Soilwork

Infobox musical artist
Name = Soilwork

---

Img_capt = Soilwork performing at Festimad in Madrid.
Img_size = 250
Landscape = Yes
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Helsingborg, Sweden
Years_active = 1996−present
Genre = Melodic Death Metal, Alternative Metal
Label = Nuclear Blast, Century Media, Listenable
Associated_acts = Aborted, Dark Tranquillity, Darkane, Dimension Zero, Disarmonia Mundi, Embraced, Evergrey, Kayser, Lyzanxia, One-way Mirror, Scarve, Terror 2000, Yyrkoon
Current_members = Björn "Speed" Strid Peter Wichers Sven Karlsson Ola Flink Dirk Verbeuren Sylvain Coudret
Past_members = Ola Frenning Henry Ranta Carlos Del Olmo Holmberg Ludvig Svartz Jimmy Persson Carl-Gustav Döös Mattias Nilsson
Daniel Antonsson David Andersson

Soilwork is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Helsingborg. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast. Formed in late 1995, originally under the name "Inferior Breed", the band changed their name in late 1996 to Soilwork (a play on words meaning, "working from the ground up") [cite web|title=What does Soilwork mean?|author= |publisher= Soilworkers.com|date= |url=http://www.soilworkers.com/faqs1.html|accessdate=2007-07-23] to better fit their sound.

Their sound is a fusion of the classic Gothenburg metal sound with power-groove riffs of late 1970s, early 1980s British, and European metal. However, in their most recent albums Soilwork have also introduced elements from American alternative metal and adopted a more melodic sound. Their most recent work has more singing and lighter melodies than their earlier work, as well as a more polished production.cite web|title=Soilwork Interview - Metalkings.com|author= |publisher=Metalkings.com|date=|url=http://www.metalkings.com/reviews/soilwork/soilweng.htm|accessdate=2007-08-14] Due to their more recent changes in sound, they have been likened to their label mates In Flames, labeled metalcore in some instances and even faced scrutiny by fans for their progressive sound.cite web|title=Soilwork Interview - Rockdetector.com|author= |publisher=Rockdetector.com|date=|url=http://www.rockdetector.com/interviews/artist,8263.sm?id=146|accessdate=2007-08-14] cite web|title=An Interview with Peter Wichers of Soilwork|author= |publisher=Musictap.net|date=|url=http://www.musictap.net/Interviews/WichersPeterSoilworkInterview090205.htm|accessdate=2007-08-14]

Background

Formative years

Formed in late 1995, originally under the name Inferior Breed. Their sound, as explained by "Speed" was influenced by such bands as Pantera, Meshuggah and Carcass. Upon changing their band name in late 1996 to Soilwork they began to make music more influenced by melody. Soilwork began work on a demo entitled "In Dreams We Fall into the Eternal Lake". Before the recording ever took place, bassist Carl-Gustav Döös left the group. Guitarist Peter Wichers handled the bass tracks on the demo. In a chance encounter, Soilwork would meet Michael Amott of Arch Enemy fame, who owned a record store in Helsingborg and would give him a copy of their demo. This ultimately led the band to signing with Listenable Records. In 1998, Soilwork added keyboardist Carlos Holmberg and bassist Ola Flink to complete their line-up. The band recorded and released their debut album Steelbath Suicide in May of that year. Soon after, guitarist Ludvig Svartz and drummer Jimmy Persson departed the band, citing "different musical opinions." [cite web|title=Svartz and Persson quit|author= |publisher=Tartarean Desire|date=2005-12-12|url=http://www.tartareandesire.com/bands/Soilwork/1481/|accessdate=2007-07-23] Persson was replaced by Henry Ranta, while Svartz was replaced by none other than Peter Wichers' uncle, Ola Frenning. [cite web|title=Wicher's Uncle Frenning Joins|author= |publisher= |date=2005-04-06|url=http://www.fourteeng.net/soilwork.html|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band toured throughout Europe in support of the album with bands such as Darkane, Naglfar and Krisiun. [cite web|title=Soilwork support Steelbath Suicide|author= |publisher= |date= |url=http://www.soilworkers.com/history1.html|accessdate=2007-07-23] In 2000, Soilwork laid down their second full length LP, The Chainheart Machine. The album received critical acclaim and eventually landed them a recording contract with major label Nuclear Blast, allowing the band to tour with acts such as Defleshed, Cannibal Corpse and even a short tour with fellow melodic death metallers Dark Tranquillity.

