Review by Death8699 on October 15, 2019.

These are tracks that weren't featured on The Holographic Principle. They're still simply awesome, with intelligent lyrics and beautiful orchestrations. If you don't like synthesizers, you won't like this band. Hands down. This EP is rather invigorating and noteworthy. It's incredibly diverse with Simone's epic vocals mixed with harsh voice. The rhythms on here are HEAVY, but there's one song that's entirely acoustic. Simply amazing riffs and vocals. Simone is one of the best female vocalists in METAL today. Some critics may argue that and say maybe Tarja is but I don't think so.

All of the tracks on here are well thought out and meticulous. I like the back and forth clean (Simone) to harsh vocals. My favorite track on here has to be "Wheel of Destiny." But I liked every song on here. They really put their heart and soul into their releases. I don't mind the synthesizers because they seem to augment the vocals quite nicely. They've got an even longer career out there in the METAL scene. If you don't like their music, that's alright. I enjoy their symphonic power metal. They really have a huge part to offer in the metal realm.

Simone's vocals fit perfect with the heavy, but magical music. This is one EP that I overlooked before I checked my collection. I absolutely loved the acoustic track. It's so serene. It fits well with the release. I think they just wanted something to offer than just brutality. Clean vocals galore. Their music is what brings me in about them. They're really a diverse band. The harsh vocals give the music a little more variety to them it isn't all clean. They seem to have it down musically and are able to create leads as well as rhythms that just plain kick ass. Simone's vocals are my favorite though, close to Cristina Scabbia's voice, that's a second one in the female vocal department.

I liked this whole EP, so if you like metal and you're looking for something that isn't too long in length and are willing to try out some symphonic stuff, The Solace System is for you. Keep an open mind when listening to it. They're very intelligent in their lyrics and their music. They hit home here and I'm glad that they were able to roll this over from The Holographic Principle. These songs are totally amazing kind of like how the album is that was previously released. The Solace System is where it’s at! Get this, NOW!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Michael on January 1, 2022.

Since my first encounter with Dark Millennium back in 1992 I was absolutely flashed by this creative band. They never repeated themselves on their records and were always quite progressive and innovative in what they compose. Back in those days the German guys started as a death metal band (although there were already clear other influences on 'Ashore The Celestial Burden') and in 1993 they released Diana Read Peace which was a very irritating, controversial and wildly discussed album because of its progressive way. Nevertheless, I really like the musical approach they did on the album, and I still think that it is a great release which came maybe a little bit too early for the scene. After this release the quintet split-up for a long time and got re-united after almost 20 years. They've been releasing very good albums again for six years now and I would say that Acid River is the pinnacle of their musicianship so far.

First of all, the cover should get your attention – just turn it upside down and have a look at it then you will get the meaning of it (I needed the help of their vocalist Christian Mertens to get behind it). Then there is music. Album starts with the very impressive opener 'The Verger' and the somehow spaced acoustic intro and the following shouted words: “A long cold winter in our world begins” send a shiver and invite you on a very strange trip through of world of Dark Millennium. You can clearly hear the death metal influences in the arrangement of the track (here and there are some doom influences like old My Dying Bride or Paradise Lost also) but I wouldn't classify the music as real death metal. It is really difficult to say which style the band is playing. Maybe progressive avant-garde death doom?. You can find some sound arrangements that let you feel like you're on a trip quite often or like you're visiting Alice in Wonderland (okay, maybe that's the same trip). The atmosphere the band is creating is very gloomy and cold and I have to say that I never ever felt any happiness while listening to Dark Millennium. Neither on Acid River nor its predecessors. If I had to use a metaphor for the music it is just like a Death Eater sucking all your happiness out of your soul (if you know Harry Potter). By the way, if such a creature could talk, I guess it would sound like Christian Mertens. His vocal performance is absolutely awesome. The screams, whispers and the croaked spoken parts are great.

The production is very well done, like on all the other releases but what always comes forward is that the bass sound is a little bit missing. I would say that this is intentional to create this very cold atmosphere and to stress out the more acoustic sounds though. I have listened to the album for about 20 times now and I have to say that I always discover new facets that catch my attention in all of the tracks. May it be a tempo change like in 'Godforgotten', a great break in 'Threshold' or some interesting melodies elsewhere. This is definitely not an easy-listening album. It requires an intense listening without any interruptions and can't be listened to while doing something else. Because of this fact, I cannot mention a really outstanding track because they all are unique and all are really great work by Dark Millennium.

If you want a certain classification about the music, I would say that it is the missing link between the first two albums. Not a real step back but maybe a step sideways – a huge step. And the right step. I would also say that Acid River is a hot candidate to get into my 'best of' list in 2022.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10 smoking caterpillars