IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Hellsongs - Stand up and shout (RIP Dio)

Mon, 16 May 2011 17:40:24 -0700

Hellsongs pay tribute to metal legend Ronnie James Dio on the 1-year anniversary of his death. RIP.

End of the road for Hellsongs

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 13:35:07 -0800

Hellsongs is calling it quits following the stroke suffered by lead singer Siri Bergnèhr, but they will be doing one last show on March 11 in their hometown of Göteborg together with the Göteborgs Symfoniker. Read more: http://www.hellsongs.com/

Hellsongs - Heaven can wait (video)

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:55:43 -0700

Hellsongs are pure schtick and I can't fully back them, but I do enjoy a good number of their well-chosen covers. This Iron Maiden tune translates to their style amazingly well and I think I may also like their new vocalist better than the original. If I believed in guilty pleasures this would surely qualify, but there's no shame in having a little fun. Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8JgkhsEjzg

Hellsongs - School's out

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:46:39 -0700

The new Hellsongs single "School's out", as posted about yesterday, is now streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hellsongs

New Hellsongs album in August

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:06:40 -0700

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs will be releasing the new album "Minor misdemeanors" on August 27. Their version of Alice Cooper's "School's out" will be the lead single and other acts covered this time out include Pantera, Skid Row and Slayer.

Hellsongs Baltic tour

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:37:11 -0700

Hellsongs are heading to the Baltics in June:

06/10 - Nabaklab, Riga (LAT)
06/11 - Svyturio menu dokas, Kiwi Club, Klaipeda (LIT)
06/12 - Fontaine Palace, Liepaja (LAT)

Despotz lines up Pintandwefall releases, aims to bring Hellsongs to N. America

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:46:52 -0700

Following up on the news that Despotz Records signed Pintandwefall, the label has confirmed they will be releasing the "Hero sounds" EP as a digital release in Sweden, Denmark and France in November with the full-length "Hong Kong, baby" to follow in March 2010. In other label news, Despotz will be working with Minty Fresh Records in America and Aporia Records in Canada to release Swedish lounge-rockers Hellsongs and their album "Hymns in the key of 666". Expect that one to come out in February 2010.

Hellsongs post new EP for preview

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:34:19 -0700

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs are streaming their new 5-song EP "Pieces of Heaven, a glimpse of Hell" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hellsongs
I am loathe to admit it, but their cover of "War pigs" is excellent. For a song that's been substantially played out, they did it justice. The official release date is September 23, should be wanting to purchase the digital version.

Hellsongs to embark on 'Pieces of Heaven, a glimpse of metal' tour

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:37:46 -0700

Swedish lounge-metallers Hellsongs will be heading out on tour in September in support of their new 5-track EP, "Pieces of Heaven, a glimpse of Hell ". Dates so far:

09/23 - Faust - 60er Jahre Halle, Hannover
09/24 - Bibelot, Dordrecht
09/25 - Perron 55, Venlo
09/26 - Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg
09/28 - FZW/Freizeitzentrum West, Dortmund
09/29 - Die Stadtmitte, Karlsruhe
10/01 - Universum, Stuttgart
10/03 - Haus der Musik, Wien
10/04 - PPC, Graz
10/06 - Posthalle, Wurzburg
10/07 - Hirsch, Nurnberg
10/08 - Ampere Club, Munchen
10/09 - Nachtleben, Frankfurt
10/10 - Glanz und Gloria, Osnabruck
10/11 - Magnet, Berlin

Hellsongs loses singer, gains another

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:04:06 -0700

Lead vocalist Harriet Ohlsson has parted ways with Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs and longtime backup vocalist Siri Bergnéhr will be taking her place.

Hellsongs - 10,000 lovers

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:16:01 -0800

Listen to Swedish lounge-rockers Hellsongs cover "10,000 lovers" by TNT: http://www.myspace.com/hellsongs

Hellsongs - Run to the hills (video)

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:56:34 -0800

Check out Hellsongs' brand new video for their cover of Iron Maiden's "Run to the hills": http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=52436223

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:35:11 -0700

Hellsongs have decided to start a tour blog: http://loungemetal.blogspot.com/

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:39:38 -0700

Updated tourdates for Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs:

09/22 - Le Reservoir, Paris (FRA)
10/10 - Schuhfabrik, Ahlen (GER)
10/11 - Café Central, Weinheim (GER)
10/12 - Werkstatt, Köln (GER)
10/13 - Universum, Stuttgart (GER)
10/14 - Mascotte, Zurich (CH)
10/15 - 59:1, Munchen (GER)
10/16 - B 72, Wien (AUS)
10/17 - Musikkantine, Augsburg (GER)
11/18 - Maschinenhaus, Berlin (GER)
11/19 - Uebel & Gefaehrlich, Hamburg (GER)
11/20 - Bärenzwinger, Dresden (GER)
11/21 - Trafostation, Viersen (GER)
11/22 - Rosenhof, Osnabruck (GER)

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:09:20 -0700

Antenna interviews Kalle Karlsson of Swedish "lounge metal" act Hellsongs: http://www.antenna.nu/?p=487

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:25:57 -0700

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs will release their album "Songs in the key of 666" on June 27 throughout GAS. Expect tourdates to follow.

