Solitary
SOLITARY
Elk, Poland
SOLITARY was formed in October of 1996. However, the name reaches November of 1993.
The are two people who link these phenomena of the contemporary underground stage: Tomasz Brodowski - percussion and Rafal Januszczyk - bass. In deed, Solitary was a phenomenon of Polish underground; loved by most and hated by many.
In 1994 SOLITARY put out a new record, called ‘midwinter’. Their music was said to have blundered toward Heavy Doom Metal climate.
This album earned huge popularity among underground audience, it received positive reviews in press and broadcasts.
‘I recommend it to lovers of heavy/ doom metal music based in the aesthetics of Gothic music’ Metal Hammer #4/95
‘If you lay on a street waiting for an advancing road roller you’d know the feeling which overwhelms you while listening to Solitary. Although I’ve been given only some of their pieces from their demo, not completely polished yet, I dare say, never have I seen anything like it on the polish underground stage. Totally depressing, momentous climate, how to describe it all, i guess most accurately, Gothic doom metal, in the best meaning of the word ‘ Undertaker zine #4/94
Due to personal problems SOLITARY announced a hiatus in 1995. Tomek and Rafal looked for new musicians and in October of 1996 a completely new musical concept emerged. Group had a new sound: woman became vocalist, violinist affixes, group invited also guest keyboard players.
In January of 1997 SOLITARY went on tour. They took part in few festivals: ‘Zgrzyty’, ‘Wojewodzki Przegląd Zespołów Rockowych’, ‘Fiesta Borealis’, ‘Metal Monsters Festival’.
In June they released a demo, ‘Chansons de geste’, which was well accepted by both fans and critics. SOLITARY was winning more and more fans not just in the country but also abroad. Their music was broadcast in radio stations and local TV station.
Musicians played on “Chansons De Geste”: Paulina Iwanowska - vocal, Tomasz Brodowski - drums
Mariusz Zamojski - guitar, Piotr Mrugalski - guitar, Rafal Januszczyk - bass guitar, Boguslaw Deluga - violin
In the summer of 1998,the band recorded their material on mini LP Love Death Dance. There is no doubt that this new album is consistent with their original sound, nonetheless, it seems more mature, romantic but at the same time more aggressive. New vocalist - Paulina Polec.
They were supported live for the band CLOSTERKELLER
‘SOLITARY was thought to become a dark horse of our Gothic music or Art metal music, as they called it. It would be difficult to define SOLITARY’s style since their music comprises a mixture of different styles.’ Mariusz Kmiołek /Thrash’em All #6/97/
‘SOLITARY works on their own sound which remains characteristic for the Polish doom school but it generates a peculiar space. Surely, their product could be recommended to the melancholic playing fans.’ Remo Mielczarek /Metal Hammer #10/98/
‘Solitary’s music- sanctuary of melancholy, sadness, and nostalgia oscillates in the climate of rock and doom metal’ Krzysztof Berestecki /Sukkuzine #1/
‘It’s facking amazing. To my mind it’s the sensation of the 1998…’ Ireneusz Dzik /Icon Distribution/
The group has suspended their activity in the end of the year 2000. Will they return from the abyss of gloom and show their new face?
In 2009 is coming re-edition of “Love Death Dance” album and DVD with the live shows, pictures, biography and informations about band.
Rafael Januszczyk is a bassist now of Invanity band in New York.
