Sol Niger Within (1997) - Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects

 

Sol Niger Within is the singular studio album by Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects, a side project of Fredrik Thordendal, renowned as the lead guitarist of the Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah. Released in 1997, this avant-garde endeavor showcases Thordendal's exploration beyond Meshuggah's established sound, delving into a fusion of extreme metal, jazz fusion, and progressive rock.

The album presents a continuous, immersive experience, structured as a single epic composition subdivided into 29 tracks. This format reflects Thordendal's intent to guide the listener through a complex, introspective journey, akin to traversing a psychotic episode. The music seamlessly integrates a multitude of influences, ranging from the aggressive intensity of extreme metal to the improvisational elements of jazz and the atmospheric nuances of film scores. Notably, the album features drummer Morgan Ågren, whose performance embodies the spontaneity and complexity characteristic of free jazz, often incorporating improvisational techniques. 

Lyrically, Sol Niger Within is a tapestry woven from diverse literary and philosophical sources. The lyrics, contributed by Petter Marklund, draw inspiration from an eclectic array of authors, including Dante Alighieri, Samuel Beckett, Marquis de Sade, Plato, and William S. Burroughs. This amalgamation results in a dense, thought-provoking narrative that complements the album's intricate musical landscape. 

Critically, Sol Niger Within has been recognized for its originality and ambitious fusion of genres. Reviews highlight the album's departure from conventional structures, praising its innovative blend of metal and jazz elements. However, some critiques point to certain sections of free improvisation and noise as potential disruptions to the album's cohesion. Despite these observations, the work is lauded as a bold and unique creation, reflecting an unbridled artistic vision. 

In 1999, the album was remixed and re-released under the title Sol Niger Within version 3.33. This iteration introduced two bonus tracks while omitting certain segments from the original release, such as parts featuring organ performances. These modifications offer listeners an alternative perspective on the original composition, showcasing Thordendal's ongoing experimentation with sound and structure.

Fredrik Thordendal has long cited Allan Holdsworth as one of his biggest influences, and Sol Niger Within serves as a profound tribute to the late jazz-fusion guitarist. Holdsworth's influence is especially evident in Thordendal's legato phrasing, fluid note transitions, and unconventional harmonic choices, which permeate the entire album. Thordendal’s approach to lead guitar—characterized by sweeping, elastic note patterns—closely mirrors Holdsworth’s signature style, making Sol Niger Within as much an avant-garde metal experiment as it is a love letter to jazz-fusion.

Beyond technique, Holdsworth’s spirit is embedded in the album’s progressive structuring and improvisational elements. The way Thordendal weaves intricate, almost free-form solos into chaotic and shifting rhythmic backdrops reflects Holdsworth’s own ability to blur the lines between structured composition and spontaneous performance. In tracks like Dante's Wild Inferno and Zep Tepi, Thordendal channels that signature fusion sound, blending distortion with eerie, otherworldly sustain to create an almost saxophone-like guitar tone—another hallmark of Holdsworth’s playing.

The philosophical and experimental nature of the album also aligns with Holdsworth’s artistic ethos. Holdsworth often expressed dissatisfaction with traditional music theory constraints, preferring to craft unique tonal landscapes. Thordendal, in his own way, applies this mindset to metal, warping time signatures, integrating jazz-inflected phrasing, and pushing harmonic dissonance beyond the norms of extreme music.

More than just a sonic homage, Sol Niger Within embodies the progressive spirit that Holdsworth championed—a fearless dive into musical complexity and uncharted territory. It’s a testament to how deep Holdsworth’s impact was, not only on fusion and jazz but on musicians like Thordendal, who took those ideas and reshaped them in entirely new ways.

Sol Niger Within stands as a testament to Fredrik Thordendal's versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries. Its complex interplay of genres, philosophical lyricism, and experimental structure contribute to its status as a distinctive and influential piece within the avant-garde metal landscape. For listeners seeking a challenging yet rewarding auditory experience, this album offers a profound exploration into the depths of musical innovation.