REVIEW: KIMAERA - Solitary Impact

 

KIMAERA - Solitary Impact

Stygian Crypt Productions

After approximately four years since the release of their debut Ebony Veiled, KIMAERA returned with their sophomore full-length Solitary Impact, released via Stygian Crypt Productions. The album presents a solid and immersive take on atmospheric doom/death metal, marked by a strong sense of mood and careful layering.

Hailing from Lebanon, KIMAERA’s background inevitably adds an extra dimension to the release, highlighting the dedication required to sustain a metal band and continue releasing albums under challenging circumstances. Musically, Solitary Impact combines slow, doom-laden passages with death metal elements, enriched by oriental influences and symphonic arrangements that give the album a distinct character.

The use of ethereal female vocals and violin contributes to a more varied and textured sound, enhancing the album’s emotional depth without overwhelming its core heaviness. While KIMAERA do not attempt to reinvent the genre, they deliver a cohesive and well-crafted work that demonstrates both maturity and confidence in their musical direction.

Fans of atmospheric and melodic doom/death metal—particularly listeners familiar with bands such as Anathema, Amorphis, Haggard, Orphaned Land, and Lake of Tears—are likely to find Solitary Impact a release worth exploring.

Christine  Parastatidou