Search - Final :: Solaris

Pilots of the ether belt

loteq | Regensburg | 07/09/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Final is one of Justin K.Broadrick's - best known as the guitarist/singer of Godflesh - several ongoing projects. He usually releases lengthy, ambient-inflected soundscapes created by guitar manipulation under this banner, but "Solaris" is as menacing and sinister as any album Justin takes part in. This CD is a reissue of 1996 CD-single release, now augmented with one bonus track, the 30-minute "Dying star". "Arise" is the greatest industrial-ambient piece I've listened to since Main's "Firmament I". With its looped drones and high-pitched scattershots, it feels as if you were on board a space shuttle, only vaguely aware of all the noises of the engines and instruments. Finally, it ends with with sweeping, echoed blasts that work best at numbing high volume. The rest of "Solaris" isn't as brilliant, though there are some engaging moments. On the slightly friendlier "Light" and the title track, the sounds easily can be identified as processed guitar feedback. "Dying star" comes up with alienated guitar riffs, but there's even an understated, melodic middle section with this piece. Overall, "Solaris" doesn't exactly hit the same levels as Main's "Firmament II" or "Hz", but again, Justin turns out to be a master of music which makes children and most adults hide under their beds."