VEMOD

On their website the question is asked "Are Swede's unusually gloomy people ?" They reply "Yes, but Finns are even gloomier". Haha ! The title of ANEKDOTEN's debut album is "Vemod" which is Swedish for melancholy or sadness, so let the mellotron begin. I am so impressed with the way these guys play, I can't really just single one of them out, they all shine brightly on this record. It's interesting that Jan-Erik does all the vocals on "Vemod". Nicklas will take over that role, more and more on future albums. Jan-Erik also wrote all the lyrics except for "Thoughts In Absence" and the bonus track "Sad Rain". The band thanks Mattias Olsson and Par Lindh, as well as ANGLAGARD and LANDBERK among others.

"Karelia" was a bold song to start their first record (an instrumental), but it has become a fan favourite, and it turned out to be a perfect way to begin. It starts solemnly followed by a mellotron down-pour before a minute. It kicks into gear after 1 1/2 minutes with a chunky bass, pounding drums and angular guitar onslaught. A calm with cello after 4 minutes as tons of bottom end comes in as it builds. It's utterly fantastic as the mellotron joins in. The mellotron turns into a storm after 6 minutes. Very heavy sound to end it. "The Old Man And Sea" sounds like a machine to open. Killer bass ! It settles 1 1/2 minutes in as vocals come in. Love these guys ! Cello plays under the vocals as piano and fat bass lines join in.This is so good. It kicks back in and I just want to shout. Angular guitar cuts through the heaviness.The mellotron 4 1/2 minutes in is beyond words as it's quite haunting and not subtle at all. Crushing soundscape 6 minutes in. It then settles as the guitar grinds away. Vocals and piano before 7 minutes. Cello ends it. "Where Solitude Remains" begins with deep bass lines and mellotron, then vocals and light drums come in. Nice contrast between the heavy and light sections throughout this song. Fantastic drumming in this song. Great guitar solo 6 1/2 minutes in to end it. "Thought in Absence" is a beautiful laid back tune with fragile vocals. Very reflective and I like the vocals.

"The Flow" is an incredible song. It takes a while to get going, then look out ! Nicklas is just killer on his guitar. Mellotron, vocals and a calm follow the chaos before 2 minutes. More great drumming and chunky bass as the majestic mellotron flows. Amazing guitar 6 minutes in and a ton of bottom end to finish it. "Longing" is an instrumental with cello and accoustic guitar. Sad song. "Wheel" is one of my favourites. It opens powerfully before settling down before a minute with dual vocals from Jan-Erik and Anna which sound awesome ! It kicks back in after 2 minutes with huge bass, angular guitar and powerful drums. The contrast continues. Very intense sound 6 minutes in. "Sad Rain" is a bonus track which was recorded during the "Nucleus" sessions. This is a mellotron drenched epic. This is the kind of song that can never be too long. My favourite ! Everytime I hear the majestic mellotron in the intro i'm moved. Beautiful vocals and a calm follow. An absolute storm before 2 minutes.This contrast continues. Check out the chunky bass after 3 minutes as mellotron comes in. I can't put into words how meaningful this song is to me.

This is one of the greatest debut records I have ever heard ! This is where I fell for these gloomy Swedes. It's perfect.