Disruption or Mindistry? Which Swedish Metal Band Will be Welcomed into My Personal 2024 Valhalla? by Mark Erickson

In my mind, I have created a (hoped-for) North American tour comprised solely of Swedish metal and musical performers.  This order does not reveal author’s order of preference or affinity status. We’ve got GOAT, Soen, Meshuggah, Katatonia, Opeth, At the Gates, Neneh Cherry, and Salem’s Pot currently on the bill.  Who will be the last to join?  I have been chosen to select between Mindistry or Disruption. 

Mindistry’s press release promotes an “industrial thrash” band that embraces an atmospheric addition. I listened to Nightmare, Bloodmoon, and Mardrom, which means “nightmare” in Swedish.  The atmospheric element failed to remotely resemble industrialism, and the guitar and rhythm section failed to fulfill any resemblance of a thrash outfit.  Mindistry sounded formulaic and repetitive.  

Disruption’s press release promotes a “metal powerhouse” that focuses relentless energy into the Swedish creation of melodic death metal. Tantalized, I listened to Rebirth and also Torched.  Within the first few bars of the former, I was snapping my fingers and my neck!  I’d certainly pay to see these guys play!

Thus, Disruption, from the land of ice and snow, has easily earned a place on the (fictional, wished-for) North American concert tour!

In reality, I will travel to Manchester NH while based in Boston in early August to hear, in their entirety, Lamb of God play “Ashes of the Wake” and Mastodon play “Leviathan” on the same bill.  I have thoroughly enjoyed both for the last 20 years!!  Should this anniversary concert include a “thrash metal” band (per the press release) from France named Lomor?  I listened to parts of their debut, “Perseverance of Sickness.”  Pass.Pass.Pass.  Lomor is lame.

Keep on rawkin’

Regards, Mark