SOLITUDE are releasing their long-awaited third album. The self-proclaimed "Defenders of Metal" were formed in 1996 and started touring in 1999. Unlike the (arguably) most well-known Japanese metal band in the west X-JAPAN, SOLITUDE's sound is more akin to 80s Speed and Thrash, the vocal stylings sound more gravelly, like Lemmy's from MOTORHEAD. The album's opening track, "Venom's Angel" has a Doom Metal sound, especially with the hard, low slurring guitars and the really long intro. Once it picks up, it hits hard with a sound reminiscent of classic 80's Speed Metal, particularly VENOM and MEGADETH. Compared to the title track from their debut album, "Virtual Image," it's more traditional Metal, less melodic, and has a darker tone.

Personally, I preferred "Virtual Image" because the guitars were better-tuned. However, I'm more of a Symphonic Metal fan, so I prefer a cleaner sound. However, I enjoyed the guitar solo on "Venom's Angel"as well as the unique riffs. "Blow", the second track, has a faster, thrashier sound which is reminiscent of classic 80's Thrash. Their title track, "Reach for the Sky" is closer to classic Power Metal, with a melodic beginning. I have to wonder if I would enjoy this song as much if it were on a different album. Here, the sound is unique compared to the lower speed sounds throughout the rest of the album, but it sounds like most of the other bands I've listened to doing reviews. The riffs remain constant, with the same groveling vocals from the first two tracks, and the guitar solo is high-strung.

"Don't Need Mercy" combines elements from the melodic and the lower Speed/Thrash sounds. I like the guitar solo, but I don't know how to feel about the combination. It doesn't take the best from power and classic speed, it just combines them. I enjoy the riff changes early in "Escape From Crime" as well as the thematic fast, soaring sounds. This is the only instrumental on the album and one of my favorite tracks. I love how the change up melodies and play up the guitarist's skills when they don't have vocals to rely on. "You Got My Mind" continues the same classic sound as most of the album, so with the rest of the album, there's nothing to write home about. "On the Edge of Sorrow" has an intriguing beginning, the riff is interesting and clear, and I can hear the different notes in their work; for that reason, it's also one of my favorite tracks on here. The closing song, "December" is solid and anthemic.

Overall, if you want to get into Japanese Metal without a J-Pop or overly synthesized sound, this band is worth checking out. If you are a fan of 80's Speed Metal such as VENOM, this is worth checking out. For its style, it's a solid album.