Skyhammer Studio operated between August 2013 and February 2019, and in that five-plus-year period, became the essential recording space of UK heavy. Founded in the village of Childer Thornton by Conan guitarist/vocalist Jon Davis and producer and Conan bassist/vocalist Chris Fielding — who had already made a name for himself at Foel Studios, working with […]
The basic tracks are done (they posted the photo included here to celebrate), and New Jersey’s Solace are headed back into the studio in early August to mix. After that, mastering, then it’s on to Blues Funeral Recordings for release. It’s a fair enough signing on the part of the label, whose honcho, Jadd Shickler, once upon a […]
This is the second post I’ve made where it says Solace have finished recording their new album. Here’s the first. Sue me. Last time around, it was basic tracks that were done. This time, all the overdubs, vocals, solos, etc. are finished and the record, which might be called The Brink, or might be called The Brink (Broken […]
Someone needs to sign Solace immediately. I’ll brook no delay in hearing their new album, tentatively titled Broken Bodies and Suffering Spirits. Eight years is long enough. The long-running New Jersey outfit teased the possibility of a new record in 2017 with the cassingle Bird of Ill-Omen (review here), which marked the studio debut of the new lineup […]
Montreal riff metallers Wykan make their debut April 13 with the Solace EP. It is not intended for background listening. Even at three tracks/24 minutes, it’s not the kind of thing you “just put on” while you’re picking up around the house or working or whatever you might be doing. It demands attention and demands […]
When New Jersey bringers-of-chaos Solace released what was then their first album in seven years in their third full-length, A.D. (review here), I referred to it as the beginning of “a new era” for the band. Wishful thinking on my part as an admitted fan of their work. True, A.D., which was issued by Small […]
Solace, 13 (2003) None more Jersey. With the not-always-underlying current of hardcore punk in their sound, their ‘Die Drunk’ mantra, the sheer force of their delivery, and the absolute dogshit luck that has plagued them since their inception, Solace are about as Garden State as Garden State gets. Born of the same Red Bank/Long Branch-area […]
To run down the list of accolades that the Boston-area music scene has (rightly) foisted upon producer/engineer Benny Grotto of Mad Oak Studios over the last however many years would take a really, really long time, but suffice it to say that when an opportunity to watch him work is afforded, it’s not one you want to […]
