Solar Sons – Another Dimension

 

 

Solar Sons – Another Dimension
Self released – 2023
Metal, Prog
Rated: ****

I first heard about the three from Dundee, thanks to that Pale Wizard Records release: A Tribute To Budgie - Never Turn Your Back On A Friend: 50 Years. On this damn fine album, they performed a brilliant rendition of Melt The Ice Away. And I hope you now know that this means we’re talking about Solar Sons! A Scottish trio that has been releasing music since early 2015. Indeed, they’ve been at it for almost ten years and their new album Another Dimension is their fifth full-sized album. Over one hour of progressive metal that tells a futuristic story about the invention of a sentient robot, sent out into the depths of space to find salvation for the human race. Which upon its return to earth find it in ruins, “a wasteland, ravaged by the wars and spoils of man. Is it all too late or can the fires of civilization burn bright again.” The perfect story for a progressive metal adventure, is it not! It is, and it is expertly told, not only by the vocalist, but also by intense guitar work, blistering drums and riveting bass lines. It’s progressive metal, using eighties influences and some symphonic touches. Explosive solos are as easily executed as emotive atmospheric passage, just listen to the end of Automaton and how it transitions into You Won’t Go Alone. Which turns out to be eight minutes of beautifully masterminded melodic prog rock, where the metal side of the three slowly returns and builds towards an intense end section, showcasing their talent in dynamics and diversity. Quicksilver Trail follows, which also has a video treatment, might be the most straightforward metal and prog song on the album. Yet, the power influences and the guitar solo’s lift it up and give the fluidity of it all a shiny golden edge. Edge, that’s something they toy with constantly. Giving every one of the tracks just a slightly different boundary, a touch of space rock here or seventies prog there. And even though they seem to deliver everything with ease, the compositions are complex, demanding and offer room for all of the instruments. Wayward chords, as much lightning-fast guitar as soulful solo work as needed and stylish changes in tempo, Another Dimension has it all. Solar Sons have delivered an exceptional concept album, Another Dimension will make every progressive rock fan in every dimension fall in love with this one and Hell Fire Fury will set every venue ablaze!

(Written by JK)

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