On Valentine’s Day, Ritualmord, the project of Lifelover legends Kim Carlsson and 1853, unleashed their newest single, “Slutna Ögon.” This phenomenal gem was recorded by Carlsson and Belgium’s prolific Déhà. 1853 contributed additional vocals. 

 

“Slutna Ögon” could not be any more agonizing or authoritative. Carlsson’s authenticity as a vocalist overwhelms us to the point where the pain expressed becomes unbearable, yet, of course, it is so intensely mesmerizing that we become thoroughly immersed and absolutely cannot turn away. This is what it means to fully merge with one’s art and allow it to become the highest expression of Self as well as the void that awaits us all. The soundscape with its masterful atmospheric touches and whirlwinds further amplifies the feeling of being dragged into oblivion through a sinkhole on the earth’s perilous surface.  

 

Ritualmord presents us with an intensely haunting, trippy, and beautifully shot video filmed in the Swedish woods to accompany the wonderful and horrific sonic nightmare that is “Slutna Ögon.”

“Slutna Ögon” will appear on Ritualmord’s radically ingenious upcoming debut, This Is Not Lifelover — the greatest announcement that we in no way expected, though we’ve always hoped for something along these lines. We’ve already reported on Ritualmord’s previous singles from the album: “Spår,” “Stonerpop,” and “Inifrån och ut.” 

 

This Is Not Lifelover will be unveiled on March 8 via Carlsson’s label Ritualmord Unjoy — Art & Ritualia.