Alcatraz Line up: 2019

As his nickname indicates, Björn ‘Speed’ Strid doesn’t like to sit still. Formed in 1995 in Helsingborg, Sweden, Soilwork have always been a prolific outfit despite the many line-up changes. In fact, since the departure of Peter Wichers in 2012, Strid is the only remaining founding member. Melodic death metal is a genre where many greats have faded into oblivion over the years by attempting to be something they’re not. Soilwork have taken this lesson to heart: over time they’ve gravitated towards modern groove metal but not to the point where the old fans would feel alienated. From the aggressive assault of ‘In Dreams We Fall into the Eternal Lake’ (1995) to the more progressive writing on ‘The Living Infinite’ (2013), there’s something for everyone here. The more aggressive compositions on ‘The Ride Majestic’ (2015) are a throwback to their early work and illustrate once again the remarkable consistency of their catalogue. Set for a January 2019 release, their new album ‘Verligheten’ is the first to have a Swedish title and also marks the recording debut of new drummer Bastian Thusgaard, who stepped in when Belgian skinsman Dirk Verbeuren left to join Megadeth. Melodic death metal and melodic groove metal fans will highlight Soilwork on their schedules!