Underground Violence Fanzine January 2007 Apostle of Solitude “Embraced by the Black” (Independent) Review by Walter Beck Pure, epic doom, rooted in the likes of Black Sabbath and Candlemass, Apostle of Solitude is amazing. I received this three-track beauty from the band a few days ago and it is a winner! This is no doubt, the best Indiana doom metal release I’ve heard since the Gates of Slumber “Like a Plague Upon this Land”. Opening with thundering drums and slow riffing guitars, “Last Tears” comes at you like a beast! The painful and deep singing of the vocalist showcases the dark mood of the band, while the instrumentals provide exceptional ambiance. “Curse of a Gift” picks up where “Last Tears” ended and continues to show the amazing abilities of this band’s keeping of the spirit and sound of old-school doom. This eight and a half minute piece is a treasure for those who want to hear what’s new in the American Doom Underground. But, the band has saved the best for last, clocking in at twelve minutes, “Life Like Quicksand” closes this masterpiece with epic proportions. A closer like this is breathtaking; it is nothing short of excellent! In closing, this EP was a treat to listen to and review. This is a powerful band that has shown that true doom metal, in the spirit of old, is far from dead! It is thriving and has some killer bands; Apostle of Solitude is one of the best out there!