A very solid debut at the time of its release, Solace's Further seems a somewhat tentative and incomplete prelude to the much-improved excellence and more refined vision displayed by its follow-up, 2003's cryptically named 13. It's also a decidedly doomier affair when compared to its more hard-rocking successor, with long-winded doom epics like "Black Unholy Ground" and "Heavy Birth/2 Fisted" weighing in anywhere between seven and ten minutes in length. Shorter bursts, like the spinning vortex "Whistle Pig" and the acoustic surprise "Hungry Mother," also crop up here and there, but Solace knows its in its element when stretching out, and is not at all shy about ignoring the studio clock and cutting loose. As the band's chief sonic architect, veteran guitarist Tommy Southard (ex-Godspeed and long of the prolific New Jersey stoner scene) takes charge of the proceedings throughout, lending his impressive six-string chops to the energetic aggression of "Man Dog," the dirgy head-swirl of "Followed," and the gradually building intensity of "Angels Dreaming." Vocalist Jason, for his part, has a somewhat tougher time finding his voice, as his style is very often reminiscent of Monster Magnet frontman Dave Wyndorf, but that's a minor gripe considering he gets the job done. In short, Further delivered a satisfying doom metal experience and left a tantalizing promise for Solace's future efforts. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
Alan Douches (Mastering), Wes Benscoter (Cover Painting), Solace (Producer), Rob Hultz (Bass), Eric Rachel (Engineer), Frank Bridges (Layout Design), Tommy Southard (Guitar), Frank Bridges (Photography), Bill "Bixby" Belford (Drums), Eric Rachel (Producer)
Recorded by Eric Rachel at Trax East Studios (birthplace of albums from such New Jersey bands as Skid Row and The Misfits), Further was quickly hailed as an important addition to the independent Doom and StonerMetal movements. Though comparisons were made to such genre bands as Goatsnake, The Obsessed and Cathedral, Further was considered by some darker than most works of the Stoner style, and was even compared to the likes of Black Sabbath, Tool, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains.[1]
Originally released in 2000, the US version featured 8 tracks, while the European version contained an additional 2 cover songs. A revamped version featuring these two additional songs was re-released in America in 2005.
This album's cover art was done by Heavy metal art veteran Wes Benscoter and is entitled "Midnight Mass 2".
The title Further is an indirect reference to Solace's debut EP Distanced from Reality, the idea being that the band is "distanced even further from reality".
Lyrics to only four of the songs on this album have ever been officially released. It is commonly believed that the intensely personal nature of vocalist Jason's lyrics prevent him from allowing their publication.[2]
