Release
date: April
20th
2019. Label: Metal
Assault
Records. Format: DD/Vinyl
Solar
Haze – S/T
– Tracklisting
1.Hawk
in the Wind 04:01
2.Eyes
of Strangers
3.Hammer
to the Head
4.Coven
06:38
5.United
Minds
6.Nefarious
Natures
7.Solar
Haze
8.Stoned
to Death
Members
Ross Cowan (Lead Guitar)
Jason Hernandez (Bass)
Ryan Falla (Drummer)
Review
Solar
Haze self-titled debut album is one that takes influence from the
seventies Doom Metal Scene and the modern Stoner Metal scene but with
a wicked Punk Rock feel to it. As the music is fast-paced and very
much in your face with it’s rebellious attitude.
Opening
song – Hawk In The Wind – is a Doom Metal song that has a
devilish Punk Rock sound allowing Solar Haze to play a more honest
sound that I didn’t initially expect. The Stoner Rock/Metal riffs
are there mostly in the background as the band focus more on their
dirty and streetwise Punk Rock sound for a more diverse approach to
the album. The song has plenty of attitude and grooves to match.
Second
song – Eyes Of Strangers – sees Solar Haze play an eighties Heavy
Metal/Hard Rock sound which has quite a classic sound to it. The
vocals from Stephen are good for the most part of the song. However,
it’s the fast-paced riffs that will keep you entertained from start
to finish. Elements of Garage, Punk Rock and Stoner Metal appear and
allow Solar Haze to have a more thrilling sound compared to the
opening song.
Third
song - Hammer To The Head – carries on the rebellious rhythm the
band played on the opening two songs but with a more Occult/Doom Rock
vibe especially with the lyrics and vocals. By now you will become
used to the “Streetwise” sound that Solar Haze create for the
majority of this album. This is perhaps one of the best songs on the
album with its hip and playful Doom Metal outlook.
Solar
Haze continue with their hybrid Punk and Doom based sound on the
other great songs contained on the album such as Coven, United Minds,
Nefarious Natures and Solar Haze. These are the songs where Solar
Haze impress the most and perhaps create the heaviest and doomed out
riffs held on the album. Solar Haze also manage to create a much
darker and complex doom sound on the second half of the album as the
lyrics and vocals become more powerful as a result.
Solar
Haze debut album may not have the most original sound. However, this
album is still a stylish and wildly exciting album that is packed
full of exciting grooves and dark riffs to match.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Metal Assault Records for the promo. Solar Haze debut album will
be available to buy on DD/Vinyl via Metal Assault Records from April
20th 2019.
