SOLITUDE - DOMINANCE - TRAGEDY

As far as Evergrey albums go, "Solitude" seems like a collection of songs which-- in retrospect-- sound like slightly inferior warm-ups to their later, more polished and exciting releases. Still, it makes a fine purchase for dedicated fans of the band's dark sound.

The songs are well-played and heavy on crunchy guitar, with enough dynamic gusto and interesting divergences in effects and instrumentation to make them a cut above their metal contemporaries. Englund's voice seems to be the dominant (and perhaps most likeable) sound in the mix, and his dark, foreboding phrasing and growls are infectiously fun to listen to. However, the album's production makes the bottom a little muddy, and the repetitive sound of the guitar will definitely take its toll on the listener's attention by the album's conclusion.

As a whole: fun for a few listens and important for their future releases, but not solid enough for all but the dedicated fan.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 2 Lyrics/Vocals: 2 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2