Steelheart's Miljenko Matijevic Unleashes Heavy Gothenburg Thunder with Niclas Engelin
In a recent interview with Laughing Monkey With Shawn Ratches, STEELHEART frontman Miljenko Matijevic unveiled his audacious collaboration with Niclas Engelin, the Swedish guitar wizard famed for his work with IN FLAMES and THE HALO EFFECT. Matijevic, a titan in the rock scene, expressed his fervent desire to break free from the confines of traditional rock, diving headfirst into something heavier. "I had this vision of doing something really different," he declared. "And my buddy was like, 'You need to meet Niclas.' Once we connected, we unleashed a flood of creativity, recording ten blistering tracks in a whirlwind of inspiration. It was raw, it was real — just boom, boom, boom!"
What can fans expect from this incendiary duo? Matijevic promises a sonic experience steeped in the heavy Gothenburg sound, an arena where his soaring vocals intertwine with Engelin's intricate guitar mastery. "Ah, just wait till you hear this shit. [Niclas is] a fantastic guitar player. Imagine the heaviest Gothenburg sound, but with my voice on it!" he enthused, setting the stage for a record that’s bound to shake the foundations of the genre.
But it’s not just about the music; it's a visceral journey through Matijevic’s life experiences. He emphasized the emotional depth of the lyrics, stating, "I’m singing my ass off. We’re screaming, we’re yelling, singing low and soft — it’s everything. The lyrics are super deep and intense, reflecting a lot of what I've been through in my life." This isn't just a collection of songs; it's a cathartic exploration of existence, pain, and love.
The project, dubbed DEATH TO LOVE, isn't about annihilating affection but rather a profound statement on life and its cyclical nature. Matijevic clarified, "It means when you die, you come to love." With the first single set for an October release, he assured fans, "We’re just preparing. We want to make sure we roll this out properly. It's way too precious to just throw out there." Expect nothing less than an epic rollout for this highly anticipated project.
When pressed about touring in support of DEATH TO LOVE, Matijevic’s enthusiasm was palpable: "Oh, absolutely. We would love to tour with this. It’s a big picture, a big show. It’s not really for clubs. Wherever life takes us, I’m ready to jump on a plane and perform for those who appreciate it. There’s love everywhere, and I’m always ready to share it with the fans!"
Born in Zagreb, Croatia, and a defining voice in rock for over three decades, Matijevic has weathered storms that would have broken lesser artists. From fronting STEELHEART to showcasing his talent in the film 'Rock Star', he has emerged from the ashes of a life-threatening accident to become an enduring figure in music. With Engelin, a stalwart of the Gothenburg melodic metal scene, this partnership promises to redefine their legacies and deliver a sonic experience like no other.