SOLEMNITY

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.

Today, SOLEMNITY reveal their new single and video clip for the track “Escape From The Matrix“. Watch the video here:

“Only one week left until the release of Solemnity’s “Opus Barbaricum” and here comes another song for you, called „Escape From The Matrix“. It was originally written in 2020 during the pandemic when a lot of things in the world felt completely surrealistic. It often reminded me on the books of Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, or even the „Matrix“ movie. Music has always been a kind of psychotherapy for me, so I started it all on the acoustic guitar before it turned to what is now: edgy guitars with, stomping drums, a driving bass and a fuckin´great singalong refrain. Enjoy it”, comments Sven The Axe and continues: “Before anyone is asking again, it is an AI video yes and I simply love it, as you get a really cool visualizer for decent money and I´m literally sick of people playing guitars in the woods, in videos without electricty. Not every move may makes sense and sometimes you even got logical problems, but I could tell you the story of how we did the „Axe Attack“ video 20 years ago and we almost had two dead people in one day. So pardon me, this is even a much safer way.”

Watch the previous SOLEMNITY video clips on YouTube:

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