The torrent of waves, the crashing and bellowing of far and reaching notes, the ephemeral and eccentric tones of a cacophonous mass, such attributes rarely describe anything in grandeur or admiralty and yet no other explication could be made for the magnitude that is, "SOLICITOR," a Heavy and Speed Metal infused band who has just managed their debut album, "Spectral Devastation."

The album opens up in classic fashion with a false full band introduction whereupon its completion the rhythm lays the ground for the band in full to join in and let the headbanging commence where it continues for the rest of "Blood Revelations." Beginning with staccato beats and an intensifying pair of leads, "Betrayer," takes a much more complicated route than its predecessor and offers a great amount of varying riffs and beats to keep you energized, interested, and begging for more. Having a marching beat combined with an anthemic rhythm serving as an introduction, "The Red Queen," is anything but simple or boring being filled with a constant barrage of rhythm and lead changes as well as a few hard pans and vocal harmonies. The pitter patter type of run during the break reminds me greatly of the first chorus progression from GILBERT AND SULLIVAN's, "Major Modern General," the song is easily my favorite one on the album. The final track on the album, "Grip Of The Fist," begins with a reverse fade and has both guitars playing leads over the bass as rhythm, the song features some of the best work from each of its members each championing a different portions of the song.

The instruments are performed well enough and the mix is good. The guitars are in your face, loud, and triumphant but have an almost diluted tone to them, as well the differentiating tones don't merge considerably well with one another and although distinction between similar instruments playing the same melodies is usually pretty inviting the left panned guitar is often overpowered by the right panned guitar; the bass is loud but not deep feeling as a third guitar in some instances more so than the foundation of the music; the drums surprised me more so than any other instrument, where initially I had come to believe them as nothing more simple beats they are in essence so much more, where within each song they fill the niche that the song needs whether it be solid straightforward beats, or more ambient and inspiring intricacies such as in "Betrayer," the only downside is that the snare is a bit quiet compared to the strings;  the vocals are well suited for the music commanding attention and authority.

"Spectral Devastation" is a great many things including a well composed debut for "SOLICITOR" and while its fidelity weaknesses are noticeable its strengths draw far greater attention to the tone, composition, and performance found on the record. For anyone with an interest towards Speed Metal this album is a no brainer, to be found on the same shelf as the likes of D.R.I., S.O.D., and BEWITCHER.