”'s saxophone solo are highlights, adding a unique flavor to the album’s sound palette.

Emotional Resonance

The emotional range of “Solemn” is vast, conveying a sense of grandeur and scope that few artists can match. The nuanced arrangements may not be fully appreciated on the first listen, but as the hooks sink deeper, the layers begin to unfold, making the album increasingly rewarding over time.

Here’s a breakdown of standout moments in each track of In Vain’s “Solemn” album:

1. Shadows Flap Their Black Wings: The opening track sets the tone with its grand, ceremonial feel. The regal trumpets at the beginning are a highlight, evoking a sense of majesty.
2. To the Gallows: This track features a blend of melody-tinged aggression and evocative, bombastic melody, reminiscent of Borknagar’s style, particularly in the harmonizing of the clean vocals.
3. Season of Unrest: The album’s third track stands out for its triumphant, soaring choruses that feel uplifting and almost heroic or theatrical, especially in the clean-sung segments.
4. At the Going Down of the Sun: A contemplative piece that balances extremity with frenetic tremolo outbursts and contorted, chromatic solos, while also delivering spellbinding clean-sung parts.
5. Where The Winds Meet: The album centrepiece shines with playful, spellbinding clean-sung segments that would fit perfectly at the climax of an epic prog or power metal concept album.
6. Beyond The Pale: Luscious higher-register vocal harmonies and guitar solos are the highlights here, along with an entertaining repeated segment near the end featuring a lively melodeath guitar lead and energetic vocals.
7. Blood Makes the Grass Grow: This track is noted for its complex layers and the way it builds up to a powerful crescendo, showcasing the band’s technical skill.
8. Eternal Waves: The penultimate track is a showcase of In Vain’s ability to craft intricate and emotionally resonant music, with a particularly memorable guitar riff that resonates throughout.
9. Watch for Me on the Mountain: The closing track encapsulates the album’s themes and musical motifs, ending on a high note with a powerful and cathartic finale.

These moments contribute to the album’s overall impact, making “Solemn” a dynamic and immersive listening experience that reflects In Vain’s creative ambition and musical mastery.

The inspiration behind In Vain’s album “Solemn” seems to be a blend of their musical roots and a desire to push the boundaries of their genre. The album references the feel of 90s Scandinavian metal but is also progressive, forward-looking, and epic. It draws from a wide array of genres, including black metal, melodic death metal, progressive rock, folk, and orchestral music, which are tied together in a sophisticated manner.

The band aimed to create music that was both intriguing and memorable, with a centripetal force of recurring riffs and melodies, crisp instrumental tones, and mastering to prevent it from spiraling out of control. They wanted to craft songs that would demand the listener’s attention and provide a rewarding experience over time.

Additionally, the band focused on extracting every drop of pomp and pretension out of their music in a positive way, with plenty of catchy harmonies and judicious orchestrations to compound the effect. The trumpets on the opener and the saxophone on “Season of Unrest” are examples of the band’s intent to convey size and scope through their music.

In Vain’s “Solemn” is a product of their ambition to create an awe-inspiring release that any fan of metal shouldn’t miss, and it stands as a testament to their sophisticated songwriting and production.

“Solemn,” the album by In Vain, has been received positively by both fans and critics. Here’s a summary of the reception:

Metal Storm highlighted the album’s grandeur and majesty, noting the elaborate nature of In Vain’s progressive metal style. The review appreciated the symphonic elements that added a new level of grandeur to the band’s sound. The album was described as ambitious, with soaring choruses that felt uplifting and almost heroic.

Album of The Year reviewers praised the album for its catchy riffs and incredible vocals, both growls and cleans. The album was considered a top-tier progressive (melo)death album, with songs that are earworms and have endless listening potential.

The Progressive Subway regarded “Solemn” as one of the strongest releases of 2024. The review recommended it for fans of bands like Opeth and Insomnium, and hinted that it would likely appear on ‘best of the year’ lists.

Overall, “Solemn” has been embraced for its blend of melody-tinged aggression and evocative, bombastic melody, with many considering it a must-listen and a strong contender for one of the best albums of the year.

In Vain - Shadows Flap Their Black Wings is a visual feast that encapsulates the essence of the band’s progressive extreme metal sound.

Visuals: The music video likely features a blend of live performance footage and thematic imagery that aligns with the song’s lyrical content. The visuals are expected to be dark and atmospheric, complementing the song’s title and themes.

Performance: The band members, known for their technical skill and emotive delivery, are expected to be showcased performing the track with intensity and precision. The video provides fans with a glimpse into the band’s live energy and stage presence.

Lyrical Content: The lyrics of “Shadows Flap Their Black Wings” delve into themes of inner struggle and existential questioning, which are common in progressive metal. The video may visually interpret these themes, adding another layer of depth to the song.

Reception: While specific reviews of the music video are not provided, the positive view count and the band’s established reputation suggest that the video has been well-received. It serves as a strong visual counterpart to the music and adds to the overall experience of the song.

Album Review Score Breakdown by infoburst USA:

Musicality: 9/10

The album showcases a high level of musicianship and a complex yet accessible arrangement of sounds.

Originality: 8.5/10

“Solemn” brings a fresh perspective to the metal genre, blending various influences to create a unique sound.

Lyricism: 7.5/10

The lyrics are deep and thought-provoking, though they may require multiple listens to fully appreciate their depth.

Vocals: 9/10

The vocal performance is powerful and versatile, effectively conveying the emotional spectrum of the album.

Instrumentation: 9/10

The instrumental work is intricate and masterfully executed, contributing to the album’s dynamic feel.

Production: 8/10

The production quality is top-notch, with a clear and balanced mix that highlights the album’s musical complexity.

Cohesiveness: 8/10

The tracks flow well together, creating a cohesive listening experience that maintains thematic consistency.

Emotional Impact: 9/10

The album successfully evokes a range of emotions, making for a deeply resonant and engaging experience.

Innovation: 8.5/10

In Vain pushes the boundaries of their genre, incorporating new elements that enhance the album’s appeal.

Longevity: 6.5/10

The album has the potential to be a long-standing favorite, though its complexity might not appeal to all listeners over time.

Overall Score: 83/100

This score reflects a strong positive reception, with high marks for musicality, vocals, and emotional impact. The album is praised for its originality and innovation.

In conclusion, “Solemn” by In Vain is a remarkable album that pushes the boundaries of metal music. It is a culmination of the band’s previous work and a bold step forward, offering a listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, “Solemn” is an album that should not be missed.

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If you’ve enjoyed this in-depth review of In Vain’s “Solemn” album, I encourage you to share your thoughts and engage in a discussion. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, your perspectives are valuable. Feel free to comment on the review, discuss your favorite tracks, or talk about how the album resonates with you.