2nd August 2023

Review: “Animus” by Crown Solace

“We are excited to show the world our debut EP, which we feel encompasses all the different parts of our overall sound as a band. We feel that these songs showcase our unique style that it brings something new to the symphonic metal genre. All of us have worked super hard and have fused all of our influences and passions into catchy, melodic, epic metal!” ~ Crown Solace

The brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Valentyn Tkach, who envisaged creating something to push the boundaries of Symphonic Metal, Crown Solace was created in 2020 in Aberdeen Scotland. Taking inspiration from Nightwish, Amaranthe and Architects, the band build the foundations of their sound around the trained soprano that is Pete Rawcliffe, known for his work in Urania Fantasia. Contrasting that with the Death Metal screams of bassist Callum Hutchinson while drummer Menzies Johnson builds the dynamic, the band have already gained ground with singles “Horizon” and “Obscured Reality” as they plot their course.

Raw and emotive, the effeminate soprano tones that Rawcliffe offers feel like they are as stark of a contrast as you could get to the Death Metal savagery of Hutchinson without unbalancing the scales of justice as “Inside My Mind” unfurls its angelic wings. Embellished by cinematic orchestration, as if the title didn’t give it away, there is an introspective lyrical narrative which despite the bold and bright musicianship and fresh ideas can not mask a link to Nu-Metal. If you close your eyes and tap your heels together, you might come to realise that underneath it all there is an operatic version of something that Amy Lee and Evanescence might have offered in the early 2000’s. Fortunately as the title track unfolds, the band take more risks and that experimentation plays to their strengths. A huge breakdown section with some viciously guttural vocals is a much needed gut punch moment to separate Crown Solace from the wolf pack, pushing the heavier and more melodic contrasts further apart to deliver one of the records finest songs. “Dangerous Eyes” does more of that, making great use of vocal layering to dampen some of the higher pitched vocals and lift some of the lower tones. That helps to create something of real power, allowing the depth and texture of the sonic oblivion the band have created to shine though.

A spoken word adds a sense of drama to “The Sounds That Make Me Feel Alive“, its skull battering riffs emerging tastefully from behind weighty orchestrations and powerful vocal performances. There is a sense that there is a lot going on with the sound that Crown Solace call their own and it does take repeated listens to take it all in, something that is ultimately rewarding. However there is also the sense that sometimes less could be more and it would be interesting to hear an instrumental version of the record because on some of these songs the vocals are so dominant that they overpower. “Return To Dust” finds better balance with a galloping opening half making way for staccato riff breaks, musing on breaking the chains that surround us and seeking freedom and enlightenment. Where Crown Solace go from here will be interesting because all the elements of an arena filling band with pyrotechnics on display are here, all that is really needed is some refinement and a little less introspection to reach that point [7/10]

Track Listing