Having released their live CD + DVD package, “XXV Live At Bloodstock” in 2022 Solitary spent 2023 on the road in support of that release and the preceding, highly acclaimed “The Truth Behind The Lies”, which was released into the chaos of the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Thrash Domination Campaign 2023 saw Solitary blazing a trail through England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, The Netherlands and Germany with several festival stops along the way. However, despite all the tireless roadwork they somehow managed to find time to write and record a brand new studio album, the fifth of their thirty year career – and not only is it their heaviest, hardest, most confrontational release to date, it’s undoubtedly their best yet! It’s time to steel your nerves, open your eyes to reality and Embrace The Darkness!
The scene is set for “Embrace The Darkness” by intro “III.XXIII.MMXX” featuring news reports of the dramatic deterioration of children’s mental health during the aforementioned lockdowns. Shocking statistics of a huge upsurge of anorexia in children and the sectioning of young people under the Mental Health Act serve notice that the album to come is a serious matter…a fact amply underlined by the crushing title track that follows. Each individual member of Solitary is operating at the absolute top of their game and as a team, throughout this album, they are nigh on unassailable. From the relentless yet richly textured “Settle Scores The Old Way”, overflowing with wild lead work, to the classic Solitary blend of muscular riffs, gleaming hooks and addictive melodies that make “Virtues” and “Bury It Now” so powerful and memorable. Tackling subjects ranging from abuse and addiction to the war in Ukraine, Embrace The Darkness is no easy listen, but its fierce energy, pinpoint focus and devastating attack deliver an exhilarating adrenaline rush. Culminating in the bruisingly brilliant “Filtering Hindsight”, one of Solitary’s finest songs, that rages at the tawdry destitution that our politicians have lead society to, “Embrace The Darkness” is destined to be recognised as one of 2024s greatest entries into the annals of thrash metal.
Produced by the renowned Simon Efemey (Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Deceased etc) and adorned in the instantly recognisable artwork of Koot (Saxon, Girlschool, The Almighty etc), “Embrace The Darkness” is the complete package. When the album is released on September 6th through Twisted Into Form, look out for exclusive physical format bonus tracks – with the vinyl boasting the punishing “Divided And Demented” and the CD featuring a ripping run through of The Exploited’s “Beat The Bastards” that’s not to be missed. Whichever format you choose, just don’t let “Embrace The Darkness” pass you by, because thrash metal doesn’t get much better than this!
