If it's one thing I appreciate in Progressive Metal music, it's the amazing and unique musicianship and the amazing talents the band members are able to convey in their songs. Now along progressive giants such as BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, we have SOLACE AND STABLE from the US. Their latest release "The Systematic Erosion of Integrity" is a pretty well made album, but there are some points I should state that may put this album down for some, and well, make it pretty mediocre.

First I'd like to say that playing your instruments well isn't enough to craft a good album, and copying other giants in the Progressive genre isn't recommended to stand out. SOLACE AND STABLE have talent, and I enjoyed this album from first listen, but from the potential I saw, I was disappointed. I expected a lot more.

This album has some great moments with well structured tracks like "American Beauty" and "Volatile", but to give a clear description of each track, I'll be forced to talk about BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME again this year, for the second time. The musicianship is great; I love it and respect a young band like this to be capable of writing an album like this. Sadly, it's not enough, you sound too much like a lot of other bands.

I admit I will repeat this album a couple more times, I enjoyed what this young band was able to make, and they deserve some respect. I just hope the next release is a lot more mature, and unique. The amount of potential these Americans have is outstanding, especially since they're completely independent. This deserves 6 stars.