The cinematic ‘Vox Occulta’ is Einar Solberg’s (Leprous) second solo album. I’m captivated from the very first second. The intros are all quite unique, and the endings are often abrupt, yet beautiful. Every track is very different, yet they are all complex.
Einar’s vocals are incredibly versatile. Both his soft and his loud vocals are at times intense and/or emotional. Sometimes his voice suddenly shifts from very subdued to almost screaming. At times he sings melodically, at others in staccato, and the vocals are sometimes stacked. Despite, or perhaps precisely because of, these differences, everything remains in balance. The lyrics can be interpreted in several ways.
There are also countless, sometimes sudden changes in the music – in terms of tempo, volume and emotion. Time and again, I am touched or feel goosebumps. Both the ensemble playing and the alternation between symphony and metal are sublime. After the brilliant epic ‘Grex’ comes the final track, with its surprising ending. I let the silence sink in for a moment, because ‘Vox Occulta’ is extraordinary and impressive.
(97/100) (InsideOut Music)
Social media:
Website: Einar Solberg
Facebook: Einar Solberg
Tracklist:
01 – Stella Mortua – (05:28)
02 – Medulla – (05:38)
03 – Vox Occulta – (08:03)
04 – Liberatio – (04:41)
05 – Serenitas – (06:44)
06 – Vita Fragilis – (05:30)
07 – Grex – (11:49)
08 – Anima Lucis – (07:10)
Line-Up:
Einar Solberg – vocals, keys, piano
Jed Lingat – bass
Ben Levin – guitar
Pierre Danel – guitar
John Browne – guitar
Keli Gudjonsson – drums
Chris Baum – violin
The Norwegian Radio Orchestra