SOL NEGATE is a Symphonic Progressive Death Metal band emerging from the mind of Edoardo Curatolo in Seattle, USA, with the intent to compose music in a classical manner, but with modern guitars/drums as part of the orchestral ensemble. Greatly influenced in equal parts progressive rock/metal, classical music, and extreme metal their music is symphonic and progressive without sacrificing being heavy. He wanted to “paint” using the palette that extreme metal offers without necessarily writing traditional metal songs. The album has seven songs.

“Prologue” is first; a short introduction to the album. The tones are hushed, and there is tension in the air. Sweet little bells ring, followed by rousing instrumentation. It segues into “…and the Creation Was a Dream,” which has deep, horrifying vocals and some neoclassical guitar work. The combination is interesting, but it works. The symphonic elements are very present, but well placed, and they don’t take over the music. “A Mind that Bleeds” has classical guitar runs in the beginning followed by another deep Death Metal palette. The clean vocals are also well done.

“Waves into the Darkness” has a sturdy riff and a full background of supporting elements. The harsh vocals stay in the same range so far in every song, but they are deeply guttural and effective. “Dusk Has Come; Stars are Forming” for me refers to that magical time when the sun is setting and the heavens open. Soft string accentuate that moment of wonder. The structure of this song is very ominous, almost an “end of the world” type of warning. “Come and Embrace Me” begins with tender piano notes, followed by soulful leads, but the harsh vocals provide a blackness to the sound.

“Dissipate into Each Other” closes the album. It’s another amalgam of several elements with harsh vocals at its core. The riff moves around a bit to keep the listener on his toes as well. Overall, this album was very well done. The composing trio mixed many elements together into a well-seasoned stew that tastes fantastic…Death Metal, Progressive elements, and some symphonic elements as well. The result is an album that fans of any of these genres will find pleasing.