In the life of Tuned Up, there have been acts that have become “Tuned Up” acts for one reason or another. One those without a doubt is Ritual Eulogy or as some older readers may know them, Bear Your Cross. After numerous line-up changes and a small drift in a sound change, last year they changed their name and have not looked back since. Our history with them goes way back, it includes them playing the first Steadfast Fest preshow, little known fact they were the first band asked to play. Their singer, Michael Houck was also the first person to do Five Albums with Cobra. And there have been many other things that make them a “Tuned Up” band, but most of all, they are family.

This is a band I have watched grow throughout the years and every time it was for the better. As mentioned above, last year they changed their name and haven’t looked back since. They are on the upswing and man is it a beautiful thing to watch. It’s largely due in part to the last line-up change. I have enjoyed every line-up this band has had but this one is the right one. And if you need proof, then Lost Solace is your proof. This 4 song EP is next level for them and its present-day metal core at its best.

Lost Solace wastes no time with the intensity. The first track, “Titan” is a powerhouse of a song. From start to finish, it just annihilates your ear holes. And the vocals are some of the best by Michael Houck. He is a beast on this track. The other aspect that stands out here is the drumming. Jeremiah Wrucke is an absolute machine. I sometimes like to leave lyrics to my imagination or apply them to my life at the moment. The first lyric you here is “Where were you when I needed you?” I have an idea what this is referring to, but I’m going to leave it open. “Yearn” is another powerhouse of a track. The brutality that is emitted here is top-notch and I can’t help but headbang when I listen to it. “Hacksaw” continues the onslaught. This has a nice little thrash metal feel at times and I’m here for that. It feels like their influences are all over this release and that’s a good thing because they make it work really well. I like this one because it shows them a complete, as this is the first release with Paul Bolin and it’s the second or third with Jordan Sloan. When they added Jordan he instantly brought something new to the table and now it’s the same with Paul. He was the last piece to this metal juggernaut of a puzzle. The last track, “Acolyte” is one of the best songs they have in their catalog. Every single thing about it is on point. And the guest vocals from Bailey of Shame Spiral just add to the chaos here. This is the track that I listen to over and over.

If this release was meant to serve as a, “hey we are still here album”, then it served its purpose. At four songs it’s just enough to get you hooked and wanting more. I for one am excited about the future of this band. I don’t listen to a lot of metal these days but since this album, I have listened to more than I have in years. That’s how good this release is. I would recommend it to any metal fan.