After her untimely leave from the band formerly known as post-apocalyptic rockers Beastmilk, Grave Pleasures, Swedish guitarist Linnéa Olsson has made herself scares to the public. So it seemed that she would disappear from the surface again just as fast as her the band that brought her into the limelight – The Oath. But she is back with a vengeance and her very own vision of Rock’n’Roll: Maggot Heart.
Recorded in Linnéa’s chosen home of Berlin and Uppsala in 2016, the debut EP of this new musical gathering is called ‘City Girls’, with lyrics inspired by the restless place which has cast a spell on many musicians before. Joining in the blonde guitarist & vocalist, are her former bandmate Uno Bruniusson (Procession, Death Alley, ex-In Solitude) on drums & percussions, as well as Gottfrid Åhman (No Future, Reveal, ex-In Solitude, Invidious, Repugnant) and Sam Segarra of Drangsal, who share duties on bass. Additionally Gottfrid Åhman recorded ‘City Girls’ alongside Pierre Somville, who also holds responsible for the digital mix and mastering, while the vinyl mastering was done by Nene Baratto. Artwork and layout were created by Jan Fuck Utecht and the back cover photo was taken by Benedikt Eiden.
‘City Girls’, the debut EP from Linnéa Olsson’s Maggot Heart will be released on May 25, 2017 for download and on 12″ vinyl via Teratology Sound & Vision on June 09, 2017. Teratology Sound & Vision is a small mailorder operating from Berlin, Germany carrying a selected catalogue of vinyl, compact discs, tapes, zines and whatever might catch (y)our interest.
Returning with an exquisite new 7”, Grave Pleasures will treat you with two pieces of ear candy, while waiting for their new record. This two-track vinyl of the apocalyptic Postpunkers proves that the latest lineup is a class act all of its own. Fans already know that Swedish guitarist Linnéa Olsson left the band about half a year ago, turning it into a mere Finish affair again. And also former In Solitude drummer Uno Bruniusson is no longer part of the (funeral) party: “I will sure miss seeing the wonderful people of Grave Pleasures as often as I did during the making and touring of the Dreamcrash incident. It was a very intense period, filled with tons of great memories. I’ll store them deeply as I go about. Its time for me to say goodbye to the band and make room for someone new that is willing to open a new chapter of the band and I wish them all the best with that. I want to direct a big thanks to Valtteri, Mat, Linnéa, Juho, all the allies behind the veil and everyone who took time to listen to our music and came out to our shows!”
Fortunately, the reformed group, featuring British vocalist Mat McNerney, who now lives in Helsinki, remains as creative as ever. The A-Side contains the most catchy “Deadenders”, which is already available in a powerful retro-style lyric video. Lyrical themes evolve around the end of the world of course, which will have us dance the Falloutpogo, as Mat advises us with his wonderfully striking voice.
The B-Side presents a slightly more moderate tune. This gem of a song is called “Cold War Funeral” and turns out to be a melancholy mushroom cloud, letting us swing once again.
Produced by John Davis, who has also worked with Lana Del Rey, the two tracks are the next step in the evolution of former Beastmilk. Specially the vocals have changed a lot compared to the 2015-album “Dreamcrash”. Embetted a bit deeper into the mix, they have not lost their intensity and the light Danzig timbre.
In addition to a download via bandcamp, Mat’s own label Secret Trees has a strictly limited 7 “version, each 300 black and 200 yellow.
After their most successful tour alongside countrymates Tribulation and Vampire in January, Grave Pleasures seem to have taken some time away from social media. As of today the band reveals one of the reason for their temporary withdrawal, seeing guitarist and former member of The Oath, Linnéa Olsson leaving them to pursue new adventures.
Commented the band: “We would like to thank Linnéa from the bottom of our hearts and wish her all the best on her new path. We will always be very proud of her and the work we did together. Grave Pleasures continues to rock and roll onward. We will announce our future plans very soon.
Photo by Maria Louceiro
This from Linnéa:
Grave Pleasures has been an intense adventure and creative experiment. This past year and a half has allowed me to grow as a songwriter and performer, and to experience life and music from strange and new perspectives.
Now the time is right for me to take the next step, and therefore I’ve made the decision to leave the band. I will focus on my own project, which hopefully will be in presentable shape later in the year!
A huge thank you to Uno, Juho, Mat & Valtteri, as well as all you people along the road for your much valued support. I hope to see you in the next chapter.
Only a few days before kicking off the “Wailing The Dead” European tour alongside Tribulation & Vampire, Finland’s’ finest Grave Pleasures have released their latest music video for “Girl In A Vortex”. Taken from their cunning debut “Dreamcrash”, the video was created by Sarah Ben Hardouze and Teresa Kuhn.
Grave Pleasures band portrait by Valtteri Arino
The “Dreamcrash” material is multi-layered, with a twin guitar team weaving sonic webs that are both dreamy and sinister. Moving past the post-punk wet dream Beastmilk originally spawned, the lyrics and vocals of Grave Pleasures are rich in texture and depth – staring into the abyss just long enough before it stares right back.
The future of this band is surely going to be as unprecedented and extraordinary as it’s inception. Finding their innate pleasure in their own demise, and embracing their nihilism, this revamped monster looks set to follow their trajectory to new formidable heights. The end has only just begun.
“The Wailing Dead” European tour 2016
TRIBULATION + GRAVE PLEASURES + VAMPIRE
Presented by Metal Hammer, Deaf Forever & Rock Tribune
14.01.2016 Berlin (Germany) – Magnet
15.01.2016 Hamburg (Germany) – Knust
16.01.2016 Kassel (Germany) – K19
17.01.2016 Nijmegen (The Netherlands) – Doornroosje
19.01.2016 Nürnberg (Germany) – Club Z-bau
20.01.2016 Innsbruck (Austria) – Weekender Club
21.01.2016 Vienna (Austria) – Viper Room
22.01.2016 Budapest (Hungary) – Durer Kert
23.01.2016 München (Germany) – Backstage
24.01.2016 Aarau (Switzerland) – Kiff
25.01.2016 Colmar (France) – Le Grillen
26.01.2016 Paris (France) – Glazart
27.01.2016 Hasselt (Belgium) – Muziekodroom
28.01.2016 Leiden (The Netherlands) – Gebr De Nobel
29.01.2016 Essen (Germany) – Turock
30.01.2016 Leipzig (Germany) – Werk2
