Album Review: Resolve by Separation Of Self – A Raw, Unfiltered Journey Through Chaos and Catharsis
Released in 2007 under eVo and Project Independent labels, Resolve by Separation Of Self is one of those albums that doesn’t just sit in your playlist—it punches its way into your head and refuses to leave. Blending genres like Pop/Rock, Metal, and Hardcore with styles ranging from Melodic Hardcore to Heavy Metal, this US-based band crafted something chaotic yet oddly cohesive. It’s not perfect, but damn if it isn’t memorable.
Let’s talk tracks for a sec. First up, “Trial By Fire.” This song hits hard—not just because of its relentless energy, but also due to the killer feature with Jon Howard of Threat Signal. The dual vocal assault here feels like two forces colliding, creating an explosive mix of aggression and melody. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why collaborations can elevate a track from good to unforgettable. Plus, the breakdown? Brutal. You’ll wanna scream along even if you’re stuck in traffic.
Then there’s “Bitter Suitt,” which somehow manages to be both punishing and haunting at the same time. The riffs are razor-sharp, slicing through the mix like they mean business, while the vocals carry this raw, unfiltered emotion that sticks with you long after the song ends. There’s something about the way the track builds tension before exploding into chaos—it’s messy, sure, but isn’t life kinda like that too?
One thing worth noting is how Resolve plays around with repetition without feeling redundant. Tracks like “Remnants of Solitude” and “Flatland Echoes” reappear in slightly different forms throughout the album, almost like echoes themselves. At first, it might seem weird or unnecessary, but when you think about it, it mirrors the themes of struggle and self-reflection running through the record. Life doesn’t give you clear endings either, does it?
The production has its rough edges, no doubt. Some transitions between tracks feel abrupt, and a few sections could’ve used more polish. But honestly? That grit works for an album like this. It keeps things real, stripping away any pretense and letting the music speak for itself.
Looking back on Resolve, what stands out most is how unapologetically human it feels. It’s messy, loud, and sometimes downright uncomfortable—but so is growth. So is facing your demons head-on. And maybe that’s why this album still resonates nearly two decades later.
Oh, and hey—fun fact: listening to this makes me want to throw down in a mosh pit AND cry in my car simultaneously. Not many albums can pull off both vibes at once. Guess that says something, huh?
