UMUR "Casting the Die" is the fourth full-length studio album by US death/thrash metal act Solstice. The album was released through Emanzipation Productions in May 2021. It´s the successor to "To Dust" from 2009 and only guitarist Dennis Munoz remains from the lineup who recorded the predecessor. Original drummer and founding member Alex Marquez has returned to the fold though. Ryan Tayler has joined on guitar and lead vocals and Marcel Salas has joined on bass.

Tayler´s vocal style is in the raw macho hardcore end of the scale, and as a consequence the death metal part of the band´s sound is almost completely gone, and "Casting the Die" more a hardcore/crossover influenced thrash metal release featuring both fast-paced thrashy riffs and rhythms but also heavier mid-paced hardcore influenced grooves. To my ears this album shouldn´t have been released under the Solstice monicker, as it´s too far from the music style featured on the three preceding releases and as a consequence this doesn´t really sound like Solstice at all.

The musicianship is on a high level on all posts, and it´s audible that these guys can play (the bassist is very busy, although his clicky sounding bass tone is pretty awful). The album also features a decent sounding production job (other than the clicky bass tone). It´s a bit sterile sounding, flat, and lacking some punch, but other than that it´s alright. The big issue here is the singwriting, which firstly isn´t particularly effective and secondly doesn´t sound like the band who´s name is on the cover. Upon conclusion "Casting the Die" isn´t a bad quality release, but it´s a confusing and slightly frustrating listen for someone who´s a fan of the earlier releases by the band. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.