Following years of song writing and conceptual exploration, Glowing Darkness – the debut solo album by Monolord/Slower’s Esben Willems – is an inspiringly raucous ode to the act of creation, regardless of one’s limitations.

“I’ve always been fascinated, inspired, and driven by limitations and I’ve always encouraged others to do what they can with what they have,” said Willems of his first solo outing. “But I’ve not been very good at following that advice myself, so this album is just that. A collection of misfit song ideas that kept lingering. Songs I eventually felt I wanted to record.”

Due for release this March on Majestic Mountain Records, over nine tracks of hook-rich, punk-spirited alternative rock this humble collection of rogue notions and earnest expressions culminates in a multifaceted release full of irreverent lyrics and anthemic rage reflecting the struggle and absurdity of the human condition. Just one listen to his debut single, ‘Cabaret Street’, which premièred earlier this week on Metal Injection should give listeners everything they need to appreciate where Willem’s lens is pointing.

“It’s a reflection on how we all seem trapped in playing the futile game of perpetually trying to display what superhumanly successful and interesting lives we lead. Despite us all being aware of this, we still manically persist,” he explains.

Eschewing help, actively turning down contributions from perfectly capable accomplices and self-consciously choosing to challenge himself at every turn to plough on beyond self-doubt, Glowing Darkness is an audacious project. Perhaps too rough and ready for some, for others it’s a raw and riotous call to glorious arms. It might not be what you’d expect, but it could be well be just what you need.

Glowing Darkness by Esben Willems is released 29th March 2024 on Majestic Mountain Records | Pre-order HERE

“Less sludge and more of a post-punk edge, the entirety of “Cabaret Street” is a stomping earworm bound to be repeated multiple times today.” METAL INJECTION

“I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.” LT. DALE COOPER, TWIN PEAKS

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