This is part II of the conceptual latest release from Germany's well established pagan metal act, Helrunar.
On Sol II, I gladly found back the Helrunar I had once known and enjoyed. While Sol I was moving at a fast pace, II is more pulsating a moderate metronome, most of the time. You can still have some fast/furious beats, but they are more scarce and far in between. Although not the best I've heard from Helrunar, still I found myself liking this album more and more as I listened to it. A grower might be a very good way to describe this release. Opening with an ambient piece, paired with crunchy riffing, the following tracks are just a succession of great musical compositions. The moderate pace is ruling from track 3, "Die Mühle" to the epic closer "Sol". I found back those juicy and bone crushing riffs that put Helrunar into a league of its own. Not only that, but the harmonious parts of leads, arpeggios and solos and back with great melodious impact on this one. To make things even tastier, there are also a few classical guitars moments scattered here and there. On "Lichtmess", those organic tones are leading the show, accompanied by nature samplings (water & birds). On "Rattenköning", the classical guitar arpeggios are melodically completing the heavily crushing rhythms. I found there were more musical breaks, filled with intricate lead guitar work, than on part I. Aside from the nature samplings, you'll find a bit of industrial sound here and there, without being the least distractive or out of context. The narrative vocals are still present, as well as the harsher tones, which are wicked once and a while.
Sol II is a great piece of pagan metal that reflects the musicianship and songwriting skills of this German act.
Track listing:
1- Europa nach dem Eis
2- Aschevolk
3- Die Mühle
4- Rattenkönig
5- Moorgänger
6- Lichtmess
7- Sol
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