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"Despite his obvious interpretative and compositional qualities, Leprous singer Einar Solberg is far from convincing with his first solo album. "16" is too long and rather boring."
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2/5
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It takes courage and self-sacrifice to reach the end of "16", Einar Solberg's first solo album. Even if the Leprous singer has never been a symbol of joy and happiness, listening 70 minutes of head voice singing about the depression of a 16-year-old teenager isn't exactly the most exciting musical experience. However, let's bet that not many reviewers will say exactly what we think: that this album, despite its obvious qualities of interpretation and composition, is a bore. It's as if Einar Solberg has become untouchable in the metal and prog spheres, even though his music has long been neither. Why is this? It's a mystery that's not about to be solved with this album.
Yes, Einar Solberg sings well, even more than well. Yes, his haunting voice is instantly recognizable. Yes, he deserves the respect due to musicians who, over the years, have managed to make their mark and their vision of music. But with all these assets, where's the emotion? Herein lies the greatest paradox of "16": it's totally devoid of emotion, even though it was predisposed to convey tons of it.
Yet the Norwegian takes risks and tries to break the codes. He has invited a number of guests to help him in this task, and has even included them in the compositions: his sister on 'Where All The Twigs Broke' (experimental and tedious), his brother-in-law Ihsahn on 'Splitting The Soul' (undoubtedly the most successful track on the album), cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne on '16' (haunting and soporific), Ben Levin from Bent Knee on 'Home' (pointless rap/hip hop), Asger Mygind from Vola on 'Blue Light' (soulless electro pop). But "16" remains hopelessly incapable of giving us the slightest thrill.
Too long, too thoughtful, maybe too pretentious, "16" never really takes off, except on the final track 'The Glass Is Empty' and its distinctly cinematic ambience. In the end, it's the Leprous-like tracks that come off best, 'A Beautiful Life' and 'Over The Top'. We thought that Einar Solberg had taken over the composition of the band's last albums, but this solo effort proves us wrong, and that Leprous wouldn't exist without all its musicians. "16" at least has the merit of proving this. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. 16 (feat. Raphael Weinroth-Browne)
02. Remember Me
03. A Beautiful Life
04. Where All The Twigs Broke (feat. Star Of Ash)
05. Metacognitive (feat. Raphael Weinroth-Browne)
06. Home (feat. Ben Levin)
07. Blue Light (feat. Asger Mygind)
08. Grotto (feat. Magnus Børmark)
09. Splitting The Soul (feat. Ihsahn)
10. Over The Top
11. The Glass Is Empty (feat. Tóti Guðnason)
LINEUP:
Einar Solberg: Chant / Claviers
Asger Mygind: Chant / Guitares / Invité
Ben Levin: Chant / Invité / Piano
Chris Baum: Invité / Violon
Ihsahn: Chant / Guitares / Invité
Jon Henrik Rubach: Invité / Saxophone
Keli: Batterie / Invité
Magnus Børmark: Chant / Guitares / Invité
Nora Hannisdal: Invité / Cor
Pål Gunnar Fiksdal: Invité / Trompette
Raphael Weinroth-browne: Invité / Violoncelle
The City Of Prague Philharmonic Choir: Invité / Choeurs
Þórður Sigurðarson: Invité / Orgue
Tor Egil Kreken: Basse / Invité
Tóti (þórarinn Guðnason): Guitares / Claviers / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
2.2/5 (5 view(s))
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STAFF:
2.2/5 (5 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH EINAR SOLBERG
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OTHER REVIEWS
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