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SOLSTICE is perfection. Just like SABBAT is Black Metal perfection, or how CIRITH UNGOL is Heavy Metal perfection, SOLSTICE are a band that will remembered for releasing nothing but the utmost quality for a dedicated fan base. If you're not familiar with this band, then you've honestly been living in a cave on Mars for a considerable amount of time. RICH WALKER, founder of the infamous Miskatonic Foundation is notoriously known for not only spreading the word of great Englander bands such as WARNING, PAGAN ALTAR, and the recent acquisitions of THE LAMP OF THOTH and THE RIVER, but also his zealous dedication to bringing Metal back (strictly) to the underground. His philosophy is clearly present in his music, but it's masqueraded under the banner of the magnificent mythological lyricism of Lamentations, SOLSTICE's magnificent debut.

This re-issue put out by METAL SUPREMACY (limited to 500 copies… No doubt) polished the edges of Lamentations, truly bringing out the real spirit of the music. The earlier releases are nearly as great, but the production did not magnify the splendor of the music as is certainly the case here. We have all the same classic tracks, just now they can breathe more, and thus exert the energy more successfully. Everything that the earlier album had is greatly multiplied in an extravagant display of the full extent of SOLSTICE's brilliance. Despite this album being over a decade old, the remastering is splendid enough for this album to be finally be deemed perfect. And as a treat, they included three tracks for the 1994 demo that was released shortly before LAMENTATIONS' original issuing.

Onto the music, though. The vocals are powerfully executed, truly bringing out the arcane lyrics. I've never had more pleasure than reading the SOLSTICE lyrics; they understand that the music is just as important as the conceptual aspects, and it really shows. Take Wintermoon Rapture for example: "Cleanse my wounds in winter moon desire/This endless quest for sanctuary pure/As formless levithans swim avernian seas/Crystal citadels call me in my dreams". The overall rendering of the lyrics in accompaniment with the music is perfect.

Fans of SOLITUDE AETURNUS, CANDLEMASS, and PAGAN ALTAR need to investigate this immediately, my highest recommendation.