"En hemskog" is the second single and music video from "Dolt land", the upcoming album of multidisciplinary Swedish music project GRIFT, due for release on September 22, 2023.
Once again, Erik Gärdefors plays all the instruments himself – including acoustic guitar, melodica, glockenspiel, analogue synth, and percussion – and has also sampled nature sounds to create a truly immersive listening experience. Regardless of instrumentation, or whether GRIFT performs in concert or studio, Erik always seeks to convey the sense of melancholy and existential questions that artists and thinkers throughout history have always felt a strong urge to express. Evocative escapism to, if only for a moment, sever the chains of mundanity and allow your imagination to roam free.
Erik commented:
"En hemskog" means ´A home forest´. A home is a metaphor for many different things. It can be a person, an animal, a feeling, or – in this instance – a forest. In this lush forest, the green woodpecker is almost invisible. Only the red spot on its head gives it away. Thanks to the inherited paths, I come across a lesser butterfly-orchid and almost step on a woodcock´s egg. I so wish this place could be preserved as it is.
GRIFT- "Dolt land"
GRIFT´s fourth studio album, "Dolt land" (´Hidden land´), is a profound exploration of humankind´s bond with nature. With folkloric sounds and heartfelt lyrics, the multidisciplinary Swedish music project takes listeners on a journey into the heart of the wild.
"Dolt land" diverges from the more metal-oriented "Budet" (2020); instead, it continues the acoustic approach of the EPs "Vilsna andars boning" (2018) and "Vilsna andars utmark" (2022). Like the aforementioned two seven-inches, "Dolt land" pays homage to Kinnekulle - a mountain whose nature, legends, and traditions have served as GRIFT´s main source of inspiration since the project´s conception in 2011.
Erik plays all the instruments himself - including acoustic guitar, melodica, glockenspiel, analogue synth, and percussion - and has also sampled nature sounds to create a truly immersive listening experience. Soothing and stirring, yet still feral and untamed; GRIFT´s evocative music will resonate with fans of Sangre de Muerdago, Anna von Hausswolff and Nebelung.
"Dolt land" will be released by Nordvis on September 22, 2023. It was recorded and produced by Erik Gärdefors at Eremitaget Liesmia.
In 2013, GRIFT were one of the first bands to be signed to Nordvis – a collaboration which has since yielded four albums and several EPs. With its seamless transitions between bleak, atmospheric metal and forest folk compositions, the project has grown prominent across multiple scenes – as evidenced by everything from prestigious splits with contemporary metal greats like Saiva and Drudkh to being billed alongside leading neofolk acts such as Osi & the Jupiter and Wolcensmen.
Erik commented:
"Dolt land" is based on my experiences of being in nature. With this record, I want to draw attention to what is constantly blooming and withering in hidden places – but which depends on us showing consideration and respect. So, let us forget ourselves for a moment and marvel at the treasure that shines brightly in secrecy.
27.8.2023 (Gordeon Music Promotion)
