Review by Jeger on February 16, 2025.

A vision of melancholic majesty - triumphant and epic - indicative of one Tuomas Saukkonen's own capacity for deep introspection and thoughtful expression. Partnered with fellow melodic metal renaissance man, Mikko Heikkilä, who provides soulful cleans combined with Tuomas' mighty roars and all those heavy-as-an-aneurysm riffs - a recipe for an immensely deep and immersive musical experience. In 2022, Dawn Of Solace released Flames Of Perdition. And much like its predecessor, Waves, it made a moderate impact, because DOS is naturally overshadowed by the gargantuan Wolfheart - Saukkonen's main musical endeavor. Who doesn't love that band? All brute and manly as fuck Viking-heralding melodic death metal of a most intimidating variety… But dig further into the flesh of Tuomas' warrior-like artistic embodiment and you'll discover a deeper side to him as relayed through the music of Dawn Of Solace. A pro-designed and prestigious enterprise is DOS, as is the Tuomas Saukkonen way. And on this day (02/14/25), as witnessed by eager ears the extreme music world over, Dawn Of Solace released Affliction Vortex. Yes, it's all depressing and shit, but intoxicatingly melodic, densely rhythmic and doomishly heavy.

Waxed out production quality and Tuomas tackling vox, guitar, bass and percussion duties in service to Mikko's gothic, almost Peter Murphy-like cachet. Strong '80's dark alternative vibes but enriched with metal compositions and all the collateral trickle-down sonic nectar: epic segmentation, heavy & galloping sequences, pinch harmonics and memorably melodious throughout. And just the Katatonia-worshipping majesty of "Fortress", like a "Sky Void of Stars" deep cut and the ethereal atmosphere of the following track "Into the Light". Crystalline accents during the intro that quickly give way to a BM-inspired growl-compounded dual vocals attack. There are some parts of this track that feel dull and a bit awkward, like melodic passages that feel as if they don't really go anywhere and just drag on a bit too long. But at the same time, the entire record is chock full of ear-candy parts, particularly the intro to "Rivals" and the subsequent riffing/dramatic vocals that ensue.

Affliction Vortex is soaked in a variety of influences from stuff that sounds like The Cure, The Cult and Depeche Mode, but with a dooming Kaunis Kuolematon overlay: gigantic riffs, impassioned percussive onslaughts and moving you through the gale of life's chaotic race and into the realm of sheer melody-induced mystification now as each captivating guitar part bleeds into the next. A little something for the yearning soul, for those lonesome restless nights when sleep holds no sway and for the Paradise Lost fan in all of us.

You can immerse yourself in this record or just play it on the road in the rain during a gloomy day and daydream. Don't wreck your car though, smart guy… But seriously, the melancholy is palpable and the doom is thick here. There's a level of class that bands like the aforementioned Katatonia and Paradise Lost exude that Dawn Of Solace do also radiate through their music, their aesthetic and mainly through Tuomas' unflinching machismo. Just imagine the majesty and the might of Wolfheart but sadder, darker, more heartfelt and with a regal singer to lull you into submission as melodious waves crest over you not threateningly, but in promise of comfort on that darkest of days when the rain pours in nauseam and you can't get out of bed. Less catchy than its predecessors, but nonetheless a gripping experience is Affliction Vortex. Let's get all under-appreciated yet undeniably magisterial on everyone…

Rating: 8.5 out of 10