...And I thought my 2005 metal album of the year choice was
Nicholas Adam Chupka | Derwood, MD | 12/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've heard that Red for Fire: An Icelandic Odyssey, Pt. I is different from any other Solefald release. And if that is the case, then I am truly intrigued, because just minutes into this newest venture, you can tell that this is a band of many influences that subscribes to the philosophy that the best music is bound by no rules or conventions.
A soothing saxophone welcomes the listener into this so aptly titled odyssey. Three chanting voices follow before the eerie, gothic atmospherics drop into doom-driven distorted guitars. I knew I was in for a startling adventure when this sludge pace suddenly morphed into a more traditional metal cadence, while still utilizing the distinct mood and saxophone undertones.
Truly lifting my spirits was the beginning of track 2, which sounds absolutely nothing like the first track. A Chaos A.D. thrash riff blasts forth from the opening note, but this style gives way to Arcturus-like post-black flourishes off and on through the rest of the song.
It is this variety in style, technique, mood, genre, and rhythm that will have you continually pressing play upon the album's completion for at least...well...I don't know, I still have yet to figure out how many times one must listen to this album before cravings for anything else strike.
Aside from the more traditional metal soundscapes, Solefald includes plenty of classical instrumentation, ranging in effect from prog rock/metal, to Viking metal, to the chilling temper of black metal. One of the most unique tracks on the album, "White Frost Queen", actually contains a synthesizer passage of a middle-estern influence, in addition to what seems to be a full-orchestral string section playing more conventional classical sounds. Tracks like this, while too varied to be described with any blanket analogies, call to mind theatrical Ayreon, mixed with melodic Borknagar.
In the end though, comparisons do this album no justice because you will not hear anything like this anywhere else. Undeniably rooted in the realms of metal, Solefald is still best defined by one term: music. Without hesitation, this duo from Norway, once driven by a heavy black metal sound, now allows itself to be led by the muse of innovation and style. Not since hearing Opeth's Blackwater Park have I been so enthralled by my first exposure to a band. Until I can get my hands on the rest of Solefald's catalogue, my endless search for new and obscure music is being put on hold. As for your own search, do not take another step until you experience this Icelandic odyssey. You have my guarantee that this adventure will cast a new light on all your future musical endeavors."
A Viking odyssey worthy of the Norse gods themselves
Bill Lockhart | West Chester, PA United States | 11/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Solefald is a band that is known for writing music COMPLETELY different then they do on Red For Fire. In fact, they're a band known for writing really odd music. On Red For Fire, they continue to do so, but it's majestic, epic, sweeping, beautiful, and everything in between.
If you enjoyed their use of saxophone in past albums, you'll love the first track, "Sun I Call". There's a saxophone solo, and it fits it perfectly, along with the lush keyboards and chugging guitar.
"Survival of the Outlaw" displays two of the great things on this album. 1. Lazare's improved vocals, and great use of them. 2. Cornelius's ever changing throaty vocals, and here they change from a raging wolf to screeching creature. The end of this song is also very notable. If you loved the end of "Evacuation Code Deciphered", damn, you're gonna love this.
This album has a great concept as well, and fantastic story. I won't tell you much, because I don't want to spoil the story, but it's great, and definitely stays true to norse story telling. I can't wait till the sequel, "Black for Death" arrives. By the way, it features a guest appearance by the master, Trickster G. (Garm).
Overall, Solefald have created yet another different album, while being one of their best ever. I highly recommend Red For Fire, especially if you love viking metal. Thanks for reading."
Always ingenious they have been, but now consistent they are
L. E Notkin | Montreal, Quebec Canada | 12/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am Lenore's husband.
These guys are my favourite band. They are composers and not just musisicians. However, I found that in Neonism and Harmonia Universali, although the ingenuity was there, the energy was decreasing with increasing track number.
Here, we have their best album. Still experimental, still mindblowing, and this time the power and energy are there undiminished with each track.
This album is heavy, epic, and unrelenting. Cornelius' vocals have improved by becoming even heavier with less screeching while Lazarus just shines. It is also a great intellectual accomplishment: it is true epic poetry in its finest tradition.
It is strange how this album sounds avantguarde and ancient at the same time.
A great musical accomplishment.
PS. I love Neonism and Harmonia Universali, but this one is even more complicated and rawer at the same time."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1