It has been far too long since a piece has come before that has really taken the boundaries of metal and tossed them to the side to create an experience that is as dynamic as it is deep for all that it brings to the table with an ethereal garb that really enables the work to stand out from the rest. I figured that the latest work from Iskandr would be the most appropriate work that fits such a description that would cross my radar for some time to come. Fortunately, the universe has proven me wrong in this instance. With its ninth full-length record, Sol has made for an experience the likes of which I still find myself hardly able to pin down even after hours of submerging in the record’s wonders.

Out of the gate, it’s important to note that using the term “metal” itself in reference to what Sol brings to the table for “Promethean Sessions” is to use it in the loosest sense imaginable. Throughout the whole of the album, Sol finds little challenge in incorporating doom metal elements into the broad experience that these six tracks deliver across a spectacular 43-minute runtime that offers much more than what one unfamiliar with Sol would expect upon taking the plunge. Those moments that illicit flavors of metal are fleeting, though, as it’s in the greater harmony and tranquility that’s to be had for much of what “Promethean Sessions” has to offer that Sol thrives in such extravagance without so much as a care for what destination we arrive at for the journey is as glorious as it is hypnotizing. Built together by an immense collection of an impeccably performed array of instruments from double bass, organ, clarinet, dulcimer, viola, violin, hurdy gurdy, and much more to make for a particularly layered experience that isn’t quite like anything else that I’ve come across in years, this has to be considered one of the undeniable peaks of what Sol has crafted over an illustrious run. From its compositions that are intimately close to the troubles of the soul to its vast display of talent in many different styles, “Promethean Sessions” is a stroke of overwhelming genius that we’re not likely to see done in such form for years to come be it by Sol or another tremendous entity from the ether.

Given that this work stands far from what its metal tags would make people think, I wouldn’t be surprised although saddened to see this record not get the attention it deserves, but don’t let such foolishness prevent you from what is a real masterstroke of what it means to transcend metal beyond what many think is possible to bring forth an experience that feels massive yet no less than endlessly flavorful and intricate to its very core. Sol has accomplished much in such a long time of evolving its craft with “Promethean Sessions” shattering barriers and expectations the likes of which I don’t think any of us could have predicted whatsoever.

“Promethean Sessions” releases on November 24th via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Promethean Sessions” on Bandcamp here.

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