SOILWORK’s New Era: Insights from Björn “Speed” Strid

The Evolution of Songwriting Post-David Andersson

In a recent interview with Metal Anthology, SOILWORK vocalist Björn “Speed” Strid shared updates on the band’s songwriting process for their forthcoming album, a follow-up to 2022’s “Övergivenheten.” Strid reflected on the impact of guitarist David Andersson’s passing in September 2022, noting that it has shifted the dynamic of the writing process. “David was very much of a driving force,” he explained. “So I think it’s a bit more of a group effort now, like a collective thing. And it feels like we’re entering a bit of a new era.”

New Collaborations and Fresh Blood

Strid emphasized that the next album will differ from “Övergivenheten,” while still retaining some of its atmospheric elements. The addition of longtime touring guitarist Simon Johansson has injected new energy into the band, both personally and creatively. “We’re looking forward to creating this new album together,” Strid said.

Simon Johansson’s Perspective

Johansson echoed Strid’s sentiments, stating, “We’re learning to write together in a way, because we haven’t really done it.” He described the current lineup as a “new constellation” that is working well together, with promising material already in the pipeline. “We have a lot written already — more than one album,” he revealed.

Album Structure and Direction

When asked if the upcoming release would be a double album, Johansson clarified, “No, that won’t happen. We’re gonna do a moderate, normal-length album.” He added that having extra songs to choose from is beneficial, potentially allowing for singles to be released ahead of the full-length record.

A Return to Heavier Roots

Strid elaborated on the musical direction of the new material. “I kind of wanted to bring back the heaviness a bit and sort of mix it up with a more recent atmosphere,” he said. He cited influences from earlier albums like “A Predator’s Portrait” and “Natural Born Chaos,” aiming for a combination of heaviness and epicness.

The Unpredictability of the Creative Process

Johansson acknowledged that the album process is unpredictable, stating that sometimes the least favorite songs can blossom into the best tracks once recording begins. “It’s super interesting. It’s so fun to be in that process,” he remarked.

Self-Production and Collaborative Efforts

For this album, SOILWORK plans to take a hands-on approach to production. Strid mentioned, “We’ve had some producers, but this one we’re gonna be pretty much self-produced. We’ll record at Simon’s studio.” Johansson added that an engineer who has worked with the band on previous albums will also contribute, enhancing the collaborative nature of the project.

Musical Direction and Themes

During an interview with Germany’s Moshpit Passion, Strid discussed the new single “Spirit Of No Return” and its representation of the band’s evolving sound. He described it as having a “thrashier side” while maintaining elements of SOILWORK’s roots. “The sound is gonna be slightly more metallic,” he stated, highlighting the importance of evolving without falling into clichés.

The Essence of “Spirit Of No Return”

“Spirit Of No Return” showcases SOILWORK’s signature blend of intensity, melody, and progressive complexity. Strid described the song as both a reminder of the past and an introduction to a new era for the band, exploring themes of belonging and the dangers of losing one’s true self.

A Legacy of Consistency

SOILWORK has maintained a high level of creative consistency throughout their career since their formation in 1995. With their debut album “Steelbath Suicide” released in 1998 and a robust catalog that includes multiple records under Nuclear Blast, the band has solidified their place in the metal scene.

Conclusion

The next album from SOILWORK promises to be a significant step forward in the band’s evolution. With a renewed sense of collaboration and a commitment to exploring their musical roots, fans can anticipate an exciting new chapter in the story of one of metal’s most enduring bands.

FAQs

What is the title of SOILWORK’s upcoming album?

The title of the upcoming album has not yet been announced.

Will the new album feature any new members?

Yes, longtime touring guitarist Simon Johansson is now a part of the band, contributing to the songwriting process.

When is the expected release date for the new album?

A specific release date for the new album has not been confirmed yet.

What themes will the new music explore?

The new music is expected to explore themes of belonging, self-identity, and the balance between heaviness and atmosphere.