Artist: SOLITUDE AETURNUS
Album: INTO THE DEPTHS OF SORROW RE-RELEASE (CD)

Release date: 1991/ 2006
Media type: CD

Solitude Aeternus was formed in 1987 by guitarist John Perez. It was influenced by power metal bands (Metallica, Jag Panzer, Metal Church, Fates Warning), the early crop of doom metal bands (Candlemass, St. Vitus, Trouble, Pentagram), as also psychedelic and 70’s hard rock. The first line-up included: Brad Kane (drums), Tom Martinez (guitar), Chris Hardin (bass) and Kris Gabehardt (vocals). In 1988 the band recorded their first demo tape Justice For All, which was enough to showcase a band with an individual style. Solitude Aeternus was quickly recognized as a fascinating novelty on the local metal scene.

After the first demo, the original drummer and vocalist were replaced by Lyle Steadham and Robert Lowe respectively. The second demo Mirror of Sorrow contained only two tracks – the title song and “Opaque Divinity”, recorded with a new guitarist, Edgar Rivera, who replaced Tom Martinez. Soon after that, Chris Hardin decided to leave the band. Steadham filled in for the bass, leaving the drumming duties to John Covington.

The demo caught the attention of the independent label King Klassic, who agreed to release the band’s full-length album. In 1990 Solitude Aeternus entered Dallas Sound Lab to record their debut Into the Depths of Sorrow. After the disastrous first mix, the record was remixed at Sound Logic Studios. Unfortunately, further delays occurred as King Klassic failed to provide the proper financial support for the release. Solitude Aeternus singed a contract with Roadrunner Records and Into the Depths of Sorrow saw the light in July of 1991, a whole year after the recording. The debut proved to be worthy of patience – the heavy, yet strangely sublime sound followed by brilliant technique and a gloomy atmosphere proved that speed is not what counts the most in metal.

In March of 1992 the band begun the sessions for their second full-length album, Beyond the Crimson Horizon. The second LP was released in July of 1992 and surpassed the debut in every aspect, bringing an intelligent, carefully measured doom metal feast. The release of Beyond the Crimson Horizon was followed by a tour with Paul DiAnno’s Killers. Unfortunately, their cooperation with Roadrunner ended in 1993. The group singed a new deal in December with Pavement Records.

Solitude Aeternus’ third album was released in August 1994. Recorded in March in England at Rhythm Studios, Darkest Hour showed a simpler and heavier direction. It was promoted with a six week US tour with Mercyful Fate, followed by their first European tour. Then, the group took a long break, which lasted until the April of 1996, when the recording of the next album commenced.

Solitude Aeternus’ fourth release, Downfall, was recorded in Dallas TX, but despite good reviews, the band was extremely disappointed with the final production. Lyle Steadham left the group. Solitude Aeternus kept touring with Last Chapter's Teri Pritchard as a bass player, accompanied by Morgana Lafey.

After cancelling the deal with Pavement records, the band found a worthy replacement for Steadham – Steve Moseley. In 1997 the band signed on to Massacre Records. The next album, Adagio, was recorded in March ’98 at the British Rhythm Studios and released in June of 1998. Another European tour, along with Savior Machine, ensued. New Solitude Aeturnus album is ready to be released in November 2006.

TRACKLIST:

1. Dawn of Antiquity (a Return to Despair)
2. Opaque Divinity
3. Transcending Sentinels
4. Dream of Immortality
5. Destiny Falls to Ruin
6. White Ship
7. Mirror of Sorrow
8. Where Angels Dare to Tread

Bonus tracks:
9. Opaque Divinity (demo)
10. Mirror of Sorrow (demo)
11. Transcending Sentinels (demo)