- Country: Northern Ireland
- Genre: Progressive Metal / Sludge (mixed vocals, mostly clean)
- For fans of: Alice in Chains, Mastodon, Tool, Psychonaut
Solothurn move in a place where Mastodon, Tool and the melancholic grunge aura of Alice in Chains meet. High Priestess is a three-track EP that shows a band with a clear direction: prog metal with feeling, atmosphere and riffs that plant themselves firmly in sludge.
The title track “High Priestess” sets the tone immediately. The guitars of Dee Cleland and Jamie Wright build harmonies that recall Jerry Cantrell, while the heavier moments bring Mastodon and Tool to mind. Ryan Adair has a voice that clearly leans on the Layne Staley school — melancholic, full of tension, but also with a sense of hope that runs through the EP. The line “What a beautiful feeling—I know if I’m breathing, I’m not dying” sets the tone: darkness, but not surrender.
“Breathing Decay” is the most direct track on the EP. Mid‑tempo guitars, haunting melodies and a scream at the end that works as a peak of tension. It could stand comfortably within Alice in Chains’ Dirt. Adair uses harsh vocals sparingly, and that makes the moments they appear even more powerful.
“Hollow” closes the EP with a more atmospheric approach. Here the band leaves behind the riff‑centric style and moves at a slower, almost hypnotic pace. Although the vocals carry emotional weight, the track loses some of its momentum because of the long duration and low intensity. The outburst at the end is good, but it doesn’t fully offset the slow course that precedes it. On a full‑length it would work better as a mid-album breather; as the EP’s closer, it reduces a bit of the tension that had been built.
The production is clean, full and balanced. Ross Hunter’s bass sits properly forward in the mix, giving depth. Marty Eley on drums keeps a steady beat, with discreet Danny Carey‑like tom fills that add character without drawing too much attention. Wright’s solos are melodic, not showy — which fits the band’s style perfectly.
High Priestess isn’t revolutionary, but it is honest, consistent and shows a band that knows its strong points. Solothurn have all it takes to stand out in a scene full of copycats. If they continue with the same maturity, they have every chance of building a truly distinctive identity.
Recommended tracks: High Priestess, Breathing Decay You may also like: Anciients, Dvne, Hippotraktor, Witch Ripper Final verdict: 7/10
