Inner Cabala – We Are Solitude

Inner Cabala is a post metal band from Groningen, the Northern Netherlands. The band, which initially started as a project in late 2021, features members from the Netherlands, Romania and Italy. The line-up of this ‘European/international’ bands anno 2025 is; Pim Limburg (vocals), Razvan Poinaru (bass), Alexandru-Daniel Taun (lead guitar), Alessandro Zanchetta (rhythm guitar) and Carlo Belloni (drums).

Throughout the We Are Solitude we are presented by some multi-layered vocals, chamber choirs, and distant schizophrenic dynamics & multiple and often complex prog structures. Pim Limburg is a great vocalist, being able to switch his voice from doom-laden and melancholic to more angry, deep and almost hardcore ones. Guitar duo complement each other perfectly, offering both distorted- and staccato riffing, (focusing on ambient, spacious, and sometimes clean tones), mixed with heavier, downtuned distorted guitars to achieve a denser, more aggressive sound. The bass serves a foundational and atmospheric role, with some intricate and rhythmic bass lines. Drum patters of Mr. Belloni put an emphasis on orchestral or layered cymbal patterns, all serving to build emotional depth and tension.

On We Are Solitude the band definitely put a greater emphasis on mood and texture, regardless of the heaviness. It resulted in a sound that is very diverse, combining energetic riffs (best exemplified in “Feathers”) and calm ballads (ex. “Semblance”) with hypnotic melodies and dark atmosphere. Meanwhile, the best thing about We Are Solitude is the fact that there’s no space for boredom as there’re numerous tempo changes and shifting dynamics within each of the song. It feels as a meditative journey revolving around metal through different styles and an emotional and tumultuous rollercoaster. Personally, I would like to highlight two songs from We Are Solitude as my favourites; the above-mentioned “Feathers” and “Hollow” as I see these two as the most energetic due to the catchy riffs, dynamic shifts, and powerful choruses that balance heavy intensity with melodic flair.

We Are Solitude is also a great listening experience, but also one that demands attention and challenging listeners to fully immerse themselves in it and give it a couple of additional spins, as this album is offering new discoveries with each play through. We Are Solitude marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey, and I attend to be a passenger!

Recommended for fans of sophisticated progressive/post metal and anthemic/melancholic rock who crave for innovation and emotional depth, and bands like The Ocean, Neurosis, Psychonaut, Russian Circles, Isis and Tool in particular. For additional info on this 10-tracker debut from Inner Cabala visit their bandcamp here.