Behöver vi låtsas som om det inte finns några spår? / Do we need to pretend there’s no trace?
Behöver vi öppna ännu fler sår? / Do we need to open yet another wound?
The Lifelover and Hypothermia legend Kim Carlsson, or “( ),” is a pioneer who needs no introduction — a genius whose contributions to the music world have forever altered its landscape. Carlsson is emulated by countless artists across the globe, yet the original always conquers, and he stands as the embodiment of absolute authenticity and radical ingenuity. Therefore, I advise everyone to follow whatever moves Carlsson makes, and, luckily, this creator seems to be charging ahead at a sprinter’s pace. Toward the end of this past year, Carlsson floored us with two miraculous new albums, Gudalik II and Avstånd, by his project Consider Suicide. He moreover unveiled Ritualmord’s latest scorcher of an EP, Dit ruset tar oss.
When it already appeared that Carlsson had hit us with all of the excellence we could process, he then unleashed a pair of previously unheard singles from Ritualmord’s upcoming debut record for the perfect close to 2024: “Spår” and “Stonerpop” premiered on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve respectively. Indeed, the work of Kim Carlsson is the ideal holiday gift, and we are grateful that “Spår” and “Stonerpop” arrived when we most needed to be injected in the forearm with their refreshing brilliance. As all of Ritualmord and Consider Suicide’s offerings, these two equally astounding yet very different gems were presented by Carlsson’s label Unjoy — Art & Ritualia. You can experience the intoxicating magic of “Spår” and “Stonerpop” on Bandcamp here and here. Alternatively, both tracks are available on Spotify.
Carlsson’s frequent collaborator, Belgium’s esteemed Déhà, participated in the making of Ritualmord’s debut, lending his superb musicianship to the singles, which were tracked at his very own Opus Magnum Studios in October 2024. Carlsson penned the text to “Stonerpop,” while “Spår” features lyrics and additional vocals by his former Lifelover bandmate Johan “1853” Gabrielson, who recorded at Sweden’s Cold Space. The dazzling innovation, breathtaking performances, and immersive nature of the compositions provide thoroughly unforgettable and rewarding experiences, mesmerizing us to the utmost degree. “Spår” and “Stonerpop” prove indescribably special journeys, evoking the most complex emotions. I will refrain from going into too much detail, as listeners will just need to dive into the thorny yet uniquely gorgeous beds of both without preconceptions. Although the title of the record from which they hail has not yet been announced, the mini-masterpieces in question signal that something dangerously epic lies in wait.
Ritualmord was originally founded in 2007 as the project of Carlsson and Rickard “LR” Öström, likewise of Lifelover fame, in order to manifest sonic visions that didn’t fit within the context of Lifelover, which was co-founded by Carlsson and Jonas “B” Bergqvist in 2005 and remained active until the latter’s tragic passing in 2011. With time, however, Ritualmord would morph into a vessel for fresh stories and explorations, though the past and the present seem to be inevitably linked in a beautiful dance. It wouldn’t be until 2020 that 1853 entered the fold. Ritualmord’s previous victories include Färgspel & formalin (2021), Återsyn (2021), and Tussmörker (2013).
We now eagerly await the arrival of a third brand-new Ritualmord single on the 16th, as promised by the band. Fortunately, Carlsson confirmed on social media that 2025 holds various other exciting releases and collaborations in store, such as a guest appearance with the French outfit Jours Pâles. Furthermore, he recently shared that he had returned yet again to the studio, giving us even more to impatiently anticipate.
Check for updates on Carlsson’s artist Instagram page and Ritualmord’s new Instagram account. Along with his music, Carlsson has been posting absolutely magnificent images; we emphatically advise that you become acquainted with his photography and painting if you haven’t already. Indeed, Carlsson typically creates his own album art. Accordingly, he is responsible for the stunning covers of both “Spår” and “Stonerpop.”
