Solace, the veteran New Jersey band, is marking its 30th anniversary with the release of its fifth full-length album, Fading Failing Ruin. This album is a testament to the band's enduring appeal and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. Personally, I think this album is a must-listen for fans of stoner metal, but it's also a fascinating study in the evolution of a genre and the challenges of maintaining relevance over three decades. What makes this particularly fascinating is the band's unique blend of southern charm and folksy swagger, which sets them apart from their contemporaries and genre-mates. In my opinion, Solace has honed a singular identity that is both distinctive and engaging. From the defiant lead of 'Spiral Will' to the slick variations and solos of 'Beyond Below' and 'Malengine the Scaffold', Solace crafts distinctive songs that crackle and pop. However, one glaring issue saps my enjoyment every time I listen, and its name is 'bloat'. The album's length extends past the quality of the product they peddle, with some tracks feeling overlong and meandering. Despite this, Solace cultivates an engaging listen for the majority of the album, and thirty years in, they still have plenty of gas in the tank. If you're a fan of the genre or not, I recommend giving Fading Failing Ruin a spin. Big riffs and impassioned clean singing may sound like basic building blocks, but when they're done this well, they stand out. So if your world goes to shit and life seems like a Fading Failing Ruin, go look for Solace.
