Black Metal duo SOUL DISSOLUTION formed in Belgium in 2012. Following a release of a demo in 2014, they released their debut full-length in 2016 titled "Pale Distant Light." In 2018, the band now presents their sophomore album "Stardust," which contains six new tracks. Let's start with the album cover. It's fairly simple, but magnificently beautiful. The hues of blue as the shore of the ocean with the star formation in the horizon is just majestic. When you view the image, time seems to stop. Now, it's time for the music.

"Vision" is a short opening instrumental mood-setter. The somber string notes remind me of a cold first day of spring, where snow flurries linger in the air, and the flowers cannot yet bloom due to winter's last stand. It segues into "Circle of Torment;" a nine-minute beast. A heavy, fuzzy, and lumbering guitar riff start the song off, in chord keys of both minor and major. It builds, leading into some lead guitar notes that sprinkle over top, and the incensed Black Metal vocals. Although the vocals are steep in the tradition of the genre, the music reminds me at times of INSOMNIUM. The title track is just over seven minutes. It is carried by a thick riff that is fast picked and retains both an aggressive and graceful sound at the same time. All the while, it is seething with atmospheric elements, and melodic passages that morph the song out of the traditional ways into something with new life and vigor.

"Mountain Path" is a pretty little piano and clean guitar interlude that helps to break up some of the madness, and shows a melancholy touch that is very memorable. You can hear the footsteps of the subject climbing the path, seeking a solitary place for contemplation. It segues beautifully into "The Last Farewell," a poignant song that drips with emotion. It breathes openly, welcoming some heavier elements into the fold. Lamenting vocals carry the burden that is laid out before you as the last light of hope fades with the coming of darkness. This song is a game changer in the genre for sure. They stick the final nail in the coffin with that absolutely alluring clean guitar and vocal ending passage. I'm dead. "Far Above the Boiling Sea of Life" is an agonizing closing track that leaves you with a hole in your heart and a longing that you can never shake. This could bring a grown man to tears.

With "Stardust," SOUL DISSOLUTION puts on a display of musicianship, thoughtful and provoking songwriting, and gut-wrenching dejection, drawing from the forefathers in the genre, but ushering in a new phase of Black Metal where melody and soulful emotions co-exists with the darkest of music. They run the listener on a journey of sentimental and zealous exploration that leaves no stone unturned. This is the best Black Metal album I have heard this year so far.