Demonical returned unexpectedly with a new EP, ‘Into Victory,’ which includes one original track and a cover of the Ramones’ song, ‘Somebody Put Something In My Drink.’ The EP was released on March 31st via Agonia Records in CD and digital formats.
The latest material introduces a change in the band’s line-up, featuring a new vocalist. Demonical comments, “With the release of ‘Into Victory,’ we are pleased to welcome Charlie Fryksell as our new lead singer. We will continue to forge ahead as an unstoppable force, striving for greater achievements, and this EP is another step on that journey. So, ladies and gentlemen, join us in death!”
‘Into Victory’ builds upon the momentum of ‘Mass Destroyer,’ having been recorded and produced at Glashuset and Sellnoise Studios by Demonical, Jonas Arnberg, and Johan Hjelm. Mixing and mastering were completed by Ronnie Bjornstrom at BLP Studios (Meshuggah, Blood Red Throne), while the cover artwork was crafted by Belial Necroarts.
Swedish death metal emerged in the late 1980s as a distinctive subgenre of death metal, characterized by its brutal sound, dark melodies, and thick guitar tones. Within this scene, Demonical stands as a prominent act that has contributed to the ongoing development of Swedish death metal since their formation in March 2006. The band’s distinctive sound, coupled with their unyielding dedication to the genre, has solidified their place as a significant force within the global death metal community.
Demonical was founded by Johan Jansson, Martin Schulman, and Ronnie Bergerståhl, following the dissolution of Centinex, another influential Swedish death metal band. The trio aimed to continue exploring the Swedish death metal sound while pushing the boundaries of the genre through their own musical vision.
In the years since their formation, Demonical has seen multiple lineup changes, with Schulman remaining the only original member. Despite these changes, the band has consistently produced powerful and uncompromising death metal, staying true to their roots while evolving its sound to reflect contemporary trends.
Demonical’s music is characterized by the iconic Swedish death metal sound, utilizing crushing riffs, deep guttural vocals, and a blend of aggressive and melodic elements. The band’s debut album, ‘Servants of the Unlight,’ established their commitment to the genre’s core principles, while subsequent releases have seen them experiment with varying tempos, atmospheric touches, and intricate songwriting.
Over the years, Demonical has toured extensively both within Sweden and internationally, sharing the stage with fellow death metal heavyweights such as Grave, Vader, and Dismember. Through their consistent touring and album releases, the band has helped maintain the vitality and relevance of Swedish death metal in the global metal community.
Throughout their career, Demonical has released multiple full-length albums, each showcasing a refinement of their sound and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of Swedish death metal. Their sophomore album, ‘Hellsworn,’ saw the band delve further into dark, atmospheric territory while retaining their aggressive edge.
Demonical’s debut album, ‘Servants of the Unlight,’ was released on April 27th, 2007, through Cyclone Empire. This album features a blend of aggressive riffs, guttural vocals, and dark melodies that showcase the band’s dedication to the Swedish death metal sound. The overall production is raw yet powerful, capturing the band’s unyielding energy. Standout tracks such as ‘Unholy Desecration’ and ‘Feeding the Armageddon’ exemplify the album’s relentless intensity, making it a strong debut that set the stage for Demonical’s future releases.
Demonical’s second album, ‘Hellsworn,’ was released on May 15th, 2009, also through Cyclone Empire. Building on the foundation laid by their debut, the band pushed further into dark and atmospheric territory, incorporating more intricate songwriting and tempo changes. The album’s production is notably cleaner than its predecessor, allowing for greater clarity and depth in the instrumentation. Tracks such as ‘World Serpent’ and ‘Götter des Nordens’ exemplify the band’s maturation, as they meld brutal aggression with haunting melodies.
Released on April 15th, 2011, through Cyclone Empire, ‘Death Infernal’ marked Demonical’s third full-length release. This album saw the band refining their sound even further, resulting in a more balanced blend of brutality and melody. The production is polished, providing a powerful backdrop for the band’s precise musicianship and memorable songwriting. Highlights include ‘March for Victory’ and ‘The Great Praise,’ which showcase the band’s ability to craft engaging compositions that balance technical proficiency with raw emotion.
On September 20th, 2013, Demonical released their fourth full-length album, ‘Darkness Unbound,’ once again through Cyclone Empire. This album saw the band experimenting with a wider range of influences, including elements of black metal and doom metal. The result is a diverse and dynamic listening experience, with the band’s signature death metal sound still present throughout. Standout tracks such as ‘The Order’ and ‘An Endless Celebration’ demonstrate the band’s growth and willingness to explore new musical territory.
‘Chaos Manifesto,’ released on March 23rd, 2018, through Agonia Records, marks Demonical’s fifth studio album. This release features a more streamlined and focused sound, with the band emphasizing their aggressive tendencies and penchant for memorable hooks. The production is notably crisp and modern, allowing for a powerful and immersive listening experience. Tracks such as ‘Towards Greater Gods’ and ‘A Void Most Obscure’ highlight the band’s ability to create engaging compositions that showcase their relentless energy and technical prowess.
Demonical’s most recent album, ‘World Domination,’ was released on October 23rd, 2020, via Agonia Records. This release represents a culmination of the band’s growth and evolution, combining the ferocity of their earlier work with a refined sense of melody and atmosphere. The production is polished and modern, with each element of the band’s sound shining through. Standout tracks such as ‘My Kingdom Done’ and ‘Hellfire Rain’ demonstrate the band’s ability to balance aggressive death metal with hauntingly melodic passages, making ‘World Domination’ a fitting addition to Demonical’s discography.
‘Mass Destroyer,’ released on May 6th, 2022, through Agonia Records, marks Demonical’s seventh full-length album. This release sees the band further expanding their sound, incorporating more diverse elements while retaining their signature Swedish death metal roots.
The album features a blend of relentless aggression, melodic passages, and a more experimental approach to songwriting. The production quality remains polished and modern, allowing for a powerful and immersive listening experience. Standout tracks such as ‘Infernal Ascension’ and ‘Carnage Unleashed’ exemplify the band’s ability to push boundaries while staying true to their core sound, making ‘Mass Destroyer’ a worthy addition to Demonical’s discography.
As the band continued to evolve, they embraced more diverse influences, such as on ‘Darkness Unbound,’ which introduced elements of black metal and doom metal to their sound. Their most recent album, ‘Mass Destroyer,’ represents a culmination of their growth, combining the ferocity of their earlier work with a refined sense of melody and atmosphere.
Demonical has played a vital role in the Swedish death metal scene since their inception in 2006. Their unwavering dedication to the genre, coupled with their willingness to experiment and evolve, has cemented their status as a significant and influential act within the global death metal community. Through their consistent output and extensive touring, Demonical has not only contributed to the ongoing development of Swedish death metal but has also introduced countless fans to the genre’s unique and visceral sound.
As the band moves forward, they will undoubtedly continue to build upon their legacy, further solidifying their place as a cornerstone of Swedish death metal. Their ongoing impact, both within Sweden and internationally, serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and influence of the genre as a whole.
