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Solemn Pledge

Roaring Through History: Solemn Pledge’s Latest Rock Opera Salutes Marlene Dietrich

Posted on 2 May 2024

In a world frequently captured by the ephemeral allure of modern pop, Solemn Pledge’s latest single, Roaring Berlin, from their ninth rock opera concept album, is a formidable monument to enduring artistry. Maria Genevieve Elia and Michael Justin Lee, together as Solemn Pledge, dive deep into the historical decadence of Berlin, echoing the vibrant, tumultuous youth of German-born movie star and celebrated war hero, Marlene Dietrich.

Roaring Berlin is a narrative powerhouse draped in the rich, robust textures of hard rock and cabaret glamour. The single serves as an opening act to a saga that traverses the starlet’s passionate ambition and unyielding ardour, qualities mirrored in the duo’s vocal performance and musical composition. The track swells with cinematic choruses and soaring guitar solos, which adeptly encapsulate Dietrich’s lofty aspirations and the grandeur of her era.

Throughout, Solemn Pledge achieves a rare balance, infusing their sound with rock-striped opulence while avoiding the pitfalls of pretension. Each element—from the poignant lyrics to the meticulously crafted instrumental arrangements—resonates with the authenticity and complexity of Dietrich’s own life journey.

Solemn Pledge not only celebrates but also embodies the spirit of Marlene Dietrich, making “Roaring Berlin” an essential listen for fans of rock operas and compelling historical narratives.

Stream Roaring Berlin on YouTube now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get ready to rock (opera) with the standout single from Solemn Pledge’s latest concept EP, Hollywood Dreams

Posted on 30 October 2023

A starlet sleeps in ‘Hollywood Dreams’ in the standout rock opera number from Solemn Pledge’s latest concept EP, Anna May Wong: A Screen Icon Story.

There are few things as visceral as the passion that drives us to reach the heights we are born to ascend to; the anthemic orchestration which emanates determination by the cinematic smorgasbord is one of the few exceptions as the NY outfit pays a fittingly strident ode to Hollywood’s first Chinese-American star.

Right from the opening instrumental sequence, you will be catapulted in the captivating hit which puts the guitars in overdrive to give them a fighting chance to dominate the soundscape with Maria Genevieve Elia’s commanding vocal lines which will blindside you with their three-and-a-half octave range.

After the previous EP, which touched on the history of Joan of Arc, we can’t wait to hear the ground Solemn Pledge choose to storm across with their next.

Stream Hollywood Dreams with the rest of the concept EP which dropped on October 20 by heading to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

History battle cries in Solemn Pledge’s concept EP, Joan of Arc: Savior of France

Posted on 18 September 2023

There are concept EPs, and there are hair-raising sonic manifestos where history battle cries and culture breathes; the recently released EP, Joan of Arc: Savior of France, from Solemn Pledge is at the vanguard in the latter camp.

No matter how much time stands between the legacy of Joan of Arc and our present-day epoch, her trailblazing tale will always leave the imagination alight, as definitively proven by the rock opera retelling from the duo comprising Genevieve Elia and Michael Justin Lee.

In the standout single, To Free France, the classic Iron Maiden-esque rock tones lend themselves viscerally well to the narration of the wrath of Joan of Arc. Elia’s dynamic vocal range effortlessly encapsulates the sheer hell-hath-no-fury resilience of the feminist icon who is revered as one of France’s greatest military heroes, despite her age, gender, and discernible lack of military training.

Stream Joan of Arc: Saviour of France on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Where Our Family Comes From: Solemn Pledge is destined to rule on Brother Enemy

Posted on 19 May 2023

Taken off the recent soul-stirring 5 song concept album called Cleopatra, Solemn Pledge returns with inspiring fire and has dropped a superb single to turn up on full volume due to the quality on offer with Brother Enemy.

Solemn Pledge is a Michael Justin Lee and Maria Genevieve Elia-fused indie rock opera-like duo who make spellbinding music which seems destined for blockbuster movies.

”Our previous 3 Rock opera albums have been very gratifyingly embraced by the public. They, along with Cleopatra, are streaming on Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and on over 150 other platforms worldwide.” ~ Michael Justin Lee

Solemn Pledge is rather wonderful here. They get emotions out and have brought the world something to hold onto with both hands. With intricate guitar excellence and pure singing to match, this is a no-brainer release to embrace forever.

Brother Enemy from Solemn Pledge is a song made with true intentions and shall rocket into the hearts of many. This is a moment which requires all listeners to take a second to visualize the outstanding aura on offer. This is a land-loving experience which shows us the strength needs when evil forces try and destroy everything.

Sung with passion and projected by terrific musicianship, this is a special single to return us to a graceful world.

Listen up on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Fly Away to Neverland with Solemn Pledge’s Stunning Rock Opera

Posted on 13 March 2023

Michael Justin Lee and Maria Elia, together known as the band “Solemn Pledge,” have created a stunning adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale with their rock opera, “Peter Pan.” With its modern sound and captivating vocal performances, “Peter Pan” is a musical journey that is both faithful to the original story and innovative in its approach.

