Solemn Pledge is a rising force in the heavy metal world, founded by Michael Justin Lee, a multi-talented artist with roots in country music. After meeting powerhouse vocalist Maria Genevieve Elia through mutual friends in the rock scene, Michael decided to return to his first musical love: heavy metal. Maria’s impressive three-and-a-half-octave range and extensive experience in symphonic and traditional metal made her the perfect collaborator, transforming Solemn Pledge into a band with a distinct and dynamic sound.
Blending elements of traditional heavy metal, speed metal, blues rock, and ’80s hard rock, Solemn Pledge stands out by embracing a wide spectrum of rock styles. Their debut single, “Unleashed,” is a testament to their storytelling approach, with lyrics inspired by Jekyll and Hyde. Michael’s compositions are crafted around powerful narratives, while Maria’s expressive vocals bring each story to life. Together, they aim to create music that resonates deeply, blending raw energy with thought-provoking themes.
Solemn Pledge’s music often dives into “edu-tainment,” drawing inspiration from history, the Bible, and classic literature. With their first album making waves, Michael and Maria are already working on their second and third projects, aspiring to take their music to major metal festivals worldwide. Their journey as indie musicians highlights the power of collaboration, storytelling, and a shared passion for creating something truly unique in the heavy metal genre.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Michael Justin Lee founded the band, Solemn Pledge, after previously having produced and created country music that has been globally distributed onto all the major streaming platforms. However, after meeting Maria Genevieve Elia through mutual friends in the rock community, he turned his attention to his first musical love, heavy metal.
In Maria, Michael found the perfect vocalist. With her three and a half octave range and tremendous experience in symphonic and traditional metal, Maria brings a power and expressiveness that truly makes Solemn Pledge one of the most dynamic new bands in the metal world.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
Solemn Pledge is distinct from most other metal bands because their music runs the full range of rock styles. Although the majority of their songs are traditional heavy metal, some of their songs are classic sixties blues rock, others are speed metal and still others are ‘80’s style hard rock. However, all of their songs are imbued with Maria’s tough and expressive vocals and Michael’s melodic and powerful instrumentation.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
The biggest challenge all artists face is finding optimal collaborators. For Michael, it was specifically finding a singer who could bring his musical compositions and lyrics to life. He sought someone whose vocalizations could soar to operatic brilliance and also descend to the toughest heavy metal growls. As life often is, after despairing of finding such a singer, one immediately entered his life. In Maria Genevieve Elia, Michael found someone who could not only sing his songs, but truly perform them from the point of view of each song’s protagonist.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
Michael’s songwriting always starts with a story that he wants to tell. After he’s sure what story he is writing about, he then turns his attention to the point of view of the singer. It is often a first person perspective such as the evil Hyde in their first single, “Unleashed” which is about the story of Jekyll and Hyde.
This in turn leads to the optimal instrumental vibe for the song. For example, given the point of view of “Unleashed,” a soft rock vibe would be totally inappropriate. However, the classic heavy metal rhythm and vibe was indeed proper for the song.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
Solemn Pledge’s music is often in the realm of “edu-tainment,” music that incorporates powerful stories from history, the Bible and classical literature. Although not all of their songs are in the “edu-tainment” realm, all of their songs do involve powerful stories and ideas, and are delivered via powerful rock and roll.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
Maria and Michael intend to make Solemn Pledge a major recognized force in the heavy metal world. They are already at work on their second and third albums and seek to bring their music to the major metal festivals around the world.
