SOILWORK: Björn Strid on the Journey to New Heaviness
In a gripping exchange with Tomi Perrakoski at Metal Madness Studios, SOILWORK's frontman, Björn "Speed" Strid, laid bare the relentless drive that fuels his creativity. It’s a fire that ignites every time he contemplates a new album, though he admits it's not always a smooth ignition. "It's like reconnecting with an old friend," he explains, reflecting on the ebb and flow of inspiration. Strid acknowledges that while crafting new music is inherently thrilling, sometimes you need to give the creative engine a nudge to get it roaring. The challenge lies in pushing boundaries, ensuring that each new offering doesn't merely rehash the past but instead ventures into uncharted territories.
When asked how he balances the expectations of his fans with his artistic vision, Strid's response was as enlightening as it was candid. At the core, he insists, is a connection to his own emotions and experiences, illustrated through vivid imagery that accompanies his songwriting. The bond with the audience, the smiles and energy radiating from the crowd, is a vital element, but it should never overshadow the personal journey of creation. “Without that connection, what's the bloody point?” he asks, emphasizing the need for authenticity in their music.
In a recent conversation with Metal Anthology, Strid also reflected on the seismic shifts within SOILWORK following the passing of guitarist David Andersson in September 2022. "David was a driving force, and now it feels like a collective effort," he remarked, hinting at a new era for the band. With longtime touring guitarist Simon Johansson stepping into a more permanent role, the dynamics of songwriting are evolving. Strid promises that the forthcoming album will retain the atmospheric qualities of their previous work, 'Övergivenheten', but will also draw heavily from the band’s heavier roots, promising a blend that pays homage to the past while forging ahead.
Simon Johansson corroborated Strid’s sentiments, noting the fresh collaborative spirit that has emerged as they navigate this new chapter. With new faces like bassist Rasmus Ehrnborn in the mix, the creative process feels invigorating. “We have a lot of promising songs already—more than one album’s worth,” Johansson shared, hinting at the depth of material they have been crafting in the studio.
While the prospect of a double album was tossed around, Johansson quickly squashed that rumor, asserting that they are aiming for a tightly packed, regular-length release. Yet, with a wealth of unreleased tracks, the possibility of singles leading up to the album looms large. Strid also clarified their sonic direction, dismissing notions of simply revisiting their faster tempos. Instead, he envisions a return to the heavier sounds reminiscent of 'A Predator's Portrait' and 'Natural Born Chaos', infused with the epic atmosphere of their more recent endeavors. As the band gears up for this next chapter, it’s evident that SOILWORK is ready to unleash a sonic assault that honors their legacy while daringly stepping into the future.