(Progressive Metal / Dark Metal) Sole Remedy - Apoptosis - 2010, MP3 (tracks), 320 kbps

There’s very little justice in the world of music. Even in Finland—a country of mere five million inhabitants that’s often regarded as a heavy metal mecca—bands destined for great things fall into obscurity after releasing one or two excellent albums. Take for example Sancnity, who could have contributed immensely to the progressive metal revolution in the early ’90s well before Opeth got a proper foothold.
What does this have to do with Finns Sole Remedy? At the moment, probably nothing. The band’s second outing, Apoptosis, is just hot off the press and by the sound of it, it’s definitely going to pummel me into submission so that it’s going to my Album of the Year list.
Sole Remedy steps firmly into the progressive metal genre without much effort, but at the same time, it’s hard to pigeonhole the band in just one genre. Much akin to Disillusion (and their fabulous Back to the Times of Splendor), Sole Remedy combines a wide variety of inspirations into a quantum that’s diverse and progressive – yet still coherent.
It’s clear that Apoptosis is made to last as the music drives through your brain and hooks you in an instant. Masterfully crafted and pieced together, full of musical and emotional layers, the album only gets better on successive listens as the spider web starts to unravel all of its finer details. The album sways from one spectrum to another, never feeling disconnected or disoriented. The musicians excel at what they do, but instead of that being the Alpha and the Omega, the emphasis is on excellent songs – the flawless execution is merely an icing on the cake.
From the atmospheric build-ups of instrumental “Ordeal” to the laid back, spacey pop-rocking of “The Undertow”, Sole Remedy also races towards more emotionally loaded growling in “Wolf in Me”. The band remembers add enough contrast to it all by slowing things down when necessary, and thanks to small tweaks and details—in just the right places—it’s easy to become captivated by the music.
Whilst Sole Remedy might seem slightly more upbeat at first, fans of Katatonia (“The Burden”, “Ordeal”) and the aforementioned Opeth (title track “Apoptosis”) should take note. I’d also go as far as mention Farmakon, Amorphis and Fall of the Leafe as other pointers closer to home, even if direct comparisons might not be relevant. The strut reminded me also of another Finnish band killed in action, Helion. In the end, namedropping becomes futile when Soul Remedy definitely packs a unique identity.
It would be easy to botch things up with a vocalist or a production not up for the task, but luckily both things are covered. The production is crisp, clear but not lifeless and the golden throat of frontman Jukka Salovaara moves unhindered between nice growls, shouts and touching cleans — even if the cleans do have a bit of room of improvement. The special mention of the day goes towards drummer Henry Silmonen, who effortlessly creates a rich and playful backbone to the music without suffocating it with his presence. The same thing could be said about the album itself. It’s flashy, but for all the right reasons: Apoptosis seems to be crafted with surgical precision—nothing’s out of place—yet it still feels natural and uncomplicated.
The songs are independent entities, but together they form a musical journey that plays a lot like a concept album—in a good way. Songs affect songs further down the road, creating a narrative that gives as much as you’re willing to absorb. For example, at the end of the track “Solace” the music quiets down to put the faster first half into context. It also entwines itself with the closing track “Past Decay”. Together, the two put the rest of the album into perspective. Ultimately, this is an album you do not want to devour in small proportions.
With the first paragraph in mind, it would be easy to falter into globally-reknowned Finnish pessimism and paint all sorts of apocalyptic writings on the wall. But I won’t because Apoptosis—holy shit—what an album! Highly recommended… but I’m sure you kind of got the point already.
[teethofthedivine.com]

About Sole Remedy (New album coming in September 27th)
Sole Remedy is a progressive-melancholic-metal band from Lahti, Finland. The concept of SR has always been about making something new with a soul and character of it's own. It's about understanding who you are and giving your utmost input. It's about honesty to you and to others.
History:

Story begins in 1998 when a three's company of long-time friends; Jukka Salovaara, Henry Silmonen and Toni Mäkinen, started jamming together. As they recall, the music then was like a catalog of their influences; ranging from progressive rock to a more fusion/bluesy rock.
Somewhere along the year 2002 the music started to have heavier dimensions in it. Sole Remedy reached a certain turning point at the end of 2003 when three became four. Mikko took the role as a rhythm guitarist of the group. This meant a new approach to the music. Jukka decided to focus more on vocals with Toni taking care of backing vocals as well as lead vocals.
Fast forward to year 2007. First full length album "The Wounded Ones" is finished.
The album was recorded in the summer of 2007. It contains 9 tracks of melodic, raw and progressive music. "The Wounded Ones" was released as a limited edition copy in 2008 and was mainly sold on gigs.
After a bunch of gigs promoting "The Wounded Ones" the guys decided to move on and start composing their second album. It was spring 2009 when SR entered to studio and began recording "Apoptosis". The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Jukka himself, which turned out to be more than he bargained for.
Long hours, stressfull days and so much frustration nearly took it's toll but the spirit of the band kept him going on. Henkka, Mikko and Toni brought their HUGE input to the table which made the job alot easier.
"Apoptosis" consists of 10 songs combined into a concept album. It is their most ambitious and diverse piece of music to this day. There are moments of pure metal, pop and even an acoustic ballad. Alternative-progressive metal without losing the catchiness. Hard to believe it? You be the judge! "Apoptosis" was finished in summer 2009.
By the end of summer 2009 SR experienced it's first real set-back. As of October 2009 Toni would no longer be a part of the band. The band took too much of his time as he didn't feel he could give his all to SR although he loves the music.
Quickly after the announcement Sole Remedy found a new bass player: Artturi Sipilä. Artturi is a long-time friend of the band as well as a talented bassist so the decision was easy.
After auditioning a bunch of talented people to make Sole Remedy a 5-piece with addition of keyboards, as well as the other vocalist, the band finally found the right guy for the job: Eetu Karioja will be bringing in the moody keyboards and strong vocals!

Now the band is complete and has a strong new album on it's back. It's time to show the world what they are made of! "Apoptosis" will be released via Aftermath Music in September 2010 !

Jukka Salovaara: Vocals and guitars, lyrics and main composer
* Founding member (1998)
* Born February 9th 1982

* Playlist June 2010:
o Cynic – Re-traced
o Porcupine Tree – Signify
o Black Sun Aeon – Routa
o Rain Of Acid – (upcoming album)
o Klone – Black Days

* Jukka is endorsed by CARPARELLI GUITARS

Henry Silmonen: Drums
* Founding member (1998)
* Born December 17th 1982

* Playlist June 2010:
o Carpark North
o The Dillinger Escape Plan

Mikko Laine: Guitars
* Joined the band in autumn 2003
* Born May 5th 1981

* Playlist June 2010:
o Sikth
o Karnivool

* Mikko is endorsed by CARPARELLI GUITARS

Artturi Sipilä: Bass
* Joined the band in autumn 2009
* Born March 1st 1982

* Playlist June 2010:
o Karnivool – Sound Awake
o Massive Attack – Heligo Land
o Choir of Young Believers – This is for the white in your eyes
o M83
o Fair To Midland

* Artturi is endorsed by CARPARELLI GUITARS

Eetu Karioja: Keyboards and vocals
* Joined the band in winter 2009
* Born June 11th 1988

* Playlist June 2010:
o Stam1na – Viimeinen Atlantis
o Mastodon – Crack The Skye
o Hagall – Upcoming EP*