Solitude
Solitude were formed by Mike Hostler (drums) and Dan Martinez (guitar) in Delaware, USA, in 1985. With the addition of Keith Saulsbury (vocals/guitar) and Rodney Cope (bass) they released their first demo, FOCUS OF TERROR, in 1987, their second, SICKNESS, following a year later. Increasingly strong reviews were maintained by their third and final demo, FALL OF CREATION. Red Light then stepped in and signed the band in 1993 (Music For Nations offering a UK deal). FROM THIS LIFE, their debut album, saw them combine diverse influences, taking Black Sabbath, Slayer and Pantera as a traditional metal foundation, but adding also elements of blues and progressive rock. Lyrically, targets included the death of communism (After The Red), betrayal (In This Life) and growing old (The Empty), all dealt with in bold, primary colours and language. Touring with Death Angel, Sacred Reich, Forbidden, Celtic Frost and other death metal/thrash bands has not helped them escape the death metal category which somewhat inadequately describes their sound.