Breakthrough

In 2000, after exhausting themselves with touring, Soilwork once again entered the studio to record their third full length album, A Predator's Portrait. The release was well received and brought Soilwork to the forefront of the melodic death metal scene, alongside label mates In Flames. [cite web|title=Predator's Portrait brings much acclaim|author=Soilwork |publisher= |date= |url=http://www.soilwork.org/biography.php|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band played that year's installment of the Wacken Open Air Festival along with touring extensively with Annihilator and Nevermore. Following up on their success, Soilwork entered the studio again in late 2001 to record the follow-up to "A Predator's Portrait" with Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad) and Fredrik Nordstrom. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Complete Work On "Best Album We Ever Did"!|author= |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=2001-12-27|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=443|accessdate=2007-07-23] "Natural Born Chaos" was released in early 2002, to much acclaim as well. Soilwork again toured throughout Europe in support of the effort. They also toured throughout the United States for the first time. First with bands Hypocrisy, Scar Culture and Killswitch Engage during the summer, [cite web|title=Soilwork to tour US with Hypocrisy|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2819|accessdate=2007-07-23] then alongside label mates In Flames during the fall. [cite web|title=In Flames, Soilwork join forces for European/US tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2019|accessdate=2007-07-23] After touring, the band commenced once again, shifting their focus on writing and recording their fifth album.

"Figure Number Five"

In December 2002, Soilwork entered Queenstreet Recording Studios to begin recording their fifth album. The guitars and keyboards were recorded at Queenstreet, while the drum tracking was handled at Dug Out Studios. The bass and vocal tracking was recorded at Studio Fredman, the same place the album was mixed at. [cite web|title=SOILWORK To Commence Recording New CD|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=7840|accessdate=2007-07-23] After recording, the band began a European tour with Children of Bodom and Shadows Fall throughout April and May. [cite web|title=SHADOWS FALL To Support CHILDREN OF BODOM, SOILWORK In Europe|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=9152|accessdate=2007-07-23] That same month, Figure Number Five was released. In early June, Henry Ranta would leave the band, to focus more on his personal life. He would be replaced a week later by Richard Evensand. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Announce New Drummer|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12686|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band then embarked on another North American tour with In Flames, Chimaira and Unearth. [cite web|title=IN FLAMES, SOILWORK, CHIMAIRA, UNEARTH To Team Up For North American Tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11788|accessdate=2007-07-23] [cite web|title=IN FLAMES, SOILWORK, CHIMAIRA: More North American Dates Announced|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11930|accessdate=2007-07-23] In September, Soilwork toured Japan with Children of Bodom [cite web|title=CHILDREN OF BODOM, SOILWORK To Team Up For Japanese Tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12312|accessdate=2007-07-23] Merely days after a short mini-trek tour through Japan, Soilwork also toured Australia briefly. [cite web|title=SOILWORK To Tour Australia|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13083|accessdate=2007-07-23] Later that year, they again toured North America with Chimaira, As I Lay Dying and Bleeding Through. [cite web|title=CHIMAIRA And SOILWORK To Team Up For 'Pure Hatred' Tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15794|accessdate=2007-07-23] After the tour Richard Evensand left the band to replace drummer Andy Herrick who had recently left Chimaira. [cite web|title=Former SOILWORK Drummer Explains Decision To Join CHIMAIRA|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17903|accessdate=2007-07-23] Soilwork initially announced his "temporary" replacement as Dirk Verbeuren of Scarve; [cite web|title=SOILWORK Announce Temporary Replacement For Departed Drummer|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17929|accessdate=2007-07-23] Verbeuren would later become the full time replacement.cite web|title=SOILWORK: Guitarist WICHERS Quits, Drummer VERBEUREN Named Full-Time Member|author= |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=2005-12-11|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45407|accessdate=2007-07-23] In early 2004, singer Björn "Speed" Strid laid down tracks with Italian melodic death metal band Disarmonia Mundi. [cite web|title=DISARMONIA MUNDI: Sophomore Album To Include Appearance By SOILWORK Singer|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21074|accessdate=2007-07-23] During April, the band announced that it had extended its contract with record label Nuclear Blast Records. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Extend Contract With NUCLEAR BLAST|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21562|accessdate=2007-07-23] That same month the band again toured Australia alongside Anthrax, Embodiment and Killswitch Engage. In mid 2004, Soilwork toured Japan for a second time alongside Dark Tranquillity. [cite web|title=DARK TRANQUILLITY, SOILWORK To Team Up For Japanese Tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=20498|accessdate=2007-07-23] In September, Soilwork entered the studio to record their sixth album, Stabbing the Drama. [cite web|title=SOILWORK To Enter Studio In September|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=23227|accessdate=2007-07-23]

"Stabbing the Drama"

