Emerging from the depths of Stockholm's underground music scene, Illness was formed in 2004 by a collective of musicians united by a shared passion for extreme metal and the exploration of mental illness. The band's name, a nod to the debilitating nature of mental disorders, set the tone for their music and lyrical themes.
Musical Style and Influences
Illness's sound is a cacophony of blackened speed metal, death metal, and industrial influences. Their music pulsates with relentless aggression, featuring intricate guitar work, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals that evoke the unyielding torment of mental anguish. The band draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Mayhem, Darkthrone, and Nine Inch Nails, blending their influences into a unique and unsettling sonic tapestry.
Black Schizophrenic Metal
Illness's debut album, "Black Schizophrenic Metal," released in 2006, became a defining moment in the band's career. The album's title track, a blistering anthem of mental desolation, cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics delve into the depths of schizophrenia, exploring the fragmentation of reality and the torment of delusions. The album's raw intensity and uncompromising subject matter garnered critical acclaim and established Illness as one of the most extreme bands in the metal underground.
Challenges and Controversies
Illness's music has not been without its detractors. The band's unapologetic portrayal of mental illness has drawn criticism from some who argue that it glorifies or sensationalizes a serious condition. However, the band has maintained that their music is a form of catharsis, allowing them to express the unspeakable horrors of mental anguish.
Discography
* Black Schizophrenic Metal (2006) * Codex Paranoia (2008) * Intoxicated by Psychosis (2010) * The Dehumanization Process (2013) * Profound Dementia (2016)
Members
* Oskar Karlsson: Vocals * Mathias Lillmåns: Guitars * Fredrik Johansson: Guitars * Johan Berglund: Bass * Peter Andersson: Drums