Dissonance Productions is scheduled to release Bridge To Resolution, the debut solo album from Napalm Death bassist and songwriter Shane Embury, on June 5. Arriving on CD and vinyl formats, the record is currently being promoted with an official music video for its second single, “Taurus“.
The album was written and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the live music industry halted, the unexpected downtime allowed Shane Embury to navigate a period of personal upheaval, exploring concepts of identity, creativity, and family. The eight tracks were heavily inspired by “shadow integration,” a psychological theory focusing on confronting the darker elements of a person’s personality to achieve self-discovery and resolution.
Musically, the material steps completely away from the extreme metal framework Shane Embury is traditionally known for. Instead, Bridge To Resolution leans heavily into atmospheric goth and post-punk, reflecting his long-standing appreciation for acts like Cocteau Twins, Killing Joke, and The Mission. The expansive arrangements rely on layered vocals, synthesizers, guitars, and bass.
Shane Embury tracked all the guitar and bass parts himself. He is joined on the record by drummer Carl Stokes (ex-Cancer, Groundhogs, Current 93). Production duties were handled by Simon Efemey, a veteran engineer whose studio credits include Paradise Lost, Crowbar, and Amorphis.
As the longest-tenured member of Napalm Death, Shane Embury joined the grindcore pioneers in 1987 and has performed on 15 of their 16 studio albums. The group achieved massive global influence and notably became the first extreme metal act to perform at the Glastonbury festival in 2017. Outside of Napalm Death, the bassist’s active roster of projects includes Lock Up, Brujeria, and Dark Sky Burial. He has also collaborated extensively with musicians such as Buzz Osborne (Melvins), Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest), Billy Gould (Faith No More), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Cardiacs, and Yard Act.
Bridge To Resolution track listing:
- “Spasm Prayer“
- “The Dreaming Abyss“
- “Bridge To Resolution“
- “Thorns In Despair“
- “How To Corrode Memories“
- “Illusion Guillotine“
- “Taurus“
- “The Gift Of Shame Wrapped In Guilt“
