Subvision

Subvision is a Swedish alternative pop/rock band from Stockholm. It forms in 2002 and is active from then to the present. The group centres on Tobias Forge, and its work sits within indie rock and alternative rock, with a pop-driven approach.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms in Linköping and Stockholm in December 2002 with Tobias Forge on guitar and vocals, Gustaf Lindström on bass and Thomas Daun on drums. It develops from Forge’s aim to make emotionally direct, unusual pop-influenced music in contrast to his other band at the time, Repugnant, which is a death metal group.

Before Subvision’s formation, Repugnant has already gone through several line-up changes and includes both Daun and Lindström by 2001. That band comes from the extreme death metal underground, issues two demo cassettes and a 7-inch EP in large circulation, builds a cult reputation, and later disbands in April 2004 after recording its only album, Epitome of Darkness, in October 2002.

Development and live work

After forming, Subvision spends about a year writing, rehearsing and refining its material before its stage debut in November 2003. The group initially uses changing imagery and theatrical presentation, but these elements are gradually reduced when audiences respond with confusion and the band decides that the songs and lyrics should carry the focus instead.

During its early period, the band plays nationally and tours on a small scale. A recurring issue is the second guitar position, which is filled at different times by Torbjörn Brynedal and Franz Cedrins. Martin Persner becomes a full-time guitarist in August 2005, after also stepping in for a short tour in December of the previous year.

Releases

Subvision issues its first recording, The Killing Floor EP, in December 2004. The four-track release is presented as the band’s introduction to listeners and receives a positive response from those who hear, buy or review it.

The group then focuses heavily on its debut album, So Far So Noir, which is completed after the band’s 2005 and 2006 writing and touring period. Gustaf Lindström leaves in late July 2006 after nearly four years in the group and is replaced by Simon Söderberg. So Far So Noir is released in Sweden in August 2006 and is praised in the national press.