Mend Our Wounds
Swedish progressive metalcore band As They Arrive’s approach to “Mend Our Wounds” embodies the adage “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Conceived like a majestic cathedral of sound, this single included in their upcoming album was patiently put together in a forest cabin studio outside of Gothenburg. Zimon Holmberg (Beardy Men Records) has been with the band the whole journey and worked patiently as Producer, Arranger, Mixer and Engineer. The legendary Studio Fredman (Architects, Bring Me the Horizon, Follow My Lead) provided the last structural touch by mastering the work.
Motivated by longing rather than rage, “Mend Our Wounds” feels like a metalcore exercise in surrealist automatism. An inner monologue crying out for lost paradise, with a sound that elicits connections to Veil of Maya or Betraying the Martyrs.
The band ‘s abstract, philosophical lyrics and polyrhythms constitute a strong contrast to the unassuming and highly memorable melodies of the guitar and chorus vocals. A reminder of their roots in Swedish musical tradition, where hummable singalongs are at the center of most genres. Even if they are followed by screams right after the chorus, as in this case.
“Mend Our Wounds” is an introduction to what the band’s sound has evolved into since its latest release in 2016. They maintain the metalcore elements from its origins, while also blending in a more progressive side and even inspiration from other genres of metal and beyond.
Just like many other promising stories resulting from the Swedish music education system, As They Arrive began as a teenager cover band in Gothenburg. Founded by Robin Johnsson (guitar and clean vocals) and Philip Eerola (bass), they got signed to Rexius Records in 2013, becoming one of the label’s earliest acts.
“Times”, their first single with the label, was released in 2014, followed by the EP “Hope For Silence” later that year. They’ve been working on establishing themselves as a local act in their native city and aim at expanding horizons across Sweden. “Mend Our Wounds” will be available on the 29th of November.
Cover art by: Rebecka Bogren (Edited by Tanja Berkö)
Surreal Cathedral of Sound