They say that good things come to those who wait. This is certainly the case when it comes to the long awaited sophomore album from Sölicitör, Enemy in Mirrors. It’s hard to believe that it was 5 and a half years ago, in the midst of a once in a century pandemic, that these speed dealers first blitzed these here virtual pages with their rampaging debut, Spectral Devastation. That album has since gone onto become one of my favorites of the decade thus far, finding its way on my turntable more often than Dio sang about rainbows, and that was a lot! In due time, I’m sure Enemy in Mirrors will meet the same fate, albeit for different reasons.
While Enemy in Mirrors is most certainly as high speed and even higher energy than its predecessor, it does stand apart as its own singular musical statement. For one, there is a difference in production and atmosphere. Whereas Spectral Devastation at times sounded like it was recorded in the heat of battle, giving off classic USPM vibes, Enemy in Mirrors is more stripped down and straightforward, as if the band is unleashing their unrelenting speed metal attack in the comfort of your living room, basement, or wherever your home stereo system is stationed.
As a result of this production, there are some key differences that work in the band’s favor. Frontwoman Amy Lee Carlson’s vocals are front and center, as they should be, leading the charge like an unholy hybrid of Leather Leone and David Wayne. The riffs of guitarists Patrick Fry and Matt Vogan are tighter, sharper, and more violent than before, resulting in hard thrashing outbursts on cuts like “Paralysis” and “Iron Wolves of War”. And then there’s the arrangements of the songs themselves, which seem more, dare I say “progressive” than the last time around.
Now when I use this adjective to describe Sölicitör, I’m not referring to mind-numbingly technical wank-fests in the tradition of Dream Theater, but rather the songwriting evolution of Maiden say between the debut and Killers. The rawness and fury at the heart of their sound shines as always, even on multi-faceted moments like “Spellbound Mist” and the one-two punch of a closer, “Black Magick & The Devil’s Hand Pt I & II”. Combined, these last two songs clock in at nearly 11 minutes and embody the progressive leanings I’m talking about, exemplified by sophisticated guitar lines and subtle balance of headbanging speed with straightforward traditionalism.
Like Spectral Devastation before it, there are blasts of USPM infused power-speed akin to Thundersteel era Riot (i.e. “We Who Remain”, “Crimson Battle Beast”), but I wouldn’t go so far to brand it a strictly power-speed release. No, Enemy in Mirrors is prime speed that flirts with nuances of thrash, power, prog, and so much more over the course of its 10 song, 48 minute runtime. I admit that even I shuddered upon first noticing the runtime, especially since Spectral Devastation clocked in at just under 40 minutes, but fear not, maniacs! Enemy in Mirrors is an ally to your ears, and an all killer, no filler one to boot. Get on it and speed your day away!
8 out of 10
Label: Gates of Hell Records
Genre: Speed Metal
For fans of: Chastain, Hellion, Sentinel Beast