Review by Gary Spiller for MPM
Formed back in 2008 Sol Invicto, until this debut public release, have remained an intriguing underground project. Founded by guitarist / producer Richie Londres, percussionist Eric Bobo (Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill) and guitarist Stephen Carpenter (Deftones) have kept their cards relatively close to their chest that is until now.
This three track EP release represents a turnaround from their 2017 announcement of their intent to purely release music via a private members association known as the “Sol Invicto Comiti.
Following years of experimentation and the release of the members only album ‘Initium’ Sol Invicto have now arrived at the juncture where they feel that the moment to unleash their first raging appetiser upon the public has been reached.
Speaking upon the EP, the band shares in their press releases, “It’s been quite the journey to get this to the people, just a taste of what’s to come.” And boy what a starting course they have served up. Three tracks that quake the foundations to the core blending industrial scale metalliferous six-stringing of Carpenter with the dynamic Latin percussives of Bobo. The door is now open to stream forth a hitherto well-kept secret.
Drafting the talents of drummer Dan Foord of British progressive metallers SikTh, and latterly, Plague to Pyres vocalist Sean Plague has rounded off matters quite deliciously. The latter guesting on the lead single, and EP opener, ‘The Obvious Play’. It’s a dangerous and raw feeling initiative that cuts deep on its way to pulverising bone. Beneath it’s rugged exterior one can peel away layers to expose striking intricacies of electronic and percussive elements.
The ethereal keyed intro of ‘Lost In Translation’ cuts through the misty cathedral interior and then gives way imperiously to the torrent that sweeps us into the sonic vortex. There’s a relent as the breakdown takes focus upon Bobo’s hooky percussion alongside that haunting electronica that flits in and out.
‘Revelation of The Method’ is the major hook for me personally with its opening half minute or so paving the way enigmatically.
Progressive touches of Opeth swirl with an Amorphis-like ambience before we take receipt of an anger on par with Amon Amarth multiplied by Dimmu Borgir. Underpinned by keys that continue the opening throughout this unrelenting darkened despatch enthrals.
Uncompromising yet delicate this is an EP of shades for the 21st century. Clocking in at a fraction under 14 minutes these three tracks are purely the opening gambit from a behemothic leviathan with immense potential. The details of what future plans Sol Invicto are promising have taken a major step forward to materialising.
