One of the visionaries behind the Norwegian legendary experimental metal band The 3rd and The Mortal, composer and guitarist Trond Engum (based in Trondheim, Norway) carries down the genre defying path through his solo venture The Soundbyte. Dedicated to the avantgarde and experimental, and devoted to an outside-the-box thinking when it comes to the metal genre, Engum is establishing routes of communication with outsider influences, ranging from Norwegian folk, electroacoustic, the standard rock form and ambient leanings. Accompanied by fellow The 3rd and The Mortal member, drummer Rune Hoemsnes, The Soundbyte introduces their fourth full-length Solitary IV together with their new home ToT records, forcing a further evolution of their stylistic identity. Built around Engum's unique guitar sound and style and Hoemsnes' signature rhythmic patterns, and with the inclusion of Tone Åse as well as Kirsti Huke's expressive vocal delivery, The Soundbyte are solidifying their off-kilter sonic vision. Recorded by Engum himself, and co-mixed with Michael Tibes (Helloween and Kamelot), and mastered by Neil Pickles (Piano Interrupted, Fernandez 4), The Soundbyte prove through and through their attention to detail on every aspect. The resulting album is a multifaceted endeavour, at first sight direct and with plenty of catchy riffs and folky lines, but with a deeper side to it, one full of complex arrangements, carefully layered and intricately arranged. Solitary IV is a record that operates in many levels, one requiring the listener's complete attention, which will be rewarded every time.