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SOLACE “Fading Failing Ruin”
SOLACE “Fading Failing Ruin”
By Mercyful Mike
I’ll do my best to keep my bias to a minimum, but I fucking love SOLACE. The first time I got a full spin of 1999’s “Further”, I was hooked. Aggressive, FAT riffs that never let off the gas. Subsequent releases pushed boundaries, but there was always that underlying riff that kept things colossally heavy.
Back in 2012, I had the privilege of booking SOLACE to the second edition of my festival,Days Of The Doomed Fest. Their set was nothing short of electric, and remains one of my favorite live sets of all time. Just massive. Today, the line up looks a bit different than it did 14 years ago, but the riffs have not changed one bit.
So here we are with SOLACE’s fifth studio album, “Fading Failing Ruin”, and I am happy to say this album is a triumphant masterclass in metal. Quite possibly the most melodic, emotionally resonant record of the band's 30-year career. “Fading Failing Ruin” marks a poignant new chapter for the New Jersey quintet following the tragic passing of original vocalist Jason Limpantsis in January of 2025. Guided by the thunderous twin-guitar attack of Tommy Southard and Justin Skyler Daniels (dare I compare them to Tipton/Downing or Wartell/Franklin?), and elevated by the soaring vocals of Justin Goins, this 67-minute opus flawlessly bridges the gap between apocalyptic doom and classic, hook-filled hard rock.
“Fading Failing Ruin” retires a healthy amount of the operatic theatricality of their 2019 effort, “The Brink”, for a much more dirty, thick Sabbathian guitar driven delivery. SOLACE seamlessly blends 70’s stoner-doom dynamics with the classic harmony structures of the likes of JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, and even THIN LIZZY. While the foundational riffs remain SABBATH heavy, Goins’ melodic approach injects a renewed vitality, adding light to the dark, doom laden arrangements.
Fist-banging opener “Spiral Will” is a magnificent twin-guitar barrage with a soaring chorus that really opens the floodgates for the rest of the album.
Did I mention that SOLACEisn’t afraid to get proggy? Look no further that the 14 minute monster “Wrath’s Object (The Big Fall)”. This track has it all: a patient, 6-minute psychedelic jam, tribalesque percussion, and a segue unfurling into a seismic wave of crushing, lysergic doom. Timothy Leary would approve.
Rumor has it "Beyond Below" is a riff that Southard and drummer Tim Schoenleber originally jammed on as teens back in the 90’s. They were definitely on to something as this track showcases dense, fuzz-soaked layers and groove for days. Some riffs truly do pass the test of time!
As we come to "Every Day Is a Loaded Gun", I must say this is my favorite track on the album. This is a slow-burn of a song that captures the essence of “Fading Failing Ruin’s” dark, bleak, apocalyptic atmosphere. The acoustic solo beautifully sends this one home. Magnificent.
All bias aside, “Fading Failing Ruin” will satiate any fan of stoner/doom/heavy metal. There is a lot to offer within these 67 minutes of music, so buckle up, kick back, and enjoy the ride!
10/10
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