Soilwork entered Dug Out Studios on September 14th to begin recording their sixth full length album. A week later the band changed venues and recorded at Fascination Street Studios. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Begin Recording New Album|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=26835|accessdate=2007-07-23] Stabbing the Drama was released in early March 2005. The album entered the Finnish charts at number 19, and in Sweden at number 14. [cite web|title=SOILWORK's 'Stabbing The Drama' Enters Finnish Chart At No. 19|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33831|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band also began to gain minor commercial success in the United States. "Stabbing the Drama" reached #12 and #21 on the Billboard Heatseeker and Independent album charts, respectively. [cite web|title=Billboard albums|author= |publisher= Allmusic|date= |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jzfexq9sld0e~T3|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band partook in the 2005 Ozzfest, performing on the second stage. [cite web|title=It's Official: MUDVAYNE To Fill 'Mystery Band' Slot On OZZFEST's Main Stage|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34998|accessdate=2007-07-23] In November the band toured stateside with Fear Factory. [cite web|title=SOILWORK To Miss First Nine Shows Of FEAR FACTORY Tour|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=41713|accessdate=2007-07-23] In late 2005, guitarist Peter Wichers left the band due to tour exhaustion and other personal issues. The same month, Bjorn announced he was working on a second album with Disarmomia Mundi. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Frontman Working On New DISARMONIA MUNDI Album|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45766|accessdate=2007-07-23] In May 2006, Daniel Antonsson was announced as the replacement for Peter Wichers. [cite web|title=SOILWORK: North American Debut With New Guitarist Scheduled For The Fall|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51901|accessdate=2007-07-23] Soilwork spent the summer appearing at festivals throughout Europe. In September they toured throughout the UK and Turkey. [cite web|title=SOILWORK: U.K., Turkish Dates Announced|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54076|accessdate=2007-07-23] The band later pulled out of the Turkish dates, due to terrorist attacks and bombings that had recently occurred to tourists there. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Postpones Turkish Dates|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59413|accessdate=2007-07-23] In October the band trekked North America, this time with Darkest Hour, Mnemic and Threat Signal. [cite web|title=SOILWORK, DARKEST HOUR, MNEMIC: More U.S. Tour Dates Announced|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57391|accessdate=2007-07-23] [cite web|title=THREAT SIGNAL: Video Footage From SOILWORK Tour Posted Online|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=62581|accessdate=2007-07-23] In March 2007, Soilwork began work on their seventh album.

"Sworn to a Great Divide"

In early March, Soilwork began laying down the tracks for their seventh album, "Sworn to a Great Divide" [cite web|title=SOILWORK: Drums For New CD Completed; Photos, Video Available|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=68588|accessdate=2007-07-23] Late in June, Ola Frenning announced that the album was finished. [cite web|title=SOILWORK Completes Work On New Album|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75599|accessdate=2007-07-23] Soilwork will tour in the fall alongside Caliban, Sonic Syndicate, and Dark Tranquillity in a tour dubbed, 'Eastpak Antidote' tour. [cite web|title=CHIMAIRA, SOILWORK, CALIBAN, SONIC SYNDICATE: More 'Eastpak Antidote' Dates Announced|author= |publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date= |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75905|accessdate=2007-07-23] The album was released on October 19, 2007 through Nuclear Blast Records. The album sports a sound closer to thrash than their previous albums, though still backed by their trademark synth elements.

The band took part on an American tour with co-headliners Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage, as well as DevilDriver. The tour began on November 28, 2007 at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, Massachusetts, and ended at the Santa Ana Star Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 17, 2007. The tour, dubbed The Clash of the Titans Tour 2007, appeared in Grand Prairie, TX at the Nokia Live Theatre on December 8, 2007 to play for the entire Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. On February 12, 2008, an official statement was posted on Soilwork's official website that Ola Frenning and Soilwork had decided to part ways, his replacement came in the form of David Andersson. In another statement on September 18, 2008, it was revealed that guitarist Daniel Antonsson would be replaced with the return of former guitarist and founding member Peter Wichers and also that Sylvain Coudret from the band Scarve who has been doing session work as second guitarist during 2008 Summer festivals became permanent guitar player for the band. [http://soilwork.org/index.php]

Band members

Current members

Guest musicians

Discography

tudio albums

Demos/EPs

* "In Dreams We Fall into the Eternal Lake" (1997, demo)
* "The Early Chapters" (2003, EP)

ingles

* "As We Speak" (2002)
* "Black Star Deceiver" (2002)
* "Light the Torch" (2003)
* "Rejection Role" (2003)
* "Stabbing the Drama" (2005)
* "Nerve" (2005)
* "Exile" (2007)

References

External links

* [http://www.nuclearblast.de Nuclear Blast - official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/soilwork Soilwork's Myspace profile]
* [http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/soilwork1.php3 HardRadio.com interview with Bjorn Strid on Soilwork, Ozzfest, and Scandinavian Metal]