{"id":1124240,"date":"2026-08-01T14:32:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T14:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1124240\/"},"modified":"2026-08-01T14:32:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T14:32:17","slug":"review-solothurn-high-priestess","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1124240\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Solothurn – High Priestess"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Published by Clay<\/strong><\/a> on 2026\/08\/012026\/08\/01<\/p>\n

\"\"Artwork by October Midnight<\/a><\/p>\n

Style: Progressive metal, sludge metal (mixed vocals, mostly clean)
Recommended for fans of: Alice in Chains, Mastodon, Tool, Psychonaut<\/a>
Country: Northern Ireland
Release date: 24 July 2026<\/p>\n

Modern progressive acts often struggle to break free of their core influences. Spin-offs of Mastodon <\/strong>and Tool<\/strong> have become a dime a dozen, resulting in countless albums that have an initial comforting familiarity but lack the innovation to create long-term appeal. Northern Ireland\u2019s Solothurn<\/strong> sit firmly at the intersection of the two giants of progressive metal, though in their three-track EP, High Priestess, infuse the emotional melodies of Alice in Chains<\/strong>-era grunge in an attempt to distinguish themselves from the crowd.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While High Priestess takes on the bleak topics of technological alienation, social unrest, and emotional emptiness, there is an undeniable sense of hope that permeates the EP. Even through the lamentations and struggles of survival amongst urban decay expressed in the title track, a grateful solace is declared by singer Ryan Adair: \u201cWhat a beautiful feeling\u2014I know if I\u2019m breathing, I\u2019m not dying.\u201d The melodic vocal influences of Jerry Cantrell and Lane Staley are immediately apparent in Adair\u2019s emotional delivery. Guitarists Dee Cleland and Jamie Wright lay down velvety-rich Cantrell-inspired harmonies underneath Adair\u2019s wailing throughout High Priestess, interjected with heavier Mastodon<\/strong> and Tool<\/strong>-influenced riffs. The opening thick, mid-tempo guitars and haunting vocal melodies of \u201cBreathing Decay\u201d would fit seamlessly in Alice in Chains<\/strong>\u2019 Dirt. Adair uses harsh vocals sparingly, choosing their placement wisely. The hair-raising scream at the conclusion of \u201cBreathing Decay\u201d provides a fiery peak to the track\u2019s steady-building tension.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

In the final track, \u201cHollow\u201d, Solothurn<\/strong> emphasize atmosphere over the riff-centric \u201cHigh Priestess\u201d and \u201cBreathing Decay\u201d. Though Adair\u2019s soaring vocals have emotional appeal, the backing instrumentation floats along sleepily for the majority of the nearly eight-minute track, failing to maintain the listener\u2019s attention or build any meaningful momentum. While the track concludes in a brief burst of double bass and Adair\u2019s growl, it\u2019s hardly a payoff that justifies the over-extended mid-tempo lethargy that precedes. In a full-length release, \u201cHollow\u201d may have been a nice change in pace, nestled in between more intense tracks\u2014but as the conclusion of the EP High Priestess, it dampens the excitement that was built up to that point.<\/p>\n

On the whole, there is a refreshing simplicity to Solothurn<\/strong>\u2019s approach. In what often seems like an arms race to achieve the pinnacle of technicality or complexity in progressive metal, Solothurn<\/strong> brim with a mature confidence in their strengths. Wright\u2019s guitar solos are more melodic than virtuosic, blending naturally into the surrounding atmosphere and grungy vibe. Marty Elley\u2019s drumming is a steady force, subtly infusing Danny Carey-like tom fills in \u201cBreathing Decay\u201d and \u201cHollow\u201d though never placing himself as the focal point. And by positioning Ross Hunter\u2019s bass prominently in the mix alongside the guitars, High Priestess has a full-bodied depth that satisfies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In High Priestess, Solothurn<\/strong> nicely blend their Mastodon <\/strong>and Tool<\/strong>-inspired grooves and riffs with the emotional air and depth of Lane Stanley-era Alice in Chains<\/strong>. Though far from innovative, the EP demonstrates a young band with the capability and chops to rise above the field of bland copycats and establish themselves with a unique voice worthy of attention. I know I\u2019ll be watching closely.<\/p>\n

Recommended tracks: High Priestess, Breathing Decay
You may also like: Anciients<\/a>, Dvne, Hippotraktor<\/a>, Witch Ripper<\/a>
Final verdict: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Related links: Bandcamp<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Label: Independent Release<\/p>\n

Solothurn<\/strong> is:
\u2013 Ryan Adair (vocals)
\u2013 Dee Cleland (guitar)
\u2013 Jamie Wright (guitar)
\u2013 Ross Hunter (bass)
\u2013 Marty Eley (drums)<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n