When Hope Falls started back in 2006. Many rehearsals brought songs to life, and also to death as they evolved quickly in songwriting.
2005 saw it's end and 2006 came. During 2006 not much happened, still rehearsing, and a break over the summer. In september 2006 they where joined by Arthur Börjesson (guitars), but started in the band as a bass player. Now when they felt they had a complete line-up with all essential instruments, the songwriting process was seriously on.
The band had a small set-back when drummer Tony announced his departure in early 2007. Arthur, who also was a good drummer, took his place until a new drummer was found. The start of 2007 also saw Imaginations first live performance at the local competition Rock of Bohuslän. Only a three man band, and no bass player made it difficult for them, but they got good response from the audience. Soon after the competition they got joined by Olle Swärd (bass).
Now the guys in the band felt the time was right to record their first demo, entitled Fallen. It was recorded during a weekend in May 2007 at G1 Studios in Strömstad. Three songs were recorded, but not a demo released in public, nor sent to labels.
The same summer a new addition to the band was made. Ludvig Jacobsson (drums), a long time friend of Arthur who was eager to join the band, and so he did. At this time the band felt it was time for a change of name, as Imagination didn't feel right anymore. Many names were discussed, but When Hope Falls was the name most fitting to the music and lyrical content.
With the new additions When Hope Falls quickly made a name for themselves in their home town Strömstad, mostly among the youths.
In Febuary 2008 it was time to enter the studio once more, this time a more reknowned studio in Ludvika, Dalarna. The studio was The Abyss Studios, and producer was none less than Tommy Tägtgren, producer of bands like Sabaton, Marduk, Ragnarök, Shining and many more. Nine songs were recorded in five days of hell. These nine songs, and also including an intro, made up the new demo Shadows and I.
2008 has seen When Hope Falls perform at events like 'Metal För Klimatet' (a show to collect money for charity), Legion Festival and also the music competition Rocka Fett in Gothenburg.
The future lies ahead of this young band from Strömstad. Nothing will stop them to create the music they enjoy playing. When Hope Falls is an unstoppable machine of Melodic Death Metal.
Current Line-up:
John Ohlsson - Lead Vocals
2009-
Arthur Börjeson - Guitars & Backing Vocals
2006-
Hannes Rognås - Guitars
2009-
Olle Swärd - Bass
2007-
Ludvig Jacobsson - Drums
2007-
Former members:
Ozzy Sjöström - Guitars & Clean Vocals
2005-2009
Tony Nilsson - Drums
2005-2007
SOUND OF METAL
7/10
When Hope Falls is a young band formed in 2005 in Strömstad, Sweden. The original name was “Imagination†but it was later changed to the current one in 2007. Along with the name, some changes came in the line up too, with the addition and departure of some members. That was also the year of release for their first three track demo, which was only a small taste of what was about to follow.
So after some live performances, the time came for their first full-length demo, entitled “Shadows And Iâ€. The album was recorded in “The Abyss Studios†in Sweden, with the renowned producer Tommy Tägtgren and came out sometime in 2008. It consists of ten songs, three of which are from the previous demo, rerecorded of course. Unfortunately, so far no album art is available, which is kind of shame, but from what I know it’s on its way too.
The band is playing Gothenburg Metal following the big names in the genre (without copying them), with some slight metalcore influences like the break downs in some songs. The album has ten tracks, including an intro and an average playing time of thirty five minutes. Even if I’m not much into intros, this one is quite good and melodic, consisting mostly of keyboards. Unfortunately that’s the only track keyboards are used in, since the rest of the music is sheer melodeath stuff. From the first tracks you can see that many ideas and effort have been put in this piece since plenty of riffs and melodies are floating around. If you were expecting another boring debut album of Swedish metal, then you’ll probably be disappointed.
I have to admit, I was surprised a bit when I first heard this, since I wasn’t expecting something like that at all. Not only their performance, but also their songwriting is surprisingly good for their age and the fact that they’re a new band. Sure, the sound is lacking a bit of variety and personality and it may seem flat sometimes, but if you consider the fact it’s a demo, it’s one of the best I’ve heard in this year so far. All in all it’s a very impressing start that could get a good record deal for the band. Even if not, they still have a kicking set list for their live shows… If they sound live as good as they sound on this album, I’d be more than pleased watching a show of them.
Constantinos Alexakos
GÖTEBORGS POSTEN 3/5
Det här med bandnamn är sannerligen inget att ta för lätt på. Mycket ska stämma för att namnet ska bli pricken över i:et och man har ju sett ett och annat riktigt uselt namn genom tiderna. Men ibland trillar bitarna på plats och i When Hope Falls har Strömstads-gänget hittat ett namn som både låter snyggt och passar utmärkt till den mörka och ganska ödesmättade metal de spelare. De gör en ganska hård variant av the Gothenburg Sound och låter kantigare än både In Flames och Dark Tranquillity. På både gott och ont. Energin och trycket i spelet är strålande och sångaren gör bra ifrån sig, i alla fall när han growlar, men låtmässigt har de ännu en bit fram till de allra bästa i genren. En genre som dessutom är tuffare än en vm-match i tungviktsboxning. De letar refränger, men kommer oftast bara halvvägs.
Daniel Claeson
Want us for a gig? Contact: [email protected]..
When Hope Falls music is played on the show VULGAR'S PIT on WILDLIFERADIO! Be sure to tune in and get in the pit and get sick!
