SOLITARY – XXV
LABEL: DOC RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: 09/08/19
Thrash Metal: a relentless, neck-breaking overdose of adrenaline. It exploded in the early to mid ‘80s and dragged the metal scene, high on velocity and violence, into a new, thrilling era. For some thrash metal was a brief, brilliant flame that burned up a decade before fading to cold ashes. To others it was a call to arms that would last a lifetime. When
Solitary signed their enlistment papers, they signed in blood and this year they celebrate twenty five years, a quarter of a century, of total thrash dedication. Tastes may change and seasons pass, but Solitary promised to thrash forever and their word holds true to this day.
A twenty fifth anniversary is a milestone that cannot be left unnoticed or allowed to pass uncelebrated, so Solitary hit the studio to re-record three classic songs from their illustrious back catalogue – ‘Requiem’, ‘Within Temptation’ and ‘Keep Your Enemies Closer’. As well as injecting these much loved monsters with a fresh venom and energy, the band captured two songs from their last London show, at the Camden Underworld with Darkane. ‘Architects Of Shame’ and ‘The Diseased Heart Of Society’ in all their wild, untamed, live glory were added to the mix and together these five recordings, bristling with bullish belligerence and armed to the teeth with speed and savage riffs, form the new Solitary EP – XXV. Returning bassist Gaz Harrop, Solitary’s own prodigal son, has made his mark on these new recordings and you can taste the fire that still burns in the collective heart of this most dedicated band.
There was only one artist that Solitary wanted to create the imagery that adorns the cover of XXV and they were delighted when they managed to coax the legendary Koot out of retirement. Koot made his name in the '90s creating instantly recognisable artwork for the likes of Saxon, Girlschool, Slammer, The Almighty, Freak Of Nature and The Exploited but had stepped away from his easel some years ago. Solitary are honoured to have been given the opportunity to add their name to his illustrious list of clients. The dramatic coat of arms that Koot has created for XXV is the perfect distillation of Solitary's total dedication to the thrash cause; a powerful depiction of their unbreakable pledge of allegiance.
With appearances at Aggressive Music Fest and Bloodstock Open Air on the horizon and a new full length album being prepared for a 2020 release Solitary are stronger, harder, faster than ever. Stand beside them or fall by the wayside.
Genre: Thrash Metal
For fans of: Testament | Slayer | Xentrix | Sacred Reich
Current Line-up:
Rich Sherrington – Vocals & Guitar
Andy Mellor – Lead Guitars
Gaz Harrop – Bass
Roy Miller - Drums
ARTIST LINKS »