"Glowing Darkness" is the fruition of many years of songwriting, conceptual exploration and the pursuit of creative expression no matter one's limitations.
Introducing our newest arrival to the collection: "Glowing Darkness" by the talented artist Esben Willems. Known for his dynamic drumming in the hard rock band Monolord, Willems unveils his debut solo album, showcasing a captivating blend of musical prowess and artistic depth. A departure from his usual role, "Glowing Darkness" highlights Willems' versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, with him taking charge of all instruments on the album. Interestingly, Willems, who previously graced the iconic Royal Albert Hall stage with Monolord, now invites listeners on an intimate journey through "Glowing Darkness", a testament to his diverse creative palette and profound musicality. Experience the mesmerizing fusion of sounds and emotions in this extraordinary solo venture.
Esben Willems said for metalinjection.net: "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 solo outing. "But, I've not been to 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.
"And I wanted to do it all myself; instead of asking more capable friends to contribute on instruments I feel lost in space on – and I have the luxury of knowing quite a few insanely talented humans – I wanted to push my own limits and see what I'd be capable of within my plenitude of limitations and self-doubt. It might to some extent be rudimentary and rough, but that's also what I like about it. A companion sentiment through the whole process – and any creative process – is that we all have so much in common, so if I like it, someone else probably does as well.”
"As Lt. Dale Cooper from David Lynch's Twin Peaks once said, 'I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.'"
Includes a signed A3-poster! (Exclusive for this Edition)
Limited to 100 copies
A completely DIY, and multifaceted release full of texturally varied composition and irreverent lyricism, ‘Glowing Darkness’ reflects the struggle and absurdity of the human condition through Esben’s personal lens, and though largely autobiographical, at no point does the album take itself too seriously. Exuding endless amounts of catchy, foot tapping hooks and a healthy dose of anthemic raging, ‘Glowing Darkness’ is an inspiringly raucous ode to creating regardless of one’s limitations and includes nine tracks of hook rich, punk spirited alternative rock.
Photo by Jonas Andersson
Shadow Demon Edition
180-gram heavyweight vinyl
Color-in-color: black/clear marbled with red center
Single sleeve with 3mm spine
Full color insert
Black poly-lined inner sleeve
Protective plastic sleeve
33 rpm heaviness
Tracklist
1. Cabaret Steet
2. Dear Demon
3. Carte Blanche
4. Embrace The Fall
5. Slow Rain
6. Glowing Darkness
7. Space Bob
8. Fortune Teller
9. Across The Everything
Performed, produced, mixed, and mastered by Esben Willems at Studio Berserk Gothenburg.
Photography by Jonas Andersson
Layout by Rickard Höök
Recording information:
Title: Glowing Darkness
Artist: Esben Willems
Genre: Pop-Rock
Media: 1x 180g LP Vinyl Stereo 33rpm, Limited to 100, Signed, Black/clear marbled with red center. Includes a signed A3-poster! (Exclusive for this Edition)
Label: Majestic Mountain Records
Cat#: MMR078LP
Released: 2024 in Sweden
