‘Solemn’ is a word with two rather distinct meanings: ‘solemn’, as in grand, ceremonial and majestic; and ‘solemn’, as in sombre, pensive or dour. The regal figure depicted on Solemn’s cover art indicates that In Vain may be intending to evoke the former...

Following up a magnum opus like Ænigma is absolutely no easy task, and it took In Vain five years to come up with a fourth album. A make-it-or-break-it moment. How did they fare?

True to its name the latest release from Norway's In Vain has puzzling layers for you to consider. At its surface it might give the impression that it is simplistic in its richly melodic approach, as it carries the listener along with ease. Yet there...