SOLANUM is a Crossover Metal band based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Formed in 2013, this is their first full-length album, and contains seven tracks. "P.T.S.D." roars in with an old school Thrash sound, complete with double bass and a thick, chugging mid-section. The vocals fall mostly in the "shouted" category and there are some Hardcore, as well as some Punk, elements present here, as well. The energy in the piece, as a whole, is what seems to fuel the sound for the most part. Though "Homicide Suicide" is a bit slower in pace, the way the riffs connect and the vocal passages are pretty similar to the previous track. This could be the side project of MIKE MUIR or a SUICIDAL TENDENCIES track that was unreleased. "Strangled by Disease" is led by an opening bass riff and some chord patterns that are more easily embraced. The anger in the vocals is key to the potency of the song. "Symptoms of Solanum" rolls along with a relentless attack as it moves forward rapidly and with a plethora of riff and meter changes that keep you on your toes.

It's not until the seven-minute "Into the Sinners Circle/Righteous Refusal" when we hear a slower, heavier track with a more linear guitar riff. It's a long lead in to the vocal parts, which are accompanied by a much quicker riff and overall bombast. "Narcotic Collapse" has a meatier quality that takes on a little more of the macabre in its sound. The supercharged sound conjures images of a massive circle pit with an "enter at your own risk" feeling. The interlude with lead guitar accents this feeling. Closing the album is the song "Beg for your Life." The bass riff is wonderfully evil, almost like something you might hear from the DEAD KENNEDYS.

"Crossover" is really a solid description of this album. As far as musicianship, I am impressed with their energy, drive and integrity, and you can tell that they are pushing the limits of what can be physically accomplished without totally breaking down. That being said, I wasn't able to find a lot of uniqueness or creativity, but then again I don't think that was the vision for the sound on this album. A warning though, playing this straight through might lead to breaking things around you!<