ALBUM REVIEW: SOUL DISSOLUTION - STARDUST

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In the short space of time that Spirit Level has been reviewing records we have been inundated with a plethora of spectacular atmospheric black metal albums from across the world. The new record from Belgian trio ‘Soul Dissolution’ (recently joined by drummer Forge Stone) is no exception. Combining the best attributes of modern black metal and post-rock, ‘Stardust’ is 39 minutes of uplifting, cinematic beauty. Split into four songs and two orchestral instrumental tracks, ‘Stardust’ takes the listener on a vivid journey exploring what happens to the body after death as we are returned to the stars above us.

Where a lot of symphonic metal verges on camp and over the top, ‘Soul Dissolution’ remain modest and understated throughout the record to create a perfect balance between classical piano and string segments and blasts of furious guitar riffs which are accentuated by Jabawock’s stunning tremolo work. Simple and repetitive guitar licks draw you in until you are fully immersed within the soundscape as each track seamlessly blends into the next. This is not to say that the instrumentals are overly simplistic; Forge Stone’s drums and Jabawock’s guitar and bass arrangements are deceptively technical with each song building up gradually. Meanwhile Acharan’s harsh vocals act as a distorted mirror to the instrumental backing; equal parts aggressive and uplifting. This all builds up towards a stunning climax with the final track ‘Far Above The Boiling Sea Of Life’ running just shy of 10 minutes long, the band alternate between fast metal and calm acoustics, constantly changing tempos whilst never distracting away from the core melody.

With the recent addition of a full time drummer, ‘Soul Dissolution’ hope to begin performing live shows as soon as possible; a spectacle that no-one will want to miss.

9/10

Personal Highlight: Track 5 ‘The Last Farewell’ begins with a stunning acoustic introduction that gradually builds on itself with every bar before switching to a wall of metallic guitars that will make you want to reach up to the stars and join the heavens.

‘Stardust’ is out now.