With a couple of demos, a single, and their 2008 eponymous debut behind them, it appears In Solitude have fully digested their late 70s/early 80s classic metal collection and have honed their galloping riffs, twin guitar work, and air-raid vibrato vocals. Fired by enough spandex to outfit an obese aerobics class, ‘The World The Flesh The Devil’ owes more than a gentle nod in the direction of such metal dinosaurs as Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest, and the rest of ‘em. Though resplendent in all the insignia of classic metal, In Solitude’s sophomore album is no mere facsimile or amalgamation of that style. The songs, ranging from five to almost fourteen minutes long, vary from straight-ahead metal to complex and elaborately structured epics. Palm and Lindström’s guitar work evokes that of Tipton/Downing and Smith/Murray, exploiting the possibilities of their dual attack with huge riffs and staggering lead breaks (which are of the solo and harmony variety, you’ll be pleased to know). Gotfridd Åhman’s basslines thunder along and flesh out the low end, tying the songs together with Bruniusson’s Burr-styled drumming. And Pelle Åhman holds his own in the vocal department with a limited but strong range, his high-flying melodies on the closing track, ‘On Burning Paths’ in particular is astounding. If you like classic metal from the late 70s/early 80s and you’re a fan bands like the mysterious Ghost – whose sound is eerily similar – and the newly reformed Hell, ‘The World The Flesh The Devil’ is a step in the right direction.