Solstice Add New Vocalist; Demo Tracks Posted
NWOBHM-tinged UK doomers Solstice have announced the addition of vocalist Hel Thorne to their lineup. The band have had a couple singles out over the last few years to lead up to a new album release and I’m not sure how this shift will affect that, but there are two demo tracks that were apparently Thorne‘s audition tape streaming now on Bandcamp to give people a sense of her style, and an announcement to make it official.
Kind of sucks that a band who’ve been around since 1990 in one shape or another would feel the need to justify bringing in a woman as frontperson when they’ve never had one before, because really, so what? But that they’d even give it a second thought really says more about the culture of doom, which remains predominantly white and predominantly male, than anything to do with Solstice themselves. Far as I’m concerned they can do whatever the hell they want. I’m sure there are dudes of varying opinions. Perpetually.
Onward to their words:
Attention! Achtung! Attenzione!
After months of inactivity we are happy to introduce you to our new full time vocalist, H.Thorne.
Some of you may recognise her as the former vocalist and songwriter from the US epic metal band CHALICE, one of the best bands of the past decade to emerge from the country.
Let us say this; as the band has grown it’s important to recognise that SOLSTICE represents not just an exclusive “men only” bastion, but an ongoing and ever evolving idea. And that idea does not exclude women.
It would be churlish also to not acknowledge Tom (While Heaven Wept), Scott (Cianide) and Felipe (Procession) who provided valuable insights and advice during all this.
As a consequence, we have with the aid of the sage like wisdom and technical skill of Mr. Richard Whittaker, made her audition recordings available via our bandcamp page as the “White Thane” release. These are free to download or leave or donation. You are under no compulsion to do anything else.
In closing, the choice was ours to make, it was neither made with cynicism or avarice in mind. It was made because she worked hard and shared our vision.
Tomorrow belongs to us!
Solstice is:
Hel Thorne: vocals
Rich Walker – Guitars
Andrew Whittaker – Guitars
Daryl Parson – Bass
Rick Budby – Drums
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