Maria Elia’s voice is the centerpiece of the production, and her performances are nothing short of outstanding. She brings a raw, emotional power to every song, infusing each lyric with a sense of urgency and intensity. Her vocal range is impressive, and she effortlessly transitions between soft, delicate passages and full-throated belting. Elia’s standout tracks include “Wendy’s Nessun Dorma” a seductive ballad that showcases her sultry lower register, and “To Neverland,” a rollicking anthem that allows her to cut loose and let her voice soar.

But Elia is not the only star of “Peter Pan.” Lee’s instrumental arrangements are equally impressive, and they provide a driving energy that propels the story forward. The guitar riffs are electrifying, the drumming is thunderous, and the basslines are infectious. The opening number, “Welcome to Neverland,” sets the tone for the rest of the show with its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks.

What makes “Peter Pan” such a remarkable production, however, is how well it captures the spirit of Barrie’s original story. Lee and Elia have crafted a musical journey that is both faithful to the source material and innovative in its approach. The story is brought to life in a way that is engaging and emotionally resonant, and listeners will find themselves swept up in the adventure and wonder of Neverland.

Overall, “Peter Pan” is a triumph of musical storytelling. With its exceptional instrumental arrangements, stellar vocal performances, and faithful adaptation of the source material, it is a must-listen for fans of musical theater and rock music alike. The partnership between Michael Justin Lee and Maria Elia, known as Solemn Pledge, is a powerhouse collaboration that has produced an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Path That I Chose: Solemn Pledge aches for the return home on Wretched Warfare

Posted on 5 February 2023

Wishing for the war to end so they can get back into a happier place away from so much brutality, Solemn Pledge sings with fearless frankness and honourable desire with the catchy new mood changer called Wretched Warfare.

Solemn Pledge is a rock music duo that combines the rather emphatic project of Maria Genevieve Elia and Michael Justin Lee.

”Maria, a heavy metal vocalist with a very distinctive timbre and a vocal range of three and a half octaves, has performed on rock and symphonic rock projects with artists around the world. Michael, a member of the Songwriters Guild of America and the Society of Composers and Lyricists, has written and produced three previous albums that are streaming on all the major platforms worldwide.” ~ Solemn Pledge

Lathered in so much to get lost in, Solemn Pledge has reminded us that those true battles are worth it if you get to come home. With vivid details and so much to intertwine inside, we are introduced to a quality anthem to get behind.

”I myself (Michael) am of Chinese descent and I wanted to create a portrayal that clings closer to the classical story than most productions do. With Rock music, I present a portrayal of Mulan’s ten years as a soldier (that’s right, it was ten years). No love interest. No mysticism. It’s a story of courage through the horror and wretchedness of war, and of her intense longing for home.” ~ Michael Justin Lee

Wretched Warfare from the rather impressive rock music duo Solemn Pledge is a rather searing effort made with a hugely enjoyable tone and flow, with vocal highlights mixed in with groovy melodies to get rather thrilled about no matter the day of the week. Soaked in a delectable blend of ingeniously crafted layers of transcendence, this is a timeless track to enjoy in 2023.

Open up your ears on YouTube. See more on their website.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Answer My Prayers: Solemn Pledge shall love until the end of days on Precious Juliet

Posted on 14 January 2023

Navigating us through the feeling of true love which so many humans strive for each day, Solemn Pledge drops an ear-piercing single which will please many alternative music heads on Precious Juliet.

Solemn Pledge is a rock music duo who have been fantastically merged together by Maria Elia and Michael Justin Lee who met through mutual musician friends.

”Solemn Pledge’s first album, “Romeo and Juliet: The Rock Opera (Concept Recording),” is a modernization of the Shakespearean classic told via rock opera, à la “The Who’s Tommy.” Singing all the roles is Maria Elia, a heavy metal vocalist with a very distinctive timbre and a vocal range of three and a half octaves who has performed on rock and symphonic rock projects with artists around the world. Michael Just Lee, a member of the Songwriters Guild of America and the Society of Composers and Lyricists, wrote and produced all songs and will be the director of the hopeful movie. Just released, this album is already on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Pandora, Deezer and on over 150 other streaming sites around the world.” ~ Solemn Pledge

Skyrocketing high with so much listenable vehemence to pack into a backpack, Solemn Pledge zip up our moods and shall entertain even the most trained ears. There is so much to be impressed by in this humming anthem which will help us all get over the stormy days which have changed the global landscape forever.

Precious Juliet from the remarkable rock duo Solemn Pledge is a hugely entertaining single which is different to most releases the galaxy will hear this year. Whizzing with so much intensity and thriving beyond previous levels of cognition, we find a rather thunderous track to turn up loud and proud.

Hear this fine single on YouTube. View more on their website.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen