Review by Tomek on March 30, 2014.

I've been looking at the cover of this album on our Top Ten for the last couple weeks now and somehow never checked what is behind it. Maybe it’s because of the cover that didn't speak to me, nor did the title that I didn't get, but no matter what it was I was moving to other things without giving those guys a try. All that ended last week. Ever Since got a closer look and now I understand why their album keeps occupying a top spot on our Top Ten for so long.

I don't know what it is about Switzerland, but all the bands that I know from over there always bring something fresh to the table. I'm not talking cheese or chocolate over here either. Ever Since brings us combination of very energetic and modern melodic death metal heavily saturated with electronic elements. Sybreed came to mind instantly (it was after when I find out that album was produced, mixed and mastered by Sybreed - mastermind Drop) but Ever Since could only be mentioned on the same list, what they do has much more groove in it and to me is a little more approachable. Songs on this album support one another with melodies and themes, and to me album seems like it's moving seamlessly. After listening to it many times now I also noticed how most of the songs have elements that get stuck in your head and as soon as one starts you know which one it is. It is done in numerous ways and I cannot applaud Ever Since enough for coming up with all these themes, melodies, vocal lines, guitar riffs, drum beats or electronic samples. Just listen to “No Way Out” or “10 000 Feet” or “Wake Up” and there’s no need to thank me for your new favorite of the week. What is also an excellent element of this release is how edgy the guitar sounds and how drum beats can turn a slow song into sharp teeth monster. Even with all the melodies those guys whip out the guitars manage to keep edginess in the songs and don't let the songs become too soft or melancholic. Drumming is excellent and the rhythms Ced is thumping out pulsate in the skull long after songs are done. To me most of the songs on this album could be on any radio list becoming international hits.

I still don't exactly get what Bring Out The Gimp suppose to mean but at this point I can just let it go. Ever Since managed to steal my heart and from this point I'm gonna have to rely on Ced's thumping to keep my blood moving. As for the rest of my existence - listening to Ever Since numerous times per day should keep me going till I figure out what's next.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Adam M on December 2, 2018.

Solstice performs a very traditional form of doom metal. There is a definite dichotomy between the softer and heavier portions of the disc and this leads to a good amount of variety. The sound is indeed epic matching their epic doom metal tag and leads to a lot of huge moments. The sound is at times similar to Candlemass, but at others more slow and deliberate than that. They somewhat recall the likes of Atlantean Kodex and Pagan Altar as well, although this is more straightforward doom metal than either of those bands performs.

The mixture of sounds leads to an eclectic album that remains interesting throughout the running length. It could be improved by adding more catchy doom moments to the disc and cutting out the parts that drag out for a long time. The band has the ability to channel the energy of classic doom metal into their spirits, but at the same time treading into epic territories that are new and highly desirable. The musicianship is solid with highly addictive guitar riffs being performed over a traditional sounding vocalist and solid drumming. Though it’s not the best doom metal I’ve heard, it is some of the best that has been released this year. The band could tighten up their sound a bit and get more of the epic doom moments take over for more success in the future.

As it stands, this is a high quality release that is very reliable and consistent throughout. It makes for high rousing doom that has plenty of ups and downs. It is heavy, but not overly so and manages to make a severe impact on the listener. It is also a moody release that has plenty of emotion packed into its tracks. All in all, White Horse Hill is a very solid epic doom metal release that will be loved by fans of the sub genre.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10