El Kabong gives it four headbangs.


Solace   December 28, 2000
Nordic Joe (Scandinavia)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Vooouuuwww... I have followed the Christian blackmetal scene for some years now and this is the first time I've heard something truely original (Horde wasn't original, just better than the bands that guy copied). This is complex progressive metal, sometimes chaotic and furious sometimes slow and atmospheric. This album grows on with every listen and the arrangements are awsome. The productions is bad and it suits the chaotic world of Lengsel. Lyricwise it deals with dark emotions yet showing hope but it's not preachy. I give it topgrade even with non Christian standards. This is in the same level and as Emperor and Dimmu Borgir, it just sounds different and was also made on a different budget.


Creative, technical, atypical, and not for everyone.   December 25, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is one CD that is so much deeper than it lets on and will probably lose alot of people. They are ultra complex and creative, but not in an obvious and immediately discernable way like your typical technical black metal band. They have approached black metal from a direction no one else has. They are so complexly layered and technical that they will seem chaotic and disorganized to the casual listener, yet they are highly technical and exact. While all this complexity is going on, they are forming some of the most artistic and atmospheric nuanced songs I have ever heard without ever resorting to the blatant patterns of the black metal founders. I simply cannot describe them well enough in only 1,000 words.

'Solace' is so different that you gotta give it several thorough listens to appreciate it. They were far from being a favorite of mine when I first bought them, but with every listen I understood them more. I thought they were simply average. I wasnt expecting what I got. How could I? I was expecting yet another black metal clone (which unfortunately infest this genre to the point that people are dissappointed by originality). After about 10 listens, they became one of my favorite black metal bands of all time. Easily in my top five.

Lengsel is simply a band that some people will never like. I hate to say that, but its true. They are totally atypical of the genre. I guess I'd call them avante garde. In one way, their fresh approach to black metal could put them in the black metal elite, but it also means that they will probably stay underground for quite awhile due to people wanting a rehash of what's familiar rather than something new.

If you love black metal or just extreme music in general, dont go by the sound samples; just buy it. Its worth the risk. If you hate it after several thorough listens, you are only out fifteen bucks and I know you have taken bigger risks with idie bands. On the other hand, the potential is there for this to be one of the prize jewels of your black metal collection.


Black Metal at its finest   April 24, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Anyone into black metal will love this release. The vocal style varies within each song; some parts have typical vocals for this type of music while "clean" vocals are also part of many of the songs. I especially recommend this if you are a fan of Extol.


Intelligent black metal   April 23, 2000
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I love this record. It puts me in a way other mood than any of the black metal albums I've ever heard before. The music is both aggressive and atmospheric, and the songs are varied, with a progressive touch. The lyrics might seem a bit depressing and complaining at first sight, but when I had read them several times, while listening to the music, I find the message altogether quite positive anyway. "Solace" is highly recommended, it's simply a masterpiece of metal.