Sweden-based melodic death metal experts, Soilwork, will release their 10th studio album, The Ride Majestic, on August 28th via Nuclear Blast Records. Listen to the new song, “Enemies In Fidelity”, streaming below.

Vocalist Björn “Speed” Strid states, ““Enemies In Fidelity” is indeed a very melodic and atmospheric beast. This was one of the first songs that I wrote for the new album and it holds a lot of surprises. The chorus almost sounds as if Simon and Garfunkel started a black metal band. That's the way we like it - playful, dark, intense and melancholic. It definitely stands out, but also gives you an overall idea of what Soilwork currently is about.
 
The lyrics deal with whether you should escape or succumb to the suffering that you might experience in your life, in order to find new strength. The ambivalence. The guilt and the respect towards your own existence. Being awakened and finding satisfaction through frustration and anger, to a point where it almost becomes addictive. Enjoy!”

In preparation of the album’s release, Soilwork has created a two-part mini-documentary inviting fans and newcomers alike to take an insider’s look at their musical history.

Vocalist Björn “Speed” Strid gives a one-on-one, personal account of what has shaped Soilwork as the one of the greatest European metal bands in modern music. Take a look at both parts one of the documentary, below:

Part 1:

Part 2:

A lyric video for the album’s title track is streaming below.

Vocalist Bjorn “Speed” Strid discusses the meaning behind the track, “'The Ride Majestic' was one of the first songs we wrote for this album. The intro sets a certain melancholic mood and after that it's all pure melodic mayhem. There’s a very epic and anthemic feel to it, which suits the album title perfectly. The lyrics deal with the fear of dying and the art of remaining sane while you're still alive. Not wanting to miss a thing, wanting to embrace every moment, and being able to bring it all back on your dying day, with a snap of your fingers. It's also a tribute to the ones we've lost and the comfort of hoping that they will catch us when we fall, on the other side. We believe that, if there is an afterlife, this song would be the soundtrack to that journey. It deals with the acceptance of life and death and possibly everything between and beyond.”

As of this new album cycle, Soilwork is joined by new bassist Markus Wibom, formerly of Helsingborg hardcore group Hearts Alive. Wibom replaces longtime band member Ola Flink, who has amicably left the group to focus on other endeavours. Wibom has been a personal friend of the band for many years and has previously toured with Soilwork as a guitar tech and lighting designer. Wibom made his live debut with Soilwork in Stockholm on April 30th.

Soilwork vocalist Bjorn “Speed” Strid states, “We all sooner or later come to a crossroad in our lives, when our focus of being fueled by the past, is just as strong as our visions of the future and we have to make that incredibly hard decision. Where do I go now? Flink will forever be a symbol for Soilwork and of all we were and still are about. That being said, we all could sense that he eventually would come to the above mentioned crossroad. He understandably and respectfully chose to step down.

So, where do WE go now? Let me introduce you to one of the finest and most stand up people I know: Markus Wibom. He's been a long-time friend and is an overall multi-instrumental amazing musician. He's been with us before, on past world tours. He's also an amazing character and I couldn't think of a better person to fill Flink's shoes, which indeed are very big… literally (Markus’ shoe size is actually even bigger, if anybody wants to know). Anyway, as much as I will miss Flink, I'm just as excited to tour the world with one of my absolute best friends. Thank you Flink, you will forever rule. Thank you, Markus, for taking this on. I know you will blow people's minds, once the world tour of The Ride Majestic commences. Please give Markus a very warm welcome everyone!”

Wibom adds, “It's a great honor and a true pleasure to play with such skilled musicians and amazing people! It's going to be awesome to share the stage with those guys after all these years on the road together, and with the new record coming up - it absolutely kills!”

The Ride Majestic was recorded by David Castillo (Opeth, Katatonia) at Studio Gröndal, produced and mixed by Jens Bogren (Kreator, Amon Amarth) at Fascination Street. Find the cover art illustrated by Róbert Borbás below:

 

 

Tracklisting:

“The Ride Majestic”
“Alight In The Aftermath”
“Death In General”
“Enemies In Fidelity”
“Petrichor By Sulphur”
“The Phantom”
“The Ride Majestic (Aspire Angelic)”
“Whirl Of Pain”
“All Along Echoing Paths”
“Shining Lights”
“Father And Son, Watching The World Go Down”
“Of Hollow Dreams (Digi bonus track)
“Ghosts And Thunder” (Digi bonus track)

Album sampler:

The Ride Majestic will be available in various formats (CD, Vinyl, T-Shirt/CD Bundle) - pre-order your copy here.

Soilwork vocalist Björn “Speed” Strid comments: "We just put the final touches on our new album The Ride Majestic and all we can say is that it's going to be massive. It definitely picks up where we left off with The Living Infinite, but slightly darker, atmospheric and almost anthemic, with some really interesting twists and turns. Can't wait to play this epic beast live! Await the ride majestic ladies ’n gents!"

In celebration of The Ride Majestic’s impending release, Soilwork have released a live video of their hit song “Let This River Flow” feat. Nightwish/Revamp singer Floor Jansen, which comes off Soilwork’s most recent DVD/Blu Ray output, Live In The Heart Of Helsinki.

Added Strid: "I was really excited to work with Floor Jansen, especially since we haven't had any female guest artists featured on anything Soilwork-related before. I first got to know Floor via email some years ago, when she asked me to do some guest vocals for her other amazing band Revamp. I was absolutely thrilled, since I really respect her as a singer - she can do it all: amazing clean vocals, powerful high and low screams and can shape her voice into just about anything. I thought I'd "return the favour" and ask her to do “Let This River Flow” with me for our live DVD in Helsinki and boy did it turn out amazing! It was really cool to meet her in person as well, her presence is majestic and she has a great sense of humor. I think our voices match perfectly in this almost anthemic song, which showcases a lot of different types of vocals."

(Photo - Hannah Verbeuren)