Solitary – Embrace The Darkness
Solitary – Embrace The Darkness
Twisted Into Form
06/09/2024
Running Time: 36.28
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8.5/10
“We promise to thrash forever”. A statement. A commitment. Words from one of the key flagbearers for the UK thrash metal scene, Solitary. Having entered their third decade as a band, the Preston-based metallers have gone somewhat under the radar and are quite possibly one of the most underrated bands in this scene despite being there from the very early days. All this may change come September 6th, the release day for their latest effort “Embrace The Darkness”, which the band intend to make a different statement with.
The album kicks off with ‘III.XXIII.MMXX’, and those fluent in Roman Numerals will see that this translates to March 23rd 2020, the day Great Britain were placed in lockdown during that horrible period of history; the Covid-19 pandemic! This features a voiceover, an insert from a news broadcaster reporting instances of eating disorders in children and how they’ve increased since before the lockdown. Whilst this set the tone for the album and made it clear what the bands political views are, this message seems a little odd and out of place, and perhaps would have made more sense if there 2 or 3 in total and adding a sense of continuous narrative. Perhaps I’ve misconstrued this and it’s something very specific and personal to the band as a collective or on an individual level? In either case, not to dwell too much on this, as there’s much to enjoy and drool over on this thrash metal blockbuster.
What’s wonderful about “Embrace The Darkness” is that it doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel at any point, and represents a proud nod and homage to the origins of thrash metal. The production values are exceptional, having teamed up with producer Simon Efemey (Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Deceased). It feels super polished and squeaky clean yet somehow still retaining a much welcome element of raw grittiness and dirt to satiate those older school fans.
Every instrument sounds elegantly placed in the mix without drowning out anything or anybody else. Whether that be thunderous blast beats and relentless double time drum patterns, the scorching lead guitars and solos, chest thumping basslines, or vocalist Richard’s primitive and ferocious vocal assault, every element gets ample time and opportunity to shine. The pace and intensity never once let up and you’ll find yourself wanting to start a circle pit in your living room, gym, or office! Speaking of circle pits, I can imagine the carnage these new tracks will cause when played in a live setting. I’m pretty sure any number of these will make it into their setlist during their upcoming UK tour.
However, this homage to the old school days of the genre could also be construed as a negative. What separates Solitary from the other thrash metal bands out there in what is a hugely stacked market? A question that I cannot answer. Maybe a more seasoned exponent of thrash metal could chime in and prove me wrong? For you see, I’ve never been of the sub-genre and I’m not sure I ever will be. However, I can say that “Embrace The Darkness” is objectively excellent. Though I can’t promise that I’ll thrash forever, I’m sure some songs will be making their way into a few playlists upon release day.
TRACKLISTING
01. III.XXIII.MMXX
02. Embrace The Darkness
03. Settle Scores The Old Way
04. Virtues
05. Bury It Now
06. Beneath The Surface
07. The Disappeared
08. Section 21
09. Divided And Demented (Vinyl only bonus track)
10. Filtering Hindsight
11. Beat The Bastards (CD only bonus track)
LINE-UP
Richard Sherrington – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Gareth Harrop – Bass
Andy Mellor – Lead Guitar
Roy Miller – Drums
LINKS
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