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Poland's Vader have been around longer—nearly 40 years—than most death metal bands and not only have they been releasing albums non-stop since 1992, but musically they've also been consistent in releasing quality death metal that bears their signature sound. Let's face it, even a "bad" Vader album is still pretty good. Mind you, "bad" doesn't apply to anything on this new album.

Solitude in Madness sees Vader release another short album—under 30 minutes—like they did with Litany 20 years ago. They probably saved lives by keeping it short because the album is a like a bunch of freight trains travelling at TGV speeds. Fast, heavy and punishing are three qualificatives that come to mind throughout the entire album. The drumming is insanely fast and heavy, Peter's distinctive vocals are as good as ever and there are a few guitar solos in here that'll rip your ear off, swirl your brain around and then spit it out the other ear. Most of the album is actually pretty catchy at all levels and each song has that individuality that sets it apart from the others. I rarely pick favourites, but I must say that "Emptiness" makes me stop whatever I'm doing whenever it comes on.

Vader didn't reinvent themselves here, and that's a good thing. The band has a winning songwriting formula that they faithfully stick to, and Solitude in Madness is just Vader being Vader, with their extensive experience just blasting out of the speakers. This stuff is always welcome here.