REVIEW: Solence - ANGELS CALLING

There are quite the vast variety of bands who combine alternative music with more EDM-like elements. Most of these bands are metalcore acts who use these electronic sounds to enhance their breakdowns so that they sound more epic or give the songs a general party atmosphere. This is where Swedish band SOLENCE stand out, and on their latest album, ANGELS CALLING, this is more evident than ever before. There are party songs here, a ton of breakdowns and guitar solos proving why on these ten tracks this band is one of the most innovative in the scene right now.

ANGELS CALLING kicks off with the title track. A sub three-minute-long song packed with massive melodies and an especially catchy main riff and chorus, which is elevated by the synths courtesy of JOHAN SWÄRD who adds an extra layer of vocal melodies over the guitar riff. The breakdown here is a mix of brutality and melody once again as the synths continue to take over the song with a simple yet memorable melody which will ease your ears before the final chorus returns to wrap the track up. 

The following track Where Were You..? is just as catchy or perhaps even more so than the opener. The chorus here is introduced at the beginning of the song with just an acoustic guitar accompanying it, before the song builds up towards the monstrous guitar solo, which despite it only being mere seconds long, is fantastic and truly showcases just how good DAVID STRÄÄF is on this record. 

MESS is where the album takes on a different approach. This track is less electronic and has much more of a bombastic pop-punk attitude. The drums here truly carry everything and almost feel as if they are duelling with the vocals, which is very noticeable in the verses. The synths here get another chance to shine in the spotlight as the instrumental section on MESS is a keys solo which, interestingly, is one of the more extended solo sections on this album. With that being said, the synth solo on this track makes it one of the biggest highlights on ANGELS CALLING.

Wish You The Worst is an absolute banger in every aspect. The musicality in the first verse and choruses are all very basic chord progressions and familiar drumbeats. This not only helps the song flow better but adds to the satisfaction of the chorus, which is sung to perfection by frontman MARKUS VIDESÄTER. This time, a guitar solo takes over for most solo section on this track, and it is melodic yet extremely technical without taking away from the simplicity of this track. Where this track does slightly lack however, is the breakdown. The breakdown here still sounds like an incomplete demo as upon listening to it, you can clearly hear breaks of silence between the sections in it. Despite this hiccup, Wish You The Worst is one of the catchiest songs on this record and because of its hook, this song is a must listen. 

All of the Pain Must Go is the undisputed party song on ANGELS CALLING. Right from the get-go, the synths deliver a punchy yet contagious melody. The chorus will make you jump out of your seat and dance… however you want to of course! The drums are once again simplistic but deliver some fast-paced drum fills. Once again, the keys get a solo which adds to the overall vibe and energy of this song which is the perfect segue into the last chorus which is somehow even more energetic than the previous couple of times the hook made itself known.

ANGELS CALLING is an album which solidifies SOLENCE as a true force to be reckoned with when compared to other electronic metalcore bands. This album exudes confidence, passion and is a consistently fun listen. Some of the songs are not as consistently energetic, and there is an interlude which may take away from the overall listening experience, but without the interlude and the following track, this album truly is phenomenal.

SOLENCE were introduced to many through their cover of IMAGINE DRAGONS' Warriors. It has been a few years since then, and upon listening to ANGELS CALLING, the vast improvement is completely noticeable. The band sound more focused and passionate as ever before here. You can clearly here every element on this record, and every member of the band gets a standout moment in what'll be one of most enjoyable listens you will have this year. 

Score: 8/10

ANGELS CALLING will be released on 31st October via Better Noise Music.

Words: Itay Gilad

Photos: Solence