Want to know what band In Solitude sounds like? Mercyful Fate. Yea, Mercyful Fate. You know, the band that heaved dark classics like "Don't Break the Oath," or maybe the group that put King Diamond's banshee-scaring falsettos on the map? The dudes of In Solitude pay gracious tribute to their main influence throughout "The World. The Flesh. The Devil," yet simultaneously put a darker shade of originality into this flammable pool of tenebrous poison. The Swedish band's take on this timeless formula reveals many moments of dark and brooding excellence, truly the work of an above-average faction.In Solitude takes the whirls and twirls of Mercyful Fate's dark metal and dive in another dimension of shadowy blackness, if that were ever possible. Riffs are generally spread throughout each tune in great number, never overtly-annoying with repetition. The riffs speak to an ancient vibe of rocking traditionalism, often coloring NWOBHM-ish flavors and nodding patterns that sound like everyone's favorite guitar duo from Denmark...and maybe a black metal riff(!) opening "We Were Never Here." Pelle Εhman makes this ritualistic ceremony even better; he has a lower voice than King Diamond, but his tone fits the record perfectly. No falsettos? Εhman has no problem. The opening songs start the initiation with a bang, colorfully exploring heavy metal's finest characteristics through awesome choruses and dynamic guitar work. "Poisoned, Blessed, and Burned" shows In Solitude siphoning their sound for anything worthwhile, but the song unfortunately succumbs to lackluster musicality and forgettable sections. Definitely the weak spot of the album.
The record really goes into an upswing after that mild inconsistency, however. "Demons" and "To Her Darkness" strive into brilliant riffing layered upon In Solitude's demonic tenor wonderfully; two numbers that will definitely turn some heads. "Dance of the Adversary" is another catchy cut doused in another collection of masterful instrumentality, something this band clearly has a grip on. The record's climax takes places during the concluding epic "On Burning Paths," which is nearly fourteen minutes of blackened bliss. The song takes a number of twists and drops like a rollercoaster from the netherworld; with galloping riffs, dazzling guitar work, sensational rhythms and a chorus worthy of a temple. A total showcase of musical domination, no doubt about it.
"Poisoned, Blessed, and Burned" is really the only thing keeping this album from being a real gem. Most of In Solitude's material keeps the listening experience simple and free of fluff through masterful song writing and hooking musicality, two qualities most bands cannot grasp. There really isn't much to say other than "The World. The Flesh. The Devil" hits the spot right in the bullseye. The concubines of the underworld agree: In Solitude is hot, hot, hot!