Doomed Confessionary: Rikard Nordström (Legbiter)
Legbiter is a post-hardcore/noise/shoegaze quartet based in Stockholm, Sweden. Formed in 2015, Legbiter rose out of the Swedish hardcore/metal and noise rock scene of the 90’s with former members of bands such as Purusam, Cult Of Luna and Sentinel 5. Legbiter currently consists of Jonas Slove Eriksson, Viktor Ahnfelt, Rickard Lindblom and Rikard Nordström.
The band approach heavy music as direct, confrontational, and unrelentingly physical. Rooted in hardcore and metal’s most ferocious intersections, the band thrives on immediacy and impact. Legbiter compress time, delivering short, explosive bursts that hit with the force of a live wire. Their sound is lean, aggressive, and unapologetically raw.
Legbiter teamed up with Swedish noisemakers Norna for the release of their split EP, due out on March 20th, 2026 via Pelagic Records. This is a six-track document of contrast, convergence, and uncompromising heavy music. Bringing together two distinct voices, the release explores the many shapes heaviness can take – stretching from crushing, slow-moving atmospheres to sharp, volatile bursts of aggression.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a heavy rock band from Stockholm, Sweden. We’ve been around in various constellations since 2015 when this project was started by me Rikard (vox/guitar) and some very old friends, Markku Hilden (drums) and Mattias Lindmark (guitar). Since then members have come and left due to various reasons. We released an EP in 2017 called »Totes Meer«, played a few gigs after that but became pretty inactive during Covid due to the travel restrictions. But since a few years back we’re now very active again. Last year we recorded a new EP in Overlook studios where William Blackmoon tracked and mixed. It was then mastered by Magnus Lindberg of Cult Of Luna. The band was then picked up by Pelagic Records in Germany and it was decided to move the release forward to March this year instead, and release it as a split vinyl with fellow Swedes Norna. The sound is heavy and downtuned in general but with some more melodic parts and different elements of riffage thrown together, but most catergorize it as post-hardcore with a blend of noise rock and some shoegazey elements in there, we have both heavier and lighter riffs in there. I guess that sounds about right. I just categorize us as a heavy guitar based rock band with a lot of different influences.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
To keep the band alive has been the biggest challenge, and just the geographical distance we had to deal with in the beginning of this project. The riffs and songs have always been there, plentiful, but the logistics made it hard for us to keep going. We are now based entirely in Stockholm due to this “newer” setting of band members, which has made things so much easier and made us able to create much more in terms of new material than before.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m very proud of our new release on Pelagic which is out in a few weeks. I’m very happy that Norna wanted to be on this split with us, I think it makes a fun and interesting mix of songs.
What was your biggest regret?
Not buying more RAM – prices are through the damn roof now!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We’re just starting to book gigs again so we have not played on a more serious stage for quite some time now, I think our upcoming gigs with our new material will be the best so far! We had a few fun gigs with amongst others Horndal and Hymn which were all fun.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
No surprises tbh, I’ve been in bands since being a teenager in the 90’s so nothing surprises me anymore. 🙂 I don’t think anyone in the band takes anything for granted. We’re just happy that we are able to make music together.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The new Converge album – it’s awesome!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Turn down the distortion and hit the strings harder instead” – Pelle Gunnerfeldt of Fireside.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I’m afraid I don’t feel guilty for any pleasures, but if I have to choose something I will have to go with the Swedish pastry “Semla” which I’ve massacred quite a few of during the last month.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Stockholm?
It’s still there, which makes me happy. We still have actual bands made up of humans that are creative together and create art together. Ain’t that the best? We have great hardcore bands such as Xiao and noise rock bands such as Ultra Lover and big stadium bands such as Viagra Boys, which all kick some serious ass.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
No tours booked, that’s kind of a hard nut to crack for people who work full time and have families and children (9 kids within the band), but short stints could work. We have a gig in May with Swedish heavyweights and fellow Pelagic-mates Blessings which will be awesome.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re writing new material which we hope to record this year, and looking for new gigs.
How can people best support your band?
As everyone knows there is not any money in streaming for smaller bands so the best is to book bands and buy their merch if you want to support them!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
The full EP is out on the 20th of March as a split with Norna on Pelagic Records, new merch will be out as well, keep your eyes peeled! Thank you for supporting real music!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well