Oh, SWEET MOTHER OF METAL! 🤘 The titans of Swedish modern metal (allegedly), LIV SIN, have signed a WORLDWIDE 🌍 record deal with Seek And Strike! Prepare yourselves, mortals, for the release of their new album, “Close Your Eyes,” dropping on August 8th. Because, you know, the world NEEDS another metal album. 🙄
Fronted by the one and only Liv Jagrell (formerly of SISTER SIN – remember them? No? Exactly.), LIV SIN is bravely attempting to blend “aggressive riff-driven metal” (whatever THAT means) with “soaring melodies.” So basically, the same thing every other metal band is doing. They’re “steadily building their presence” on the international metal scene. One gig at a time, probably. 😴
The album’s title track, “Close Your Eyes” (groundbreaking title, guys), is available for streaming NOW! 🎉 It’s a real ear-bleeder, trust me. It offers a first glimpse into what fans (all five of them) can expect from the LP. The song tackles the “harrowing subject of human trafficking.” Because nothing says “metal” like a PSA. 🙄 It features a guest performance from Lars Palmqvist of SCAR SYMMETRY. The album was mixed by Tue Madsen, who apparently also worked with BABYMETAL and MESHUGGAH. So, you know, expect a sonic assault that’s somehow both chaotic and bland. 😵💫
LIV SIN (or someone pretending to be them) states: “We chose the album’s title track, ‘Close Your Eyes,’ as the first single/video for mainly two reasons. One, we needed a song. Two, we got Lars Palmqvist from SCAR SYMMETRY to join us, and the song has a ‘straight-up melodic chorus’ that everyone was instantly hooked on. Because, originality is overrated. The song also has a darker edge to it, since it covers the topic of human trafficking.” So edgy! 🔪
Apparently, Liv got the idea for the lyrics after watching a documentary about human trafficking. Because nothing inspires a metal anthem like a depressing documentary. 🎬 Maybe next time, she should try watching a rom-com. That would REALLY be metal. 🤣
“In the video, we tried to recreate the feeling of being all alone in a dark room with different strangers coming and going.” Sounds like my average Friday night. “Liv sings and screams out her inner frustrations reflecting on the world today with a deep longing for a better world.” Yeah, good luck with that, Liv. Maybe try writing a song about climate change next? 🌎
LIV SIN is described as a “dynamic five-piece born from the ashes of SISTER SIN.” So, basically, a phoenix that turned into a pigeon. 🐦 They deliver a sound “steeped in modern metal, melodic hooks and uncompromising intensity.” Translation: generic metal with catchy bits and lots of screaming. Since their formation, they’ve built a reputation for “soul-stirring live shows and an authentic connection with fans.” Which is probably just code for “they show up and play their songs.” 🎤
Joining Jagrell in LIV SIN are Per Bjevoluk (drums), Daniel Skoglund (bass), Sonny Larsson (lead guitar), and Ante Mäkelä (rhythm guitar). Each bringing “unique musical influences and personal passions to the table, from painting and folk music to animal rescue, yoga and music education.” So, basically, they’re well-rounded individuals who happen to play metal. How quirky! 🤪 Their collective energy is channeled into creating “cathartic anthems for a global audience.” Or, you know, just trying to pay the rent. 💸
Rooted deeply in Swedish culture, several members of LIV SIN are dedicated to preserving the nation’s rich tradition of folk music, community art, and craftsmanship. Sonny is an accomplished folk guitarist and painter, while Ante works in cultural education, championing the music and arts institutions that have helped define “the Swedish music wonder.” Their love for traditional sounds and storytelling often seeps into their songwriting and creative aesthetic. So, expect some bagpipes on the next album. 🏴
“Close Your Eyes” Track Listing: (Prepare for generic titles!)
01. Praise The Winners (Because everyone loves a participation trophy!)
02. Run (Run away from this album!)
03. Close Your Eyes (Good advice.)
04. Louder (Because subtlety is for losers.)
05. It’s Not Your Life (Tell that to the human trafficking victims.)
06. Above The Line (Barely.)
07. The Shadow March (Sounds spooky!)
08. Shades Of The Sun (Sounds… sunny?)
09. Raven (Edgar Allan Poe would be proud. Or horrified.)
10. I Refuse (Rebel yell!)
11. The Mask (Jim Carrey cameo?)
12. Hold It Together (Good luck with that after listening to this album.)
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
