Switchblade

Switchblade is a Swedish metal band from Stockholm, active since 1997. The band is a trio made up of Per Wiberg, Tim Bertilsson and Johan Folkesson. Its sound is associated with drone metal and sludge metal, and it is also tagged with sludge, doom metal, post-metal, melodic death metal and hardcore.

History and recordings

The band forms in the winter of 1997 into 1998, initially as a quartet with two bass players who both handle vocals. In spring 1998 it records a 7-inch and additional tracks for a split 7-inch with Pelle Gunnerfelt of Fireside, the Hives and Breach. In March 1999 it records a 10-inch with a newly recruited second bass player and singer; the release is notable for its chaotic, fast tempo and is recorded by Anders Ekström of Breach.

Later in 1999, Switchblade becomes a three-piece. During 2000 and 2001 it records two albums with Ekström engineering again, and tours Sweden with Cult of Luna as well as Europe twice in support of those records. In March 2003 the band records its third self-titled full-length album, a six-song release running for 47 minutes, ranging from ambient passages and dark instrumentals to stoner-influenced heaviness with sparse vocals. The album is recorded by Carl Wikman at EAR Studios and is released in the United States by Deathwish/Icarus, the imprint associated with Jake Bannon of Converge.

Later releases and collaborations

In early 2004 Switchblade tours Europe for four weeks in support of the album, with a shorter summer tour that includes an appearance at the Ieper Festival in Belgium. In May 2004 it records a two-track 7-inch at Mission Hall Studio with Mattias Oldén of LOGH; one track features guest vocals and guitar from Mathias Friberg of LOGH. In late summer 2005 the band returns to Mission Hall Studio to record its fourth self-titled album, a 43-minute set of two long tracks. This record gives more space to individual riffs and tones and includes guest vocals from E of Watain, as well as guest vocals and guitar from Mattias Friberg.

Style

Across its releases, Switchblade moves towards slower tempos, more subtle vocals and greater use of instrumental passages. The later material is described as dark, spacious and almost instrumental in character, with an emphasis on atmosphere as well as heaviness.