Score: 2/5 - Not For Me, But Not Atrocious
Tech Death/Thrash Metal · Released November 7th, 2026 · Self Released
Genesis of Despotism is my first experience with Solitary Sanity, and it left me musically unsatiated. The production feels very thin and quiet, with the bass/low-end almost non-existent in the mix except for isolated bass guitar sections (like the one in “The Human Disease”). I kept questioning if it was the files or my setup, but I had high-quality FLAC versions of the songs running on my DAP with decent IEMs, so I think it’s just the mix, unfortunately. The issues I had with the mix made it hard to really get into and bang my head when I wanted to, as I spent more time focusing on the production and trying to make out what was happening instead of jamming out. The songs can drag on a bit and bleed together, making me question occasionally where one ends and one begins. On top of the bass presence being weak, I also felt that the drums were drowned out and quiet, with next to no kick drum punching through. Hell, even the snare lacked a punch! The vocals also felt rushed at times and like they were trying to keep up with the rest of the writing/time signature changes. Speaking of time signature changes - the transitions felt a bit sloppy and disjointed.
Genesis of Despotism reminded me of most of the music I found on CoreRadio and sites like it back in high school, where I gravitated toward unknown bands that never really made it past an EP or two. After a couple of listens, you’d forget they existed until you heard something else a decade later that unlocked the core memory for you (something that happens to me a lot). It pains me to say that this album is sadly forgettable. There were no standout moments that I will think about for months/years from now, or songs/riffs/hooks that will embed themselves into my brain like a musical parasite.
If the band can improve their production quality, tighten up the writing, and evaluate the vocal style, they have potential! I understand how hard it can be when you’re recording, mixing, and mastering a project in-house, but Solitary Sanity could benefit from a producer and outside help with the mix and master. I respect the hell out of them for getting an album out the door themselves though!
If you want some Technical Death Metal mixed with some Thrash Metal, and don’t mind growing pains, or you’re not sensitive to production value, give the album a shot. If the band can address some of their shortcomings with future releases, I think they may have something special on their hands.
Score: 2/5
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Kenny’s been obsessed with heavy music since age 10. IT pro by day, reviewer by night. More about me and the scoring scale