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:51:12 -0700

The Deer Tracks (ft. members from Leiah, Ariel Kill Him and Twiggy Frostbite) have broken free of their contract with Finnish label Next Big Thing and are now signed to Despotz Records (Kaka, Hellsongs) in Sweden. Look for their debut album "Aurora" to be released on August 27.

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:22:56 -0700

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs is now working with Bodog Music Group for a international release of their debut album "Songs in the key of 666". It will be out in Europe this summer with the rest of the world to follow in fall.

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:12:39 -0700

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs have licensed their album "Hymns in the key of 666" for release in Japan on May 26 via Village Again Records.

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:54:05 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Neverstore - Heroes wanted
02. Tomas Andersson Wij - En sommar på speed
03. Fernandoz - Anders & Git - En helt ny dag
04. Carola - Främling 25 år
05. The Cardigans - Best of
06. Lykke Li - Youth novels
07. Takida - Bury the lies
08. Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden
09. Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
10. Majornas 3dje Rote - Majornas 3dje Rote med Tomas von Brömssen
11. Within Y - The cult
12. Kikki Danielsson - Kikkis bästa
14. Jill Johnson - Music Row
15. Hellsongs - Hymns in the key of 666
16. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
17. El Perro Del Mar - From the valley to the stars
18. Pacific! - Reveries
19. Sara Isaksson & Anders Widmark - Pool of happiness
20. Säkert! - Säkert!

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:47:05 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Carola - Främling 25 år
02. Fernandoz - Anders & Git - En helt ny dag
03. Jill Johnson - Music Row
04. Hellsongs - Hymns in the key of 666
05. The Cardigans - Best of
06. Lykke Li - Youth novels
07. Lars Winnerbäck - Daugava
08. Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden
09. Alf Robertson - Alf Robertsons bästa
10. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
11. Marie Picasso - The secret
12. Sara Isaksson & Anders Widmark - Pool of happiness
14. Takida - Bury the lies
15. Säkert! - Säkert!
16. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
17. Andra Generationen - Extra allt
18. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
19. Louise Hoffsten - Så speciell
20. Hoffmaestro & Chraa - The storm

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:57:19 -0800

Swedish lounge-metal act Hellsongs has confirmed their debut full-length "Hymns in the key of 666" will be released on February 20. Look for details concerning release parties in Stockholm and Göteborg to be announced soon.

Festival report: Arvika

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

I just recently wrote a take on this year's Arvikafestival for another publication, in Swedish, and I reached the conclusion that what seemed like a great line-up at first glance ended up as something less interesting than I had anticipated. Why? Being a great fan of music, in all forms, and an equal fan of festivals in general, I have come to see a great deal of bands each year. This year being no exception. Especially Swedish and Scandinavian bands, since they tour just about anywhere. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that it takes quite a lot to impress me these days. On this year's festival I went to the concerts of twelve Scandinavian bands. Only three of them where bands that I had never seen before. Most of the rest of those bands are bands I've been to recently, at least within the range of a year. But that doesn't necessarily have to be something bad, sure, I'm harder to impress, but I'm also able to compare different occasions with each other, and festivals tend to be something different from a regular gig at some club. Still, something more exclusive would absolutely be preferable. I'm growing quite tired of the likes of The Ark, Mando Diao, Timbuktu, Shout Out Louds and The Tough Alliance (you can't avoid them!).

But on with it, you have my two cents on the Swedish music climate, here's a take on some of the artists. Hellsongs was one of the bands I've never had the pleasure to make an acquaintance with. Transforming classic heavy metal songs into lounge music, what do you get? Lounge metal of course. And really, these songs show a completely new dimension when made into slow ballads. "Run to the Hills", "Seek and destroy", "Breaking the law", you know, the sing-along is great even in the ballad versions. Ballads turned into nifty pop songs with piano and loads of energy is the one of the specialities of Linda Carlsson, aka Miss Li. The woman is crazy, I tell you! Her rough vocals would make any man proud, still she manages to keep her femininity and sensuality intact. There's no way you can leave a Miss Li concert without at least a few dance steps. Along with Weeping Willows, those old geezers still know how to play a show, Linda Carlsson was the highlight of this festival.

