In the modern landscape that black metal finds itself in the midst of, it’s not hard to come to the assumption that many bands are going in one of two directions with their sound: (1) more primal, raw and dark that holds nothing back with even the very production or lack thereof part of such a performance, or (2) brighter material thematically and visually that allows for different topics to be explored and new territory to constantly be found for those who dare to look for it. Both have their own time and place, but it has to be the latter that I find myself coming across more often than not with many bands daring to make that transition that plenty would condemn. However, it’s with bands like Soul Dissolution that I can’t help but feel like we’ve more than enough proof of concept that we could ever ask for.

Never having been one to lurk too long in the darkness with the very wonders of the world to be explored and admired, Soul Dissolution’s transition has been slow and gradual for those who have been paying attention to the rising name who has become something of a cult favorite for many throughout the underground. With a couple of efforts under their belt and a pretty consistent release schedule that is constantly drip-feeding us excellence that never quite repeats where it has been before, Soul Dissolution has never been an act to miss. As if to blow away such expectations, however, it’s with “Sora” that we see the band take the never step in the direction that they’ve been going in for some time now with the quality and execution of this creation all but fitting for the reputation that this band has made for itself. For the whole of the record, Soul Dissolution offers up nothing but pure adoration for the sky above our heads and the beauty that it holds for all that it is with the emotional aspect of “Sora” intensely compelling by all accounts with this truly feeling like the most mature album from this band to date. It all comes together beautifully for a striking performance that’s as captivating as it is undeniable in its magic that permeates every given facet of the creation, and it’s by the end of this creation that one is left wondering how Soul Dissolution could have gone down any other path but this given how fitting and delicious it is coming from a rising band as talented as this.

I will never look down upon any act, new or old, that dares to try something new for themselves or the scene as a whole, especially if you’re a band as gifted as what we have here in the form of Soul Dissolution with this creation certainly being best-case scenario when it comes to material like this. There’s so much life and beauty to be had within “Sora” that one is left utterly staggered by what’s been accomplished even as we come to realize that this is but one note out of an entire symphony that Soul Dissolution has complete control and mastery over.

LISTEN to “Sora” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Soul Dissolution on Facebook here.