Review: “High Priestess” by Solothurn

“This EP is heavier and more progressive than anything we’ve released before. There are doomier riffs, more atmosphere and more space in the songs, but the core of it is still melody and emotional impact. It feels like a natural evolution, just darker and more fully realised.” ~ Solothurn

Describing their sound as Progressive Sludge Metal, Solothurn first appeared on our radar with 2023 debut EP “Servitude“. A brooding, atmospheric record with a wide range of 90’s influences, including the likes of Alice in Chains, Deftones and Tool, it had enough soaring melodies and weighty riffs to take them to the final of Northern Ireland’s Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses competition a year after its release. Returning to their practice space, rumours of the quintet taking a heavier, darker and more progressive route to remain were substantiated with the release of 2025 singles “Hollow” and “Waves“.

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Neal Calderwood (From Ruins, Hexxed, Utopia Ruins) at Manor Park Studios in Northern Ireland and adorned by artwork from Vancouver-based artist October Midnight (Slipknot, Amenra), this next chapter explores survival and disillusionment in a world of technological alienation, inner-city decay, social unrest and emotional emptiness. It begins with the title track “High Priestess” during which vocalist Ryan Adair offers a prayer for a guiding light to help him through challenging times, the emotive qualities of his soaring cleans telling you how much this one means. Sonically there is a warm nostalgic quality to the bands sound at throws back to 2002 and Jesse Leach project Seamless, the Progressive Metal leaning Stoner Sludge riffs very much fit for worship. What brings it home is that they’re a little more nuanced and complex than you might find with a band like Desert Storm, while the melodies are just as rich and by the time the track fades, their is an air of defiance rather than despair about it.

A bleak portrait of social collapse “Breathing Decay” finds guitarists Dee Cleland and Jamie Wright getting more expansive with their rhythmic dynamics, the later offering a tasteful solo on a song that floats on the kind of atmospheres that Alice In Chains once created. The surprise is that seemingly from out of nowhere Adair produces some savage unclean vocal moments that give the song this unexpected gut punch moment of brutality with some heavier riffs thrown in around it. A mighty crescendo to a burning tune, its one of those moments that makes all the difference.

The rendition of “Hollow” which graces this record is 20 seconds longer that the one released in 2025 and finds Solothurn telling a Tool inspired tale of philosophical emptiness for all to hear. Drummer Marty Elley and bassist Ross Hunter shine as they drive the song forward, the soaring clean vocals from Adair reaching arena filling levels during seven and a half minutes that captivate. There is a real grit and integrity to the lyrics which ensures that they resonate, the atmospheric weight enhancing the brooding melodies in perfect harmony. Another unclean vocal moment at the very end gives it an edge and in all honesty it could easily play out another minute or so with the screamed harsh vocals [8/10]

Track Listing

1. High Priestess
2. Breathing Decay
3. Hollow

“High Priestess” by Solothurn is out 24th July 2026