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 the UK thrashers 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 UK’s 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 2024’s greatest entries into the annals of thrash metal.

Produced by the renowned Simon Efemey (Napalm Death, Paradise Lost, Deceased et cetera) and adorned in the instantly recognisable artwork of Koot (Saxon, Girlschool, The Almighty), Embrace The Darkness is the complete package. Of the new album, Efemy told Sentinel Daily: “This is the best new old school thrash album for a long time; I got great vibes recording and with modern day sounds it’s totally full on, and with great tunes… Rich (Sherrington, guitars and vocals) can sing a song! Thrash well people!”

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!