Left Hand Black - 3 Death Can't Keep Us Apart
The Circle Music have signed the electrifying Swedish horrorpunk band Left Hand Black. Hailing from Gothenburg, this quartet, consisting of veterans of the local music scene, will release their third full-length album, "Left Hand Black 3: Death Can't Keep Us Apart", in September.
Formed in the spring of 2019 on an island just outside Gothenburg, Left Hand Black brings together the formidable talents of Hans Hagström and Jonathan Jansson (formerly of The Dead Next Door) with Johan Hansson and Anton Zachrisson (from Overdrive Solution). Their sound is a potent brew of old-school melodic horror punk and rock, drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Misfits, Ramones and Bad Religion.
Johan Hansson of Left Hand Black said: “I have followed Maria and The Circle Music since the first release, and with her passion for the music and what she does for the bands, this is a dream come true. We are super excited to be part of the TCM family.”
Left Hand Black have carved a reputation with their previous releases: their self-titled debut in 2020 via Wolverine Records and their 2022 follow-up, "Lower Than Satan" through Sunny Bastard Records/Sick Taste Records. Now, with "Left Hand Black 3: Death Can't Keep Us Apart" they aim to solidify their position as purveyors of infectious horror-infused punk anthems. As the band have declared: "We prove that we can write hits and are an insanely good live band that takes no prisoners and celebrates a hellish party with you in the graveyard."
"Left Hand Black 3: Death Can't Keep Us Apart" was recorded at Welfare Sounds studios in March 2024 by Per Stålberg and Kalle Lilja, who also produced the album alongside the band. The mixing was done by Per Stålberg, Kalle Lilja, and Mario Dahmen, and mastered by Mario Dahmen at Liquid Aether Audio. The album boasts guest appearances from Nim Vind, who lends his vocals and lead guitar prowess to the title track, "Death Can't Keep Us Apart" and Per Stålberg, who contributes guest vocals on "Why Do I Kill Everything I Love". Adding an eerie touch is Mario Dahmen on the organ for "Doomed Romance On A Summer Night".
The striking visual elements of the album are brought to life with layout design by Bernd Gunwald, the cover art by Frank Walls, and atmospheric band photos captured by Ola Åkerborn with assistance from Kyra Fiedler Wretmarks Foto.
The band said: “We’re very proud of this album. We think we’ve succeeded in creating something new with the songs while still maintaining the same red thread as in our previous records. All the guys in the band make outstanding contributions, each leaving their unique mark on the songs. Hans sings better than ever. Anton's rhythmic drumming makes even the dead want to dance, Johan holds the foundation like the pillars of the Brooklyn Bridge, and Jonathan flutters on his guitar like a never-before-seen bird species from the depths of the Amazon.”
