Dawn Of Solace is the solo work of Tuomas Saukkonen (Wolfheart, Before The Dawn). The Finnish metal icon once again immerses himself in a melancholy, gothic world steeped in themes of loneliness. Mikko Heikkilä is on board contributing vocal duties. “Flames Of Perdition” is the third full length release and follows on from 2020’s “Waves”
Gently plucked acoustic guitar introduces “White Noise” underlying dense doom chords along with clean reflective vocals. Hugely atmospheric from the off the band develop a sound of loneliness that is warm and spacious. A slightly more progressive feel appears on “Erase” along with a thumping riff. There’s an overarching feeling of melancholy and moodiness that permeates the album. Sometimes bordering on the symphonic, the gothic tones of the title track typify the sound. “Dying Light” manages to up the pace into a proper groove with a Ghost like accessibility and is a welcome detour.
The album never really strays the course which is a shame because in the moments where they flex their muscles there is real promise. Mikko Heikkilä’s vocals are soulful and at times have an Ian Astbury styled quality to them. There’s no doubt the production quality is strong and texturally rich. The pulsating, Pink Floyd “Wish You Were Here” era instrumental “Serenity” is reflective of its’ title and is the close of the album proper. Two bonus tracks complete the whole LP – “Lead Wings” and “Dead Air”, both of which are gentle strummed, acoustic guitar pieces that feel very similar and, in a way reflect the rest of album.
The words “melancholy” and “atmospheric” truly sum up the mood on “Flames Of Perdition” but there’s a sameness to the whole piece that is highlighted by the all too brief moments when they truly rise to the occasion.
(6/10 Johnny Zed)
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