Release Date: June 25, 2021
FFO: Anathema, Katatonia, Paradise Lost
Location: Sweden
DE
ARMA “Strayed in Shadows” Melancholy is a delicate matter. This
haunting emotion can in one moment sting unbearably painful yet at other
times even deliver a bittersweet pleasure to the afflicted. Yet there
can be no doubt that this feeling permeates all of the songs on DE
ARMA's sophomore full-length "Strayed in Shadows" in one way or the
other. And while the Swedes shift musically in and out and between
melancholic metal, gothic rock, shoegaze, and even post-punk, melancholy
remains the duo's anchor point. Although geography is often overrated
in the interpretation of music, there is no denying that long winters'
darkness high up North seems to have an effect on artists. Frontman
Andreas Pettersson hails from Arvisjaur in the historic Swedish province
of Lappland and drummer Johan Marklund lives in the the town of
Skellefteå, which lies just across the Gulf of Bothnia to the west of
the Finnish town of Oulo – home of such renowned brothers in melancholic
spirit as SENTENCED and CHARON. The North is leaving a dark mark on its
people.
On
"Strayed in Shadows" the line-up has undergone a significant change. In
the place of FEN and FELLWARDEN mastermind Frank "The Watcher" Allain,
who sang on the album debut "Lost, Alien & Forlorn" (2013),
guitarist and bass-player Andreas Pettersson, who founded DE ARMA in
2009, took over vocal duties as he already does in STILLA among other
bands. This decision was partly caused by the extremely personal nature
of his lyrics for "Strayed in Shadows". Those, who have followed the
many bands and projects of this very creative Swede might be surprised
by his vocal expression in the album, which is supported by the
beautiful guest performance of Maria Oja on the tracks 'Illusions of
Love' and 'Days Of Judgement' – a constellation inviting comparison with
acts such as ANATHEMA and ANTIMATTER. Particularly in those two song,
but also throughout other passages on "Strayed in Shadows", another
aspect of DE ARMA becomes more prominent: Despite all the darkness and
melancholy inherent in the duo's songs, there is also a warm feeling of
comfort and shelter. "This, album, 'Strayed in Shadows' reaches
partially back to recordings that have been made years ago", explains
frontman Andreas Pettersson. "In my mind, it has adopted many faces over
time, both in negative and positive ways. DE ARMA has always been very
important to me despite long periods of seeming inactivity. I could
never shake the feeling that one day it would crawl back upon me, which
has been both, a burden and an inspiration. The completion of this 'new'
album marks the final stage of a journey as well as some kind of
rebirth for DE ARMA and for me personally. To me, its identity has grown
stronger over time and now the vision leading to it has fully
materialised. 'Strayed in Shadows' reflects the feeling of being lost in
oneself, to be lost in or without a profound relationship, and the
hesitant longing for a future without change. While the album is based
upon true events and personal experiences, I hope that listeners will
find their own connections and interpretations." With "Strayed in
Shadows", DE ARMA send a ray of light to invite you into their warm
shelter in a sea of Nordic melancholy.
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