Solstice

Though expected to carry the torch for British doom metal alongside Paradise Lost and Anathema as the 1990s unfolded, Solstice—not to be mistaken for the American new-age prog act of identical name—issued just two full-lengths and a single EP before fading from view at the close of the decade. Vocalist Simon Matravers had assembled the group almost ten years prior, and by the time Candlelight Records issued their debut Lamentations in 1994 the lineup also featured guitarists Richard M. Walker and John Piras, bassist Lee "Chaz" Netherwood, and drummer Lennaert Roomer. The Halcyon EP appeared the following year, with guitarist Gian Pyres—who would later join Cradle of Filth—taking part, yet a series of label disputes and lineup fractures postponed the band’s sophomore album, New Dark Age, until 1998. At that point only Walker and Netherwood remained from the original roster; fresh contributors Morris Ingram on vocals, Hamish Hamilton Glencross on guitar, and Rick Budby on drums helped complete the record, which nevertheless marked Solstice’s final release.