Peter Dolving -
Vocals
Anders Bjorler - Guitar
Jonas Bjorler - Bass
Jensen - Guitar
Per Moller - Jensen Drums
Swedish Metal innovators THE HAUNTED have been on the forefront
of the global modern extreme metal-scene since the very
beginning of their illustrious run around 1996, when core
members of the seminal act At The Gates decided to start out
anew and afresh in a more Thrash Metal oriented shape than
before. While the rest of their stylistic peers were either
dormant or at a qualitative low, THE HAUNTED’s self-titled debut
record took the scene by storm in 1998 and brought back faith
and attention to a sub-genre of Metal that has grown back to
become fervently appreciated by a legion of both old and new
listeners. As a result, Thrash has been vigorously
re-interpreted by countless new artists who are currently adding
fuel to the fire of the voracious movement. Then again, THE
HAUNTED never really understood themselves as a role-model in
terms of being the “typical” Thrash act but instead often opted
to take risks and challenges by expanding their sound’s
magnitude and brutally honest approach.
2004’s acclaimed “rEVOLVEr” album not only saw original vocalist
Peter Dolving return to the fold but also the commencement of a
new, hungrier and more daring chapter of THE HAUNTED’s unlimited
journey through the landscapes of extreme Metal: Their
impeccable way of combining their classic ‘80s Metal influences
(Metallica, Slayer, Trouble) with an utterly modern delivery,
yet always trend-defiant attitude and very trademarked
overall-sound has made the band equally unique and essential.
2006’s “The Dead Eye” showcased a partly rather atmospheric and
quite dark musical side of things for the quintet, even though
the overall heaviness and bite in the sound hadn’t been
sacrificed at all. Exploring, intriguing and ultimately amazing
audiences is a relevant part of an artist’s endeavour, so that
consequently THE HAUNTED managed to break some more new ground
throughout the album’s campaign.
Having spent countless intense roadtrips all over the world in
these last very active years with bands as diverse as Mastodon,
Testament, Killswitch Engage, Danzig, Entombed, Dimmu Borgir,
Lamb Of God, Funeral For A Friend, Cannibal Corpse, Municipal
Waste or Meshuggah as well as having joined 2005’s colossal
Ozzfest tour in North America, THE HAUNTED have often shown that
their Metal shines at best when presented live and raw.
Consequently, it was bravely decided for 2008’s “Versus” album
to return to the basics and let the powergroove do the talking:
Once again produced with Tue Madsen (who has worked on
“rEVOLVEr” and “The Dead Eye” too) at PUK, Antfam and IF Studio,
“Versus” features “No click tracks, no triggers, no faking it”
and develops a fascinating level of dynamics and heaviness from
its basic live-recording procedure. From the facebreaker opening
track “Moronic Colossus” through the pounding vibe of “Pieces”
and “Little Cage”, the infectiously catchy “Trenches”, the
merciless fury of “Crusher” and “Faultline” up to the
apocalyptic closure with “Imperial Death March” - this record
has it all: The penetrating power of the riffs, the sharpness in
the sound, the expertise in the songwriting, the passion in the
vocals and its words but ultimately and mainly the unmistakable
force to attract interest and cause a stir amongst all
contemporary fans of extreme music. No false pride, no fashion,
no fake set of values…Surrender to this!
Catch
The Haunted on Tour
Aug 14 2009 6:00P
(F) Summer Breeze Festival Dinkelsbuhl, Germany
Aug 15 2009 8:00P (F) Bloodstock Open Air Derby, UK
Aug 29 2009 8:00P (F) VNV Rock Altitude Festival Le Locle,
Switzerland
Sep 18 2009 8:00P Sticky Fingers w/ Nightrage Göteborg, Sweden,
Västra Götalands län
Sep 26 2009 8:00P (F) Scooprock Mikkeli, Finland
Sep 27 2009 8:00P Klubi Turku, Finland
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