A lot of great ROCK has emerged from Sweden, but one metal assault that will keep your ears engaged & head bangin’ is ABSORBING THE PAIN – a simplistic, yet pure metal group…who remain true to the art of gripping guitar leads, mixed with pounding bass/drum structure, & a KILLER set of vocals. Formed in 2007, the chemistry exploded into a self-titled album whose “guitar bite” leaves you in withdrawal & begging for more! Comprised of Jonas Mostrum (vocals), Peo Hedin (lead guitar), Anders (Sledge) Sandstrom (bass), & Magnus Grundstrom (drums) – “The Absorbers” got their name from days of drinking brew amidst the chaos of the studio, & the pain of unfulfilled relationships along the way. Taking influence from bands like Black Sabbath, Pantera, King’s X, Metallica, & Testament…their use of time transition & power-chord rhythm create an interesting variation from the “sensually melodic” to the down-right DIRTY.
Recorded at Wood Studios, & mixed at Samsound/Cold One Studios by a guy only known as “MONSTER”, this CD has all the professional magnitude of a MAJOR LABEL release. They write about what they feel…from extreme lyrics (with parental advisory) to comical illusions having little to no meaning at all. The clash of drums against Hedin’s signature guitar “howl” weaves tightly with the obstinate power of Mostrum’s climatic voice. He takes you through every section of music with stunning energy, & a degree of precision that many vocalists envy. “Jonas is the frontman we’ve always wanted,” Peo Hedin tells me, “& it’s pretty easy to understand why.”
Their strongest support has been rising in North America, but they have been receiving airplay on “P3 Rock” as well as some other known European stations. I GUARANTEE…this is a disc that gets better with every single turn, & one you’ll definitely want to add to your collection! Let’s break down the tracklist:
VOID / MORPHINE ESTEEM – As the rain builds to the opening lick of this down-tempo song, you get your first taste of Jonas Mostrum’s gritty, sarcastic vibe. The use of “chugging” string work & repetitive lyrics make it a great opening selection, because you quickly find yourself knowing the tune & singing along. The harmonious guitar bridge is a welcomed addition to the initial impact.
STEP AWAY – The guitar/power-pedal intro leads to a plea for “escape” & evening THE SCORE. It’s an accurate glimpse into the potency of the group & the essence of the album.
20 TON SLEDGE – A guitar work fave, this one touches on a European flair that’s cuts deep into riveting riffs & metaphorical lyrics. The solo exhibits some of Hedin’s quickest note changes, heightening the excitement without losing dynamics of the bass.
BRAND NEW SELF – Charging into self-realization & victory, the vocals on this number are irrepressible! The ripping guitar/drum intersection unmasks the band’s ability to play FAST & HARD, almost thrash-tempo metal.
RED – A sorrowful ballad-type song, you are engrossed into Mostrum’s yearning, broken memories, & loss. The melodic texture is easily sensed, making it one of the most translucent numbers on the disc.
ABSORBING THE PAIN – Self-titled “angst” anthem chalked with deep, groaning riffs & a scream of “addiction”.
ANGEL / DEAD – The wailing “Angel” lead-in breaks the barrier to fierce vocals & a merciless battle-type cry.
BLOODSHIT – Don’t be fooled by this title, it’s a powerful anti-war song. Favorite lyric on the album, “You took our lives for granted, now dead man’s walking home in a bag.” This song speaks a prophetic truth!
HEINEMAN – A comical ditty, & the band’s signature “drinking song”, this tune showcases the fun & easygoing nature of the musicians themselves. An award-winning salute that the makers of “Heineken” (I’m sure) would love.
DIRTY LITTLE GUN – A naughty, little number about male promiscuity. Hedin makes the guitar squeal, with ever-prevalent “Sledge” bass & loads of cymbal work from Grundstrom.
WATCH ME BURN – A lonesome beginning calls out to inner demons & the quintessential battle of “GOOD VERSUS EVIL”. Mostrum does some of his best work on this number, leading to an interesting vocal close-off. An obvious matter of saving some of the BEST for LAST!
Captivating guitar range & vocal solidity really do drive this album, & leave you with a belief that “Absorbing The Pain” OWN their music & are not just snagging works from their influences. The post-war cover with the black angel enveloping the band’s illuminated symbol is a fantastic “analogy” for this release. Just around the corner, on a rooftop, a blackened demon awaits – much like the music…it takes you to some safe havens, then unleashes its raw power to catch you off-guard. You absorb ALL the emotion, but the only true suffering you’ll experience is longing to see these metal monsters LIVE.
With both guitarists being endorsed by Dean Guitars, & Hedin himself previously featured on “Guitar Hero” of Sweden, you are stimulated by the dedication this band has to creating unique music. It’s come down to finding the perfect frontman with Jonas’ throaty style, & being able to carry it with firm unison between the drumline & guitar collaboration. Hedin tells me that self-propelling the group has been their greatest challenge so far, but ATP are currently in negotiations for a significant label/distribution deal & are planning on heading back into the studio THIS MONTH to already begin work on a second release. With the enthusiasm they show towards authenticity, & the obsession they have for winning fans…it’s an ideal equation to becoming one of the world’s next greatest touring acts. STAUNCH, POWERFUL, & DRIVEN…Absorbing The Pain seeps into your subconscious & tattoos itself on your soul.
*** All photos courtesy of Absorbing The Pain.
BPatoine – August, 2010
