I would not call SOL INVICTUS metal if the devil himself founded the band and recruited a group of   ironically crucified figures to back him up. But regardless, they are fucking beautiful. SOL INVICTUS is a mix of folk, goth and a bit of hard rock all rolled into one. Their newest album, "Once Upon a Time" is a surreal experience, boasting 15 tracks and nearly an hour long and keeps you interested the whole time.

It almost sounds like a more sedate ALIEN SEX FIEND album, particularly the haunting, droning vocals of Tony Wakeford, the band's founder and only original member. SOL INVICTUS are long time musical veterans, they can be credited for having a large role in the creation of the folk-noir/Neofolk movements. They have produced over 40 albums and EPs through their long career, each one has something interesting to bring to the table and "Once Upon a Time" is no different.

The album tends to put most of its focus on classic Folk instrumentation and lyricism. The psychedelic influence blend very well with the folky riffs to create an atmosphere that can give you the chills and lull you to sleep at the same time! The general theme of the album, to me, seems to deal with the bizarre relationship we have to our emotional experiences. Specifically cruelty and loss.

The first track on the album, The "MDCLXVI - The Devil's Year", alludes to the date 1666 which some may recognize as the year the Great London Fire took place. The eight track, "The Devil's Year" tells the story of the fire from the perspective of The Father of Lies himself as he causes the fire to ravage London. It's a really great track, sarcastic and morbid. A great combination and one of the best songs on the album.

Two other tracks that are great examples of the direction of "Once Upon A Time" are  "Mr. Cruel" (which was the album's single) and "Our Father". Both songs deal with wrestling with inner pain, but the lyrics are surprisingly calm. SOL INVICTUS gives you an addicting trip with their newest album, it's dark, funny and fun as hell.