Swedish quintet Grieved that have been making waves with their own brand of darkened hardcore that they refer to as ‘Stockholm Blues’. As well as a European tour with Holy Roar representatives Employed To Serve, January saw the release of Grieved’s self-titled debut album and it doesn’t disappoint.
The album opens with and slow, atmospheric guitar note before plunging head first into the devastatingly dark and moody tones that give the band their unique sound. ‘Fogbound’ was the first track to be released online prior to the record release and explores some slightly more up-tempo progressions it’s still undeniably bleak and moody.
‘Drain’, the third track released from the album is relentless in its approach, thunderous and pounding the track ebbs and flows through several tempo changes but remains aggressive. This is enhanced by the venomous delivery of Markus Lundqvist’s vocals that are vicious yet also have an air of nihilistic desperation about them. Perfect examples of this can be found in the lyrics to ‘Turn Cold’ with the line “watch me fail, watch me resign from everything” as well as “sleepwalking till the day I die” and “meaningless consciousness” both from the closing song on the album, ‘Reverie’.
Recorded by Lewis Johns at the Ranch, the album explores a lot of tempo changes and ambient instrumental pieces that show how the band have progressed since their last release, as well experimenting with some new ideas such as leaving guitars to ring out underneath the vocal track so that its delivery is almost like that of a speech. Mostly lead by thunderous drum tracks and the down tuned bass tones the record comes across very rhythm driven as opposed to being heavily guitar based like many other doom / crusty hardcore bands, which gives Grieved their unmistakeable sound. Even the cover artwork for this record expresses devastation and misery and although clocking in at approximately half an hour long, it’s definitely a record that will leave you wanting more.
Having previously been a part of the Anchors Aweigh family (Gold Kids / Runes), Grieved already have a decent back catalogue beneath their belts. But their new move to Prosthetic Records could be the start of something bigger for the band’s future. Having released an album as well as completing a European tour already this year Grieved are quickly gaining momentum and proving to be one to watch.
JAMES DAVENPORT