Recap by Jesse Skinner.
Nestled in the southern region of the Adirondacks, in the small village of Mayfield, NY, sits a little private venue that not many people know about. I received an invite to witness a private show being hosted by Sleep of Yavanna. Upon entering, I heard a soothing voice with some chunky guitars, and as I made my way through the door, I was greeted by some well-known faces in the local music scene. As we all stood and watched the show, Sleep of Yavanna’s performance was filled with raw emotion and was led by a gentle voice. Sleep of Yavanna consists of Mitch Maxson on drums, Travis D’Amore on bass, Joe Solmo on guitar and backing vocals, and Diane Solmo on lead vocals. Performing melodic metal mixed with doom, goth and new wave undertones, Sleep of Yavanna showcased a set of songs and style that not too many musicians in the area could match, setting themselves apart from other local acts. The night was more than just a celebration for their first performance, it was also Joe Solmo’s birthday, to which the married power couple celebrated by performing a toned down version of “Rainbow in the Dark,” by Ronnie James Dio.
Sleep of Yavanna is just breaking out, but these guys are no greenhorns. Joe Solmo is well known in the area as the mastermind behind the obscure death metal band Splatguts since it’s inception in 1997. Sleep of Yavanna is a totally different route, and much more easy listening than past projects, but also holds the same sound that Joe is known for.
Sleep of Yavanna started their journey in October of 2023 with no signs of slowing down. In this little area of the southern Adirondacks, they’re something to watch out for. Artists and musicians that have been dormant are starting to break through. In an area that was thriving for artistic creation, Sleep of Yavanna answers the call for something new and bold.