SOLEMNITY Celebrates Release of New “Opus Barbaricum” Album with Video for ‘Drums Of War’

SOLEMNITY is a German heavy metal band from the area of Ulm, founded in 1998 by vocalist Sven “The Axe”. The band quickly established a distinctive identity within the underground metal scene by combining traditional heavy metal with dark, horror-inspired themes and theatrical stage performances. Describing their music as “Heavy Horror Metal”, SOLEMNITY’s music draws heavily from classic heavy metal traditions while incorporating themes of horror, mythology, and dark fantasy. Their sound has often been compared to epic metal acts while maintaining a unique identity through theatrical imagery and concept-driven songwriting. With a discography spanning over a decade and a reputation for powerful live performances, SOLEMNITY remains a cult name within the European heavy metal underground and among fans of horror-themed metal and 2026 will see the Return of the Hairführer!

In the mid-2020s, SOLEMNITY unexpectedly re-emerged with new material and plans for a new album titled Opus Barbaricum, scheduled for release on May 15th, 2026. The revival marks the return of the band’s signature “Heavy Horror Metal” style and continues the dark, epic storytelling that defined their earlier work.

The new album “Opus Barbaricum” is out now. Get the CD at the bandshop: http://www.solemnity.de/07_shop/07_cds-dvds.html

With album release SOLEMNITY reveal a new video clip for the track “Drums Of War“:

Sven The Axe comments: “I really love Skyclad’s version of the Thin Lizzy classic ‘Emerald’, and one day, whilst I was jamming to it, this lovely melody suddenly popped into my head – and that’s the moment when you think: Hey, this is the birth of a great song! Of course, it has that same Irish touch, and I always strive to play music in a way I haven’t done before. When you listen to our music, you always notice that nothing really sounds the same. As for the lyrics, I have to admit that I still believe that dark forces in the underground – call them the global elite, Big Pharma, Big Money, secret societies or whoever – certainly the WEF or the WHO – have orchestrated the whole thing. Instead of parroting what they hear all day on TV or the radio, people shouldn’t believe anything, but should question everything and form their own opinions. You should always bear in mind who benefits from a situation, how bad it could be, and where the money is going – that’s where you’ll find the root of all evil in the world. We are all just pawns on this chessboard of the devil, but that will be the continuation of this story. Some may call me a conspiracy theorist; I would say I always know the news five years in advance.”

Watch the previous SOLEMNITY video clips on YouTube:
Escape From The Matrix: https://youtu.be/prV6x-QlmiU
Nightmares From The Neighbourhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2ejSHaEgJM
The Last Ghostrider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9osffvbGzBc
Meat Evil Steal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cSv5Yopv0M

The Early Years

SOLEMNITY was formed in the winter of 1998 and began gaining recognition through energetic live shows and a strong visual aesthetic influenced by classic horror imagery. Their early recordings helped them build a dedicated following within the European heavy metal underground. A first demo release in 1999 introduced the band’s dark and epic sound, combining powerful vocals, traditional heavy metal riffing, and dramatic lyrical themes inspired by horror literature, mythology, and fantasy.

Rise in the Metal Underground

The band’s debut album Reign in Hell (2001) marked the beginning of a series of concept-driven releases that solidified SOLEMNITY’s reputation as one of Germany’s more theatrical heavy metal acts. This was followed by King of Dreams (2003), which further expanded their horror-themed lyrical universe and showcased a more refined epic metal sound. SOLEMNITY headlined the first ever Keep It True cult Festival in 2003.

Throughout the mid-2000s, the band continued to develop musically and visually with albums such as Shockwave of Steel (2005) and the EP Another Bloody Sabbath (2006). In 2007, SOLEMNITY also collaborated with members of the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, recording a classical interpretation of the Bathory song “One Rode to Asa Bay,” demonstrating their interest in combining metal with orchestral elements.

The album Lords of the Damned (2008) became one of the band’s most recognized releases, featuring dramatic compositions and a darker, more atmospheric production. The band’s concerts during this period became known for elaborate stage shows and pyrotechnics, reinforcing their horror-themed identity.

Final Album and Hiatus

In 2012, SOLEMNITY released Circle of Power, which was initially announced as the band’s final studio album. Around the same time, the group performed what was intended to be their farewell show at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany before entering a long hiatus.

After several years of inactivity, the band was officially declared disbanded in 2018. However, unreleased material from previous recording sessions continued to circulate among fans, keeping interest in the band alive within the heavy metal community.

SOLEMNITY
Opus Barbaricum
Release: May 15th, 2026
Solemnity Music / Hofa

Nightmares From The Neighbourhood 3:50 min
The Last Ghostrider 5:19 min
Meat Evil Steal (A Barbecue Symphony in B minor) 3:42min
Empire In The Underground 4:04 min
Escape From The Matrix 3:46 min
Freya 6:47 min
Cheesecake Commando 4:22 min
The Sleeper 5:56 min
Bitch With The Bow 3:52 min
We Willl Shine 3:21 min
Storm Of Steel 4:43min
The Dragon 4:37 min
Drums of War (Resistance) 4:24 min
Idiocracy 3:58 min
Gladiator 4:25 min
The Way To A Fortunate Wedding (by Henry VIII) 3:56 min
Frozen In Time 4:23 min

All songs and lyrics written and performed by Sven The Axe
„The Sleeper“ is an original poem by Edgar Allen Poe, musically performed by Solemnity

Discography (full CD´s only)
2001 Reign In Hell
2003 King Of Dreams
2005 Shockwave Of Steel
2007 Lords Of The Damned
2012 Circle Of Power
2026 Opus Barbaricum

More info:
http://www.solemnity.de
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082577449450