You can't mention Strip Music without mentioning Henric de la Cour (Ex-Yvonne). The man may look like a wolf, but he knows how to work at stage. The music can best be described as emo-rock with lots of synthesizers. Perfect in the cold night of Arvika. Do you like leather boots, wearing a black mask and the taste of a whip by the way? Then you should have been at the Kristian Anttila ('cuz he did apparently) concert. How almost pubertal pop music can turn into Sado-BDSM, I'm not sure. The gig was ok, though the "Does anyone want to fuck with me tonight?"-part was a bit unnecessary. Some other people that I don't want to sleep with are the guys from In Flames. Chubby, long-haired men, constantly pissed-off and armed with dozens of brutal metal-wrecking riffs, na, not my kind really. But the show was something for the ears as well as the eyes. Bombs away! Pain, alias super genius Peter Tägtgren, also had the riffs, but only one bomb. He got the rain on the other hand. Too bad, I think most people who like In Flames would find Pain enjoyable as well. Most people decided to stay in their tents.

So, what about the no-so-good-bands? Vapnet, Mixtapes & Cellmates and Ida-Maria were all big disappointments. I really thought Vapnet would be more than a one-hit-wonder ("Kalla mig", anyone?), but sadly I was mistaken. Mixtapes & Cellmates on the other hand, have really good songs but they still have problems applying them to the live format. And Ida-Maria. I wouldn't say she did an all out bad gig, it was just not as incredibly fantastic as it was at Hultsfredsfestivalen. But you shouldn't focus too much on the bad things, all in all, I am still very satisfied with Arvika 2007.
- Christian Stenbacke

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The new Hellsongs single "Symphony of destruction" (Megadeth) is up on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hellsongs

Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Lounge-metal act Hellsongs will be unleashing "Symphony of destruction" (Megadeth) as their next single. A free download should be online shortly.

Hellsongs Lounge Lovely Records

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

This is painful. I thought it would be cool, but this is barely more enjoyable than Richard Cheese and I hate that guy. Hellsongs covers metal songs in a pop, acoustic and orchestral way in order to bring them to new light. The problem is that those songs were written to evoke a powerful and aggressive emotional response and trying to make people cry with a Regina Spektor-like arrangement and voice is not actually working most of the time. I'll admit as much that "Seek and destroy" actually works, but would work better if it wasn't 16 minutes long and Iron Maiden's "Run to the hills" also does work; the rest is just very hard to listen to. The novelty is fun for just about 2 minutes, after that it's just torture.

MP3: Hellsongs - Seek & destroy

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

I have very conflicted feelings about Hellsongs. On one hand, I can't help but love their stripped-down, loungified takes on metal classics. But on the other hand, I hate it when people think that metal is only approachable from an ironic standpoint. Dammit people, there is no shame is liking metal. Metal rules, okay? We all know that Manowar is silly, but they are still awesome. Either you get it or you don't. Now I'm not exactly sure what the motivation is for the folks behind Hellsongs, but I suppose I should assume them to be pure-hearted unless proven otherwise. Their lazy, organ-driven take on Metallica's "Seek & destroy" is just too good to think otherwise. Please! Don't let me be wrong! Forget about Mark Kozelek and his lame acoustic AC/DC covers - that stuff was pure novelty and the charm wore off after a few listens. When the original songs are good, it doesn't take much to make them work sans distortion. Being said, some of the selections from Hellsongs' "Lounge" EP work better than others. Iron Maiden ("Run to the hills"), Black Sabbath ("Paranoid") and the aforementioned Metallica track (posted today for your enjoyment) are all top quality. Motörhead ("Orgasmatron") and Judas Priest ("Breaking the law") are a tad less good, but still decent. My wife comments: "They don't sound like they could break the law, they sound like they can barely get off the couch." As for Van Halen's "Jump"? Hmmmm, no thanks. Diamond Dave is the only reason the original is any good at all and without him, there's little left that's appealing. All in all, a fun EP - as for the future, a little Hellsongs goes a long way, so let's hope that they don't overdo it.

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the Decoder Podcast for some new Hellsongs tracks and some other Scandinavian music gems such as Silverbullit, Stina Nordenstam and Jmyhaze Beatbox: http://decoder-radio.podspot.de/post/podcast-hellsongs/