Lamentations - Solstice

Advantages: Decent CD
Disadvantages: Wont appeal to everyone

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Advantages: A superbly melancholic, mediaeval hymal of metallic dirges.
Disadvantages: Not a "party album"

...I'd bought other Solstice albums before this one (specifically one album and an EP) and so I was expecting something fairly impressive. I was really not expecting something quite as mind-blowing as this album. It opens rather bleakly, the way it means to continue, with the sounds of waves on the sea shore and a quotation from famous horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, which is where the title of the album comes from. But the moment the opening riff of "The Sleeping Tyrant" kicks in, you know this is going to be one hell of an album. The quality of song writing is quite amazing, as Solstice have managed to write songs with an average length of eight minutes, but I can honestly say that I never once lost interest and skipped a track. The riffs really grab you by the neck and don't let go. Besides being catchy as hell, the album bears... Read review

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Advantages: Good Selection Of Old and New
Disadvantages: Induces a Desire to Dust out the arran sweater

...this compliation as an ideal starting point for a deeper exploration of one of Europe's strongest living musical traditions and I wholeheartedley agree with themon these points. The only downpoint on the collection being Wolfstone who were really a second rate Runrig (who were also bloody awful). The rest of it is a fine collection of Reels, Jigs and Laments in English and Scots Gaelic by some of the finest musicans from Scotland. The only point of contention being the inclusion of Ewan Maccoll's Dirty Old Town but since it is a great song and since he could have played for Scotland if he so desired then I will let them away with it. This compilation completley succeeds in what it intends to do, which is to provide the uninitiated with an insight into Scottish Folk Music. If you are curious or just want a sampler of the best that is on offer than... Read review

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