SOLDIERS OF SOLACE – AN INTERVIEW & SINGLE REVIEW

Soldiers of Solace are coming on strong. The Connecticut natives have just released their newest single, “Worlds on Fire”, via Mindsnap Records/Von Artists distributed by the The Orchard. The track is a powerhouse. It features dramatic vocals and fierce guitar riffs. Its rampaging flow emits an insatiable torrent of tenacious sound. The song is a dynamic manifesto defining the crazed society we currently inhabit. “Worlds on Fire” is a killer tune with a deeply ominous warning.

Speaking about the single, Soldiers of Solace‘s lead vocalist Jason Longo expounds

“In an unprecedented moment of history, Worlds on Fire is a collaborative creation, born from the collective angst and civil unrest, that has become our reality.

Soldiers of Solace is comprised of Jason Longo (Lead Vocals), Jeff Fahy (Guitar), Francesco Daniele (Drums), Gary Sandler (Bass) and Lon Moore (Guitar). The band put out their debut full length,  We Are Immortal, in 2018 via the German label, Rock N’ Growl Records. Since then they have supported such illustrious artists as Nonpoint, Dead By Wednesday and Corrosion of Conformity. SOS have preformed at some of the world’s leading music venues including L.A.’s Whiskey A Go-Go, New Haven’s Toads Place and the mainstage of The Webster Theater in Hartford.

SOS were gracious enough to sit down with AMP and discuss their history, influences and luminous future.

AMP: Can you give AMP readers a brief history of the band?

JASON: I originally formed the band back in 2015. Over the years, we’ve gone through some natural turnover and lineup changes, which is a normal and expected reality with most bands (except for Aerosmith). Our sound has certainly developed over the years and any obstacles have only proved to make us stronger and more focused. We’ve played all over the country and our mission has always been to write, record, and perform visceral, meaningful music, that resonates deeply with us… as well as our listeners.

AMP: Your debut album We Are Immortal was released on the German label Rock N Growl… How was the record received here and abroad?

JASON: It did very well on the charts. One of our songs, “Rude Awakening” was #1 on the iRockRadio Countdown for two weeks in a row. Quite the honor.

AMP: Your new single “Worlds On Fire” is very relevant in today’s world. Did you realize how prophetic it would be?

GARY: I think the writing has been on the wall for quite some time that the world has been experiencing growing tumult and potential for conflict, both personally and collectively. It’s no surprise to me that things have heated up over the years and that we are here where we are today now with global conflict and internal conflict that has been quietly bubbling up to what sometimes feels like a boil. Jason wrote the lyrics for the song, but they resonate completely with how it feels to be living today in this world. Of course when the song was written we had no idea we would be seeing war break out. That was definitely a coincidence, albeit seemingly prophetic.

JASON: I am an empath, so I take no credit. Essentially, the song wrote itself. I was merely a vehicle.

AMP: You recently signed with Mindsnap Music. How did that come about and are you excited?

GARY: I’ve worked with Opus who is the head of Mindsnap Music and drummer for Dead By Wednesday since his days in Gargantua Soul. It was only natural that by the time I had learned an instrument, and joined SOS that he would extend the invitation for Soldiers of Solace to be on the label, especially since he was the one that introduced me to Soldiers when they were looking for a new bass player. It all just came together… Opus has always been a huge fan of Soldiers’ music and vice-versa.

JASON: I have always respected “hustle”. Game recognize game.

AMP: Who are the band’s main influences?

GARY: Metallica, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Soundgarden, Disturbed, Dio, Iron Maiden, Megadeth

JASON: Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Pearl Jam, The Doors, Hatebreed, Parkway Drive… (the list goes on and on).

FRANCESCO: Metallica, Pantera, Sepultura, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Dream Theater, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Killswitch Engage, Stone Sour, Parkway Drive, Godsmack… and many more

AMP: If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?

GARY: Payola. Payola is real.

JASON: There is a very big difference between being a musician, as opposed to being IN the music industry. It is quite apparent, that being a genuine “musician” is not necessarily a prerequisite for being stupidly successful in the music “industry”.

FRANCESCO: let’s go back to the 80’s where we used to go records store

AMP: Can we expect a full length or EP anytime soon?

GARY: Yes! Hopefully by early 2023.

JASON: Yes

AMP: What strengths does SOS possess that makes it an important band in today’s music scene?

GARY: I think we have a strong, powerful sound as well as a message that motivates and brings people together in a positive way.

JASON: We are relevant, relatable, validating, and empowering… YET we are IMPERFECT. We are an advocate for the underdog and we fight the “good” fight. We don’t stoop to bashing others in order to lift ourselves up. People respect that about us.

AMP: Any plans for an extensive tour?

GARY: We are certainly open to entertain feasible tour opportunities. If the right one comes along.. And we can make it work.

AMP: What’s next for the band?

GARY: We are gearing up to go into the studio to record a cover song for a new Mindsnap Music compilation CD and rehearsing for shows as well as working on a new EP of original songs which will hopefully come out in early 2023.

JASON: Recording and playing shows.

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To learn more about Soldiers of Solace,

Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

Stream music:  Spotify / Apple Music 

Purchase: Amazon / Bandcamp

 

 

 

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