Photo by Glen Mountford
Swedish melodic blackened death/thrash unit VITTRA today reveals their latest single, “Lykantropi.” Now playing in video form courtesy of Ghost Cult, the track comes by way of the band’s debut full-length, Blasphemy Blues, set for release on November 11th.
Originally monikered Vildvittra, based on the characters created by Astrid Lindgren as part of Ronja Rövardotter [Swedish for Ronia, The Robber’s Daughter, a children’s fantasy book first published in 1981], their name later evolved into VITTRA, inspired by the mythical creatures appearing in Swedish folk stories. And while Swedish folk is a recurring theme weaving in and out of their music, the band is firmly rooted in melodic death and thrash metal in the veins of Dissection, early In Flames, Megadeth, and At The Gates.
Elaborates guitarist Johan Murmester of “Lykantropi,” “Founded in Swedish folk music, adding on the groovy side of Entombed, ‘Lykantropi’ is the last song written for the album. David and I had a really crappy writing session: three hours and nothing came out of it. Frustrated, I got into my car about to head home when after 500 meters, the guitar melody line for the chorus suddenly appeared in my head. What started as a 3/4, very traditional folk-music style, Alex ‘messed up’ by adding a shuffle feel to the verse. A bit grumpy I went home and rewrote the chorus and…it got even better!”
Watch VITTRA’s “Lykantropi” video at Ghost Cult HERE.
View VITTRA’s previously release video for “Satmara” HERE and “Halls Of Ancients“ HERE.
Founded in 2017 by Murmester and vocalist David Döragrip, the VITTRA lineup was complete in 2018 with drummer Alex Smith and bassist Gustav Svensson. Since 2021, the collective is also joined by Lars Elofsson on lead guitar both on stage and in the studio.
In 2021, VITTRA released their debut EP Wardens, recorded at SolnaSound Production, Sweden, with the support of Simon Johansson (Soilwork, Wolf). Championed Metal Temple of the release brief but potent offering, “this fifteen minute, four-track long debut EP is absolute in its ability to take the listener on a blistering ride of carnage and mayhem. They are heavier than your average melodic death band, tighter and more forward thinking than most thrash bands and have a keener sense of melody and style than a lot of black metal. The Razor’s Edge concurred, “The band sound incredibly accomplished with their debut release and have four songs written and performed to an extremely high standard.” Added Rock ‘N’ Load in a 9/10 rating ,“To say that this is a debut seems ridiculous when you hear how good this EP is.”
In October 2021, only a few months later, VITTRA entered SolnaSound again, this time supported by both Simon and Mike Wead (King Diamond, Mercyful Fate), and in April 2022 Blasphemy Blues was finalized. Lawrence Mackrory (Bloodbath, Lik, Firespawn) handled the mixing and mastering. Hjules created the cover artwork.
VITTRA’s Blasphemy Blues will be released on CD and digital formats. Find preorders at THIS LOCATION.
VITTRA:
Alex Smith – drums
David Döragrip – vocals
Gustav Svensson – bass
Johan Murmester – guitar
Lars Elofsson – guitar (live)
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