Members:
Björn "Speed" Strid - Vocals
Peter Wichers - Guitar
Ola Flink - Bass Guitar
Sven Karlsson - Keyboards
Dirk Verbeuren - Drums
Sylvain Coudret - Guitar
Commonly referred to as, "The Godfathers of Swedish modern metal", Soilwork has been around for 15 years, having released 8 amazing albums in that time period. They started out as Inferior Breed, then soon changed the name. They named it Soilwork, as they are working it from the ground up.
Their first few albums are a bit more thrash and influenced by the Gothenburg metal sound, starting off with the demo In Dreams we fall into the Eternal Lake, then two years later debuted with Steelbath Suicide. Two years later, they released their second album, The Chainheart Machine. It was a success, and landed them with a record deal from Nuclear Blast Records. After much touring, the band released their third studio album, A Predator's Portrait. Gradually as the years progressed, they developed a more melodic sound to their music. The first modern "Soilwork" sound came out with the Natural Born Chaos album, released in 2002. Soilwork then toured across the sea in America, and after another year of touring, in the end of 2002 they returned to the studio. 2003 saw the release of Figure Number Five. Two years later after replacing several band members, Stabbing the Drama was unleashed. This album drew more and more attention to the already successful Soilwork crew. Unfortunately it was after this album's release that lead guitarist Peter Wichers had to leave for personal issues. Soilwork was moderately quiet, until they went into the studios yet again to begin recording their seventh album. Sworn to a Great Divide came out in 2007, and was not as good as the previous album, but still kicked some major ass. Several tours later, they announced the return of Wichers, and Soilwork seemed complete once again. For 2 years the band waited in silence. With the new decade came a new Soilwork album. In early 2010 Soilwork headed to America to record their eighth album, The Panic Broadcast. With the album on the way, they prepared for the "Panic over North America" tour. July 2nd saw the release date, and they began their tour over North America.
Soilwork is one of those bands I am glad I heard of. When I first started listening to them, I wasn't impressed. I never really liked their first few albums much. But as friends showed me more and more songs, I grew to like them more and more. Soon enough Soilwork passed all my top bands and become my #1. After forcing a full listen through, I actually began to like their old stuff a lot more.
A few aspects I enjoy about them:
Bjorn's vocal abilities, being able to scream it out and sing it out, very melodic and pleasant sounding to the ears. I enjoy vocalists who can do this feat.
Their softer songs. These sound great with the album, and combined with Speed's vocals, will captivate your mind, heart, and ears.
The double guitar solos. A trademark of Soilwork are these double solos in songs, they add a nice touch to the song. Why settle for one, when you can have two in a row?
Very well produced. Each album shows a gradual progression towards a great, smooth sounding musical masterpiece.
Bonus album tracks. Usually the bonus tracks that are included are amazing, and should be on the regular CD.
My album ratings:
Steelbath Suicide: 7.5/10 A great start to their career.
The Chainheart Machine: 7.5/10 Continuing success.
A Predator's Portrait: 7/10 An alright album.
Natural Born Chaos: 8.5/10 The beginning of a great sound.
Figure Number Five: 8.5/10 Very nicely done.
Stabbing the Drama: 8.8/10 Another great album.
Sworn to a Great Divide: 8/10 Gotta love their sound.
The Panic Broadcast: 9/10 A very well made album, a nice modern sound.
Overall rating: 9/10
Here is a sample song from their latest album:
I fully recommend anyone who likes metal, any type at all, to try out Soilwork. Listen to a few different songs, and see how you like them. You won't be disappointed.
Cheers,
Soilworker
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