SOLUTION .45 is Melodic Metal/Melodic Death Metal band based out of Sweden. Formed in 2007, this is the band's third LP, and nearly a year after releasing "Nightmares in the Waking State, Part One." "Part II" contains ten new tracks. "Dim are the Pathways" leads off the album. I have always maintained that you can tell a lot about an album by the intro track. They present a prophetic sound with symphonic instruments and a feeling of forthcoming doom. It segues nicely into "The Faint Pulse of Light," which is a deep and dark song, complete with complex instrumentation and energetic Death vocals that rattle your very soul. "Mind Mutilation" continues with the heavy and brutal sound, but we hear the clean vocals here for the first time. The extended lead guitar solo leaves you whirling, like you were slowly being drowned by happiness.

"Built on Sand" is tenuous at first, but quickly turns into a sonic boom, with supercharged lead guitars and ultra-heavy beats. From there it settles into melodic bliss, with clean vocals in the verses, and a noticeable groove that just keeps you moving. Instrumental prowess is on full display in this extended track. "Inescapable Dream" has great rhythmic qualities for sure. They match the clean vocals with that rhythm and the harsh vocals with a different rhythm. It's this kind of push and pull that really defines their sound in my opinion. Try not to sing along with the chorus...you can't resist. One thing I have come to look forward to with each release from this band is the song with all clean vocals. "The Curse that Keeps on Giving" is that track on this album. Soaring vocals pierce impossibly thick and dark clouds and end up as goosebumps on your arms and neck. "What Turns the Wheels" is beefy and lumbering as it opens but shortly refines to a more tender sound both in the verses and chorus. The melody is constructed in a melancholy sadness that also gives off rays of hope. "Misery Mantra" has sound unlike any other on the album. I get a SCAR SYMMETRY type of vibe from the way the instruments intersect. The chords also progress in a surprising but pleasing way, like you can't guess where they are headed but ultimately like where they do. I think it just shows very seasoned songwriting chops.

"Heavy Lies the Crown" closes the album. It's a great culminating song for the album. There is a heavy Djent rhythm at the bottom end but delicate harmonies and supporting background melodies add many layers to this sound. Toss in the Death vocals and this is a salad with about as many ingredients as you can have without losing any definition. The album is wonderful. This is a band that really can do it all. If they were just a Death Metal band you would be pummeled with intelligent brutality. If they were only singing in clean vocals, the melodic sensibilities would seek to overwhelm you emotionally. The combination of the two...rich, complex and sublime.