The Swedish Heavy Metal scene has always been a fertile ground for some of the most innovative and hard-hitting bands in the world. Three of its pillars, Soilwork, In Flames and Arch Enemy, stand out as true titans of the subculture that is often defined as Melodic Death Metal. All three were present at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo.
In Flames – Soilwork
Eventim Apollo – 6 October 2024
Words: Dany Jones
Photography: Steve Ritchie
Soilwork, In Flames and Arch Enemy have not only left an indelible mark on the Melodic Death Metal genre but have also helped to evolve it, balancing aggression with melody and technical prowess with emotional intensity.
It was only a matter of time before these three would finally team up and tour together in an extraordinary winning formula, a true testament to why they continue to dominate the Metal landscape.
On 6 October at the legendary Eventim Apollo in London, Soilwork, In Flames, and Arch Enemy delivered a true masterclass in Heavy Metal, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge performances witnessed by a sold-out crowd embracing over three generations. You can read the Arch Enemy report here.
Soilwork
Opening proceedings on the night are the outstanding Soilwork, a formidable six-piece emerging from Helsingborg, Sweden. Deemed as pioneers in the fusion of Melodic Death Metal with modern elements like progressive rock, groove, and even Alt, their signature sound is driven by the powerful vocal versatility offered by lead singer Björn ‘Speed’ Strid.
Strid’s extremely dynamic vocal range can switch from guttural growls to pristine cleans to unleashing into stratospheric highs, all while maintaining an absolutely perfect pitch.
This provides the band’s music with a deeply emotional core and gets wonderfully married to the soaring guitar melodies and thunderous rhythms blending into the sonic uniqueness that characterises Soilwork. 
Probably, the most progressive among the three bands, their sound often embraces newfound complexity and subtlety, yet never losing the intensity of their roots. The dual guitar work is both intricate and powerful, while the keyboard melodies add an atmospheric touch, perfectly complementing the heavier elements. With the tandem barrage offered by the rhythm section, the Soilwork’s cohesion is undeniable.
Over the years, the sextet have become known for pushing the boundaries of what Melodic Death Metal can truly be. Their blend of heaviness and melancholy creates a distinct atmosphere that undoubtedly sets them apart from their peers.
Soilwork’s time on the stage may have been brief but indeed to the point. The set was packed with fan favourites, including Distortion Sleep and The Ride Majestic.
By the time Death Divider came on, the audience, repeatedly coaxed by the singer, clapped and cheered along in unison. This built into a massive crescendo, which, led by Strid’s all-out display of vocal acrobatics, made for a truly cathartic moment.
Each song has been taken with absolute commitment through a polished and heartfelt performance. The set was compact yet substantial and concluded with the anthemic Stålfågel, leaving the band positively beaming at the crowd’s response of absolute awe.
Perhaps still underrated in comparison to their touring companions, Soilwork have indeed reaffirmed their supremacy in Melodeath. Visibly excited, yet maintaining an aura of Swedish cool, they delivered a truly flawless performance throughout that left the crowd longing for more.
Pity that scheduling constraints simply will not allow for an expansion and that it is time to bid farewell.
In Flames
Co-headliners In Flames are Arguably one of the most influential bands in the genre. Contributing to the development of the Gothenburg Sound, they formed in the very city in 1990, along with bands of the likes of Dark Tranquillity and At The Gates.
Not without controversy, the In Flames path has been paved with a shift from their heavier roots into a more accessible sound, which inevitably has alienated them from some of the early fans yet allowed them to reach out to a whole new, wider demographic.
The co-headlining nature of the show seems apparent, where a sea of T-shirts is equally split between the In Flames and Arch Enemy fans, yet the anticipation is unanimous.
Kicking off with an unbeatable medley of Cloud Connected and Take This Life, the Gothenburg legends remind everyone why they stand tall in the scene. They take the stage with an explosive energy that instantly ignites the crowd into a frenzy of moshpits.
This set is a celebration of their extensive career, drawing from classics to the more obscure, to even the crowd-pleasers that invite massive singalongs. But it is with Food For The Gods and Trigger that they reclaim the throne to the earlier bone-crushing brutality. 
A roguish Anders Fridén keeps inciting the crowds to generate moshpits and crowdsurf. The excitement reaches a fever pitch on more than one occasion, and the positive response is truly palpable.
He then asks the audience to “put on their dancing shoes” for Voices In The Dark, until he pauses for a truly introspective moment: “You’re making my cold Swedish heart go south, people,” Fridén says with a voice filled with genuine appreciation. 
Closing with the epic My Sweet Shadow, In Flames leave the crowd with a sense of connection and, indeed, a night to remember. “Thank you for letting us be a small part of your life…Till next time.”
Worthy of note is also the impeccable sound quality throughout the In Flames set. The mix was perfect, if not a tad clinical, with every song sounding as tight and as polished as the studio versions.
In Flames will indeed be a hard act to follow.
