Doomed Confessionary: Niklas Sörum (Altareth)
Photos by Linda Florin
Altareth is a five-piece band from the Swedish west coast based in Gothenburg. The band currently consists of Patrik Strömberg (vocals), Niklas Sörum (guitar), Sven Lindqvist (guitar), Mats Lindgren (bass) and Vigfus Valgeirsson (drums).
The four pillars of the Altareth sound are clean vocals, fuzzy guitars, pounding drums and fat electric bass guitar. The basic idea and musical foundation of Altareth is the meeting of heavy riffs and memorable melodies. The band is influenced by first and second wave doom, psych and stoner bands but also a lot of Swedish and Scandinavian rock and metal bands.
Their second full-length album »Passage – The Welfare Sessions« was just released independently on November 16th, 2024. Available now on all major streaming services!
Can you say a few words about your band?
We started out back in 2014 in Gothenburg Sweden and are still going strong. We had a few line up changes along the way but we feel our current line up is the best sounding so far. We are currently going through a major shift in our sound and song-making process so do not expect that the next album from Altareth will sound anything like the last one or anything close to regular doom bands. We do not do doom anymore.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for the band so far has been our latest record label.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our biggest accomplishments so far have been our two albums. We are very proud of them both. The second album really stands out from the quite well-populated ‘doom scene’ if there is such a thing.
What was your biggest regret?
Our sole regret from last year was that our album was delayed a long time.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We do not really enjoy playing live concerts that much. We enjoy rehearsing and recording. But we had a good time when we shared stage with the mighty Teksti TV 666 here in Gothenburg.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Probably learning more about the sadness of music business.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Bathory – »Blood On Ice« and The Doors – s/t.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Do not take yourself too serious.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I would say the drink called Glubbel. That is when you mix Champagne (anything similar to sparkling white wine will do) and Glögg (red wine with Christmas spices). Damn it’s good!
Can you say something more about current music scene in Gothenburg?
Not really. We do not have much interest in any scene really, either local or elsewhere. We are not a ‘well-connected’ band.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
Nowhere. We do not plan any live concerts at the moment.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We create new songs at the moment. Really enjoying ourselves digging into our new sound. It will sound killer! Everything sounds amazing, jazzy, proggy, heavy and melodic at the same time.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Yes. I will either spend New Year’s Eve together with a few friends in an outside wooden bathing barrel or alone with my partner in the countryside. Enjoying ourselves, peace, music and the starlit sky.
How can people best support your band?
Buy our digital and physical albums. I also think it is possible to buy merch from us. And of course you could send us cash well hidden in regular envelopes.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Enjoy our new album called »Passage – The Welfare Sessions«. Buy it on Bandcamp and turn it up loud!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well