Seattle’s Sölicitör are back with their second full-length, Enemy in Mirrors. Five years after Spectral Devastation, the band return sharper, faster, and more dynamic than ever. Known for their leather-bound, high-voltage style, Sölicitör embrace the raw power of classic speed metal while pushing their craft into new territory.
Their ethos is unrelenting but straightforward: pure dedication to heavy metal. This is not a band for the faint of heart. They thrive on speed, aggression, and tradition—and Enemy in Mirrors captures that spirit in full force.
A Labor of Love Through Struggle
The record is more than a follow-up—It’s a statement of perseverance. Built on years of writing and personal trials, the songs embody resilience in the face of chaos. Themes of betrayal, vengeance, and the paranormal run through the album, but at its heart, it’s a story of triumph and determination.
Sölicitör forged this album through sweat, struggle, and resolve—an actual labor of love, designed to endure.
Taking the Time to Evolve
Guitarist Patrick Fry highlights what makes this release stand apart:
“All of Sölicitör’s previous releases were written and recorded within just a few short years, between mid-2019 and late 2021, under some tight deadlines. Enemy In Mirrors, on the other hand, is a collection of material spanning from around that time to the present. We took more time on this one, which gave us the opportunity to explore more, refine ideas, and end up with a surplus of songs to choose from. The result is an excellent mix of energy from track to track. Some of it could fit on the first album or even our early 2019 EP, while other tracks might sound almost like a completely different band if it weren’t for Amy’s voice there.”
That extra time shows. Enemy in Mirrors feels more varied, expressive, and melodic than anything Sölicitör have done before—without losing an ounce of aggression.
The Voice that Cuts Through
At the center of it all is Amy Lee Carlson’s commanding voice. On the album’s first full-speed anthem, “Paralysis,” her vocal harmonies rise higher than ever, her range stretching with power and clarity. Tracks like “Spellbound Mist” showcase her ability to balance angelic tones with raw grit, embodying the dual spirit of the record.
Shred Mastery and Rhythmic Precision
The twin guitar attack of Fry and Matthew Vogan delivers shredding fireworks throughout, locking in seamlessly with Damon Cleary-Erickson’s bass and Johanson Waymire’s drums. Waymire’s performance stands out—a mix of machine-like accuracy and effortless groove that should make other drummers take note. This is precision drumming with soul.
Cleary-Erickson puts it bluntly:
“‘Black Magick’ is pretty crushing, and I’m looking forward to playing it live. ‘Paralysis’ starts with a punch in the face and doesn’t let up! ‘Spellbound’ had some cool, haunting vocal melodies. I think the drums sound better than ever on this album, and the lead guitar work from both Pat and Matt is fucking incredible. Overall, we’re getting better and better!”
Fry confirms:
“A couple of tunes I’m particularly excited to play live are ‘Enemy In Mirrors’ and ‘Crimson Battle Beast.’ In some ways, they’re different from most of our previous catalog, and I’d like to know how crowds will react to that energy coming from Sölicitör.”
Live Firepower
Sölicitör are currently tearing through Europe with appearances at Pyrenean Warriors Open Air in France and In the Best Tradition Festival, Vol. II in Italy. After conquering overseas, they’ll return home to the Pacific Northwest, opening for Christian Mistress in Seattle.
The Verdict
With Enemy in Mirrors, Sölicitör have achieved more than just a worthy successor to their debut. It’s a bold step forward—a darker, more melodic, and more personal record that shows a band still hungry, still dangerous, and still devoted to the old ways of heavy fucking metal.
This album is both a mirror and a weapon: a reflection of struggle, and a blade sharpened for battle.
Photo courtesy of Sölicitör
