Sol Invicto, a collaborative project involving heavyweights from Deftones and Cypress Hill, has released its long-anticipated debut EP titled “Loosely Aware” on November 8, 2024. This project is spearheaded by Richie Londres (producer and guitarist), Stephen Carpenter (guitarist for Deftones), and Eric Bobo (percussionist for Cypress Hill), and it showcases their unique synergy blending industrial, metal, and electronic elements. Notably, Dan Foord of SikTh provides dynamic drumming, adding further depth to the project, and the EP features guest vocals from Sean Plague of Plague To Pyres, aligning with their vision of infusing diverse and heavy sounds.

Background and Evolution

Sol Invicto’s journey has been marked by exclusivity and experimentation. Prior to this release, the group was known for “Initium”, a private double album from 2017 that was available solely to members of their Sol Invicto Comiti club. The band’s formation aimed to push the boundaries of metal by incorporating industrial and drum-and-bass elements, a sound defined by Carpenter’s forceful riffs and Bobo’s Latin-infused percussive flair. With “Loosely Aware,” Sol Invicto moves into a broader spotlight after years of development, aligning with their goal to create music that is both visceral and complex.

The EP: “Loosely Aware” The 3 track EP includes:

– “The Obvious Play”: The lead single that introduced the EP’s heavy, chaotic sound and showcased Plague’s intense vocal delivery.

– “Lost in Translation”: A track that continues the exploration of dissonance and rhythmic intricacies.

– “Revelation of the Method”: Bringing the EP to a powerful close with its blend of sharp guitar work and pounding percussion.

This debut marks a definitive step for Sol Invicto, evolving from exclusive, underground roots to a wider audience while still retaining the raw, gritty energy that fans have come to expect. The EP was produced by Londres, with contributions from audio experts like Adam Nolly Getgood (mixing) and Jaime Gomez Arellano (mastering), ensuring high-quality sound that matches the ambition of the project.

Creative Vision and Reception

Richie Londres describes the EP as a culmination of years of relentless commitment and experimentation. The intention was to create music that embodies both chaos and structured artistry, merging the aggressive edge of metal with electronic influences. The result is an authentic, forceful sound that encapsulates Sol Invicto’s ethos.

The reception has highlighted the project’s unique approach to blending musical genres. The contributions from Carpenter, renowned for his work with Deftones, add familiar crushing guitar tones, while Bobo’s percussion provides a rhythmic depth that sets the project apart. The EP’s sound is simultaneously modern and nostalgic, echoing the industrial and experimental metal of previous decades while pushing forward into new territory.

What’s Next for Sol Invicto?

“Loosely Aware” is not just a standalone effort but signals the start of a more extensive venture for the band. The group has indicated that a full-length album is in the works, suggesting that this EP is only the beginning of their creative output. Fans can expect more music that continues to experiment with their characteristic blend of sound, rooted in heavy, innovative instrumentation and collaborative spirit.

Sol Invicto’s debut EP, “Loosely Aware,” serves as a robust introduction for new listeners and a reward for long-time supporters eager to experience their expansive, collaborative sound. As they move forward, this project solidifies their presence as an influential force in the fusion of metal, industrial, and electronic music.

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