I'd like to take some time to talk about my favorite singer/vocalist. He is currently (and always has been) the vocalist of Helsingborg Sweden band Soilwork (my favorite if I HAD to pick one). As far as metal vocalists go, he's got the range to hit the entire spectrum, he can go as hard and brutal as it comes, while at the same time delivers a soaring, melodic croon (though perhaps not as technically skilled as Christian Älvestam, they both do very similar styles, both come from very prominent melodic death metal bands, and both do guest spots like they were rap artists, they've even both appeared on the same albums just guesting on different songs!). The juxtaposition of heaven and hell in his voice is spectacular and he does it much better than most. While 99% of other metal vocalists sound indistinguishable, Bjorns voice is unique, when you hear it, YOU KNOW that it's him.
Bjorn got his nickname "Speed" because of his love of thrash and death metal (his project Terror 2000 is perhaps a homage to this) but his body of work encompasses a whole lot more, even as far as making a 70's classic rock album, he's also been known to sing Sinatra.
He was a founding member of Soilwork in the late 90's and has been on all 9 of their albums to date. At first, his vocals were 100% harsh only, zero singing until 2001's A Predator's Portrait where he first started to experiment with clean singing. At first his voice wasn't the best but as time went on, it's apparent he worked very hard to get better and on subsequent albums, his singing became the strongest weapon in his arsenal. If you listen to Soilwork's discography linearly you can definitely hear his vocal work pay off, as it gets better album after album.
Now I'm going to show some selections I love that really show off his prowess, and are awesome tunes. Enjoy!
Soilwork - Antidotes in Passing (The Living Infinite 2013)
I nearly died waiting for this album to come out, and the hype was met. I love this album just as much as I expected to.
I, Legion - Love Is A Battlefield (Beyond Darkness 2012)
Yes, this is a Pat Benatar cover.....
Nuclear Blast All Stars - The Dawn of It All (Out of the Dark 2007)
This was a project where all the artists on the label got together to make a super group album.
Disarmonia Mundi - Blacklight Rush (The Isolation Game 2009)
This is an Italian band Bjorn has done extensive work with, although not an official band member. Fans consider this his 2nd full time band after Soilwork.
Demon Hunter - Collapsing (The World Is a Thorn 2010)
Another "collabo", you can hear his trade mark wail before the choruses.
Terror 2000 - Five Star Prison (Terror For Sale 2005)
This is Bjorn doing his roots. SPEED. As a band, Terror 2000 is all about fun and making light of obvious metal stereotypes. This album features a song titled "Wrath of the Cookie Monster"
Soilwork - Epitome (The Panic Broadcast 2010)
One of my favorites of the band. I can remember the whole month the summer it came out. Making memories with your favorite band as the soundtrack, there's nothing better.
The Night Flight Orchestra - West Ruth Ave. (Internal Affairs 2012)
This is the 70's rock project I mentioned earlier. No metal here, NONE but Bjorn still sounds fucking great. Awesome stuff. Jammed this album on 12 hr car ride. Riding thru Pennsylvania at 4am, with this album playing and my girlfriend next to me. Good times.
Soilwork - This Momentary Bliss (The Living Infinite 2013)
I love this song, love love love it.
So there you have it, there were so so many songs I wanted to share and it was painful to have to make a small selection. I hope you like it!
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