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Album Review : Symphony Of Sweden: Haunted

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Posted on 7th February 2024

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Review by Pete Finn for MPM

Formed in the North of Sweden, surrounded by ice, pop-rock band Symphony Of Sweden are a little bit different. Made up of Linus “Lee” Wester and Pontus “Evan” Hagberg, this Swedish duo are actually creating a cross-over of songs, where rock meets pop and cinematic orchestras meet electro, it’s grand and epic with huge arrangements, that are all delivered with attitude.

Their album ‘Haunted’ will be the third release, the band released their debut, ‘Inner Demons’ in January 2021, and their second album, ‘Saints Of Yesterday’ came out in February, 2022.

‘Haunted’ includes contributions from Henrik Bodin-Sköld, who is described as “Guitar Virtuoso & Arrangement Maestro”, along with Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson who is the “Rhythmic Dynamo”.

On ‘Haunted’ there are 12-tracks with a combined running time of just under 36-minutes, interestingly none of the tracks are longer than 3 ½ minutes, so it appears Symphony Of Sweden have gone for quality over quantity.

The album opens with the title track ‘Haunted’, it’s quick electronic based tempo has bounce. Linus “Lee” Wester’s voice impresses straight away, powerful, passionate and full of control. The sound is rich and would fill an arena. The tracks tempo rises and falls driven by the engine room of Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson and the equally imposing keyboards of Pontus “Evan” Hagberg.

Next up is ‘EXIT – When There’s Nowhere Else To Run’. It’s slower and purposeful, with a driving beat and chugging riff. Lee’ s vocal is almost spoken, the band behind deliberate and full. The guitar break is of classic rock proportions. It’s a strong emotional piece.

As ‘Get Out Of My Mind’ begins, it’s obvious that Symphony Of Sweden have the ability to merge the pop and rock genres, this has a strong pop beat, and the sound is focused around the chorus, that will have plenty of audience participation when played live.

‘Bad Thoughts’ has it’s feet very much in the Euro-pop camp, it dabbles with electronica, but the sound is Eurovision. The track is carried by Lee’s vocal which rides high above the Pet Shop Boys style melody.

The quick beats and gothic chorus opens ‘Even If Solo’. The band are let loose and are enjoying it, Lee is chanting the lyrics, Bullen is pounding the tubs, the backing vocal harmonies could have been lifted out of ‘The Omen’. It’s a flirt with symphonic rock, and they do it well.

‘Lay Them Down’ is a power ballad, featuring a delicate piano entwined with a steady beat, but once again Lee demonstrates his powerful and emotional vocals, the chorus builds and has a bit of a football chant to it, something that will have the fans joining in during a live show.

A driving riff and rap like lyrics start ‘Show Me Love’. The bass and guitar are having a minor duel behind the dynamic drumming of Bullen. There’s a sharp lead break from Henrik Bodin-Sköld, before he reverts to the powerful riff. Lee’s steady lyrics are playing the supporting role, it’s an interesting change of roles that works well.

‘Down And Counting’ incorporates a subtle nod of respect to the sound of fellow Swedes Europe, with the dramatic keys and guitar riffs. The quick beats ease the track away from the pop and towards the rock. The arrangement is well thought-out in its construction and performed superbly.

The next track is ‘Just Let It Bleed’, this is slower with Lee’s vocal at the forefront. The band’s swirling sound provides atmosphere, burbling bass and a steady drum-beat combine with refined keys, but the focus is Lee’s vocal.

‘That Night’ has a marching tempo, and is pure genuine radio friendly AOR. A defined and distinctive chorus that will get the heads nodding along. The guitar breaks and solo add snippets of classic rock.

The penultimate track ‘Black Painted Heart’, has an alternating quick/slow tempo, the drums of Niklas “Bullen” Bengtsson providing the lead, Lee’s vocal is matching stride for stride. Weaving neatly throughout the track are an eclectic mix of keyboard sounds.

The final track is the aptly named ‘Goodbye’. It starts with haunting strings, with big passionate lyrics delivered with consideration by Lee, Evan is caressing the piano keys. The sound builds, it has the effect of a full orchestra playing, a very effective way to close the album.

‘Haunted’ is an album full of magical and intriguing arrangements, the cinematic style production is spot on. Symphony Of Sweden have once again blurred the lines between pop, rock, Eurovision and in places even classical music. If you already own the previous two albums, you will not be disappointed by adding ‘Haunted’ to complete your Symphony Of Sweden trilogy.