“If I take death into my life, acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life — and only then will I be free to become myself.” ~ Heidegger
According to this easily displeased journalist, Kim Carlsson is clearly one of the greatest and most underrated composers and artists of our generation. This Swedish national treasure may only be in his 30s, but the Lifelover and Hypothermia legend seems to have lived many lives by now. He is so incredibly accomplished, and thus has already long earned his place in the music history books. Carlsson’s combination of ingenuity and authenticity is almost unparalleled.
Despite all the labels that fans might apply to the tragically disbanded Lifelover, much of the group’s overflowing brilliance lies in the fact that this powerhouse transcended genres. The “depressive” tag that is often applied to Lifelover is far from appropriate. Yes, Lifelover has definitely crafted some of the most gripping depressive vibes, but they incorporated the full gamut of emotions with jaw-dropping mastery for utterly complete experiences that are unbelievably fun.
Don’t forget: 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of Lifelover’s founding, courtesy of Carlsson and the tragically late Jonas “B” Bergqvist. One of extreme metal’s most important pioneers, the internationally beloved Lifelover has managed to influence countless musicians.
That said, Lifelover absolutely should not overshadow Carlsson’s other acts of musical genius. He has been part of so many amazing projects through the years. Besides Hypothermia, which predated Lifelover, there is Kall, who recently appeared at The Sinister Feast and is scheduled for Prophecy Fest 2025; A Symphony to the Void; Horns Emerging; Ritualmord; and the super-duo Life Is Pain.
Yet, Carlsson has kept his fans all too hungry for more material. In the recent past, he seemed to have retreated, including from YouTube, where his channel amounts to one of the very best that you could follow. Carlsson’s ever-eloquent words there are pure poetry. Remarkably insightful, Carlsson showers us with both wisdom and artistic excellence by means of his videos.
At long last, however, our desire for more of Carlsson’s creative superiority has finally been appeased. Today, we celebrate the surprise release of Consider Suicide’s Gudalik II — the extension of 2019’s Gudalik! Ethereal and earthly, Gudalik II certainly lives up to its name — “gudalik” is a wordplay that means both “divine” and “the corpse of god.”
With the prolific Déhà as Carlsson’s accomplice, this masterpiece was recorded at Belgium’s Opus Magnum Studios. Together, these men constitute the perfect pair. They complement one another splendidly, and their chemistry is absolute.
Along these lines, the four formidable compositions flow seamlessly into one another and do not suffer from a single weak moment. The first two tracks are roughly twenty-four and twenty-five minutes each. Then, the second two both last for about fifteen minutes. Yet, they all manage to keep us utterly mesmerized. Their magic is boundless.
The noble Gudalik II is a gem of such rare magnificence that it forces listeners to fall in love instantly. I do not feel the need to attempt to pigeonhole this title — again, Carlsson’s work rises above categorization. Nevertheless, if I am to attempt to describe Gudalik II, I would say that it is highly meditative gorgeousness with all of the worth of classical music, shimmering with psychedelic majesty. Spiritual and even a ritualistic, Gudalik II transports us through time and various dimensions, serving up a surreal dose of reality and beyond.
The fully immersive Gudalik II features wordless expressions of lofty sentiments and escorts us on an intensely rewarding journey into both the world and the center of ourselves. Carlsson has a remarkably strong connection with nature, and, of course, that’s reflected within Gudalik II. The offering takes inspiration from Västra Götaland, Sweden. It always seems that Carlsson bears the key that other creators seek.
He transports us totally, whereas other artists only mimic certain feelings, settings, and so forth. The atmospheres painted by this album are top-notch. There are components that could be described as retro, but Gudalik II, fresh as vernal foliage, old as ancient wisdom, is timeless, reminding us of immortal truths as it propels us ahead.
Sustained by unbroken will and drive, resulting in fabulous momentum, the physical energy exuded by Gudalik II is absolutely undeniable. It infects the body, whether with the compulsion to walk through the forest, run, or even dance to entrancing grooves. You might even find yourself pumping your fist or banging your head, albeit in a dignified fashion.
This exploration proves dauntless, conveying Herculean strength. Meanwhile, it likewise seduces with its intimacy, nuance, and subtlety, as Carlsson and Déhà deliver all of the right delicate touches. The instruments, including keys, are implemented flawlessly. They so beautifully melt into the whole, forming a fabric too perfect to dissect analytically. While the music is mostly fairly slow, tempo shifts are so artfully achieved.
Similarly, we are guided through changes of temperature, which sometimes even becomes smoldering. Verily, everything within Gudalik II is executed with control, confidence, and grace. The result is beyond words yet births infinite thoughts.
On a personal note, I was boiling with the most furious and inconsolable rage of my life, one simply too gargantuan to contain within my child-size mortal shell, when I first became aware that Gudalik II had dropped. It immediately dissolved my explosive fury, both soothing and elevating my soul. With miraculous success, Gudalik II grants a higher perspective. While remaining wholly honest, of course,
Gudalik II boasts all of the dramatic flair that comes during those rare moments when one is summoned to address his fate, as turbulence and tranquility entwine. Our breasts inflate with violence of passion, doom, despair, bliss, etc. Indeed, Gudalik II compromises all of the emotional colors of the wheel, therefore often giving off something akin to the peaceful aura of white, spectral light.
For me, the magnificence of Gudalik II serves to confirm why Carlsson has become one of the very few luminaries that not only inspires me, but whose work provides a light even within my most abysmal hours, constantly circling in my mind. His music lodges itself within the conscience like a blade in the flesh and brings the same level of exhilarating pain, comfort, and pleasure.
Carlsson’s compositions also tend to awaken memories with unsurpassed specificity, and Gudalik II all too effectively fulfills that Proustian function, conjuring ghosts as well as opening and sometimes healing wounds.
While a voluntary death may not be optimal, we should all at least consider suicide philosophically in order to bravely fathom death, “the possibility of impossibility,” as dubbed by Heidegger. Doing so will likely enrich one’s approach toward life. Gudalik II fills me with hope, as it reminds me of my own divinity as well as the fact that the end, if such a thing exists in our world of eternal returns, is nothing to be feared.
When confronted by the corpse of God, we are forced to re-create for ourselves like good little Nietzscheans, and Gudalik II brims with the potent libations of the pure joy of creation. May its sense of existential searching compel listeners to conquer new alpine peaks.
Gudalik II represents an EPIC and SUBLIME opus that gives life new meaning! My only regret is that I have to finish this review now in order to pass on the word in a timely manner to you, dear readers. Although I have listened to the overpowering Gudalik II several times, its petals are still in the process of unfurling for me, considering its intricacy and innumerable gifts.
This offering, free of gimmicks, will surely receive plenty of recognition with time. Yet, I sincerely hope that awareness of its genius will spread sooner than later. Gudalik II must be heard by all!
Eternal reverence to Kim Carlsson and Déhà!
Rating: 5/5
(Purchase Gudalik II here.)
