We Are to Blame, a musical project born from the creative fusion of Johan Karlsson and Alice Hartvig, takes listeners on a captivating journey with their debut album, "Duality I." What happens when the enchantment of Astrid Lindgren's wonderful stories intertwines with the melancholic ambiance born from the endless nights north of the Arctic Circle? The answer is music - a unique blend that combines the familiar voice of pop with the resounding foundation of metal.
The genesis of We Are to Blame began when Johan Karlsson, seeking a pop vocalist for a metal project, connected with Alice Hartvig in early 2020. While Alice was an experienced vocalist, her foray into the world of metal was uncharted territory. However, after a quick discussion and a demo recording, it became clear that she was the perfect fit for Johan's vision, thus giving birth to We Are to Blame. Together with guitarist Urban Granbacke, they embarked on a musical endeavor that would intertwine their pop-inspired vocal lines and melodies with the formidable strength of metal.
"Duality I" presents a fresh perspective on familiar sounds, marrying the infectious hooks and melodies of pop with the robust foundations of power metal, melodic death metal, and progressive metal. The result is a dynamic and innovative sound that captivates the listener from start to finish. Each song on the album is imbued with its own identity, showcasing the band's versatility and ability to seamlessly blend genres.
At the core of We Are to Blame's music lies their strong lyrical themes, which resonate deeply with their hearts. The band's aim is to create music that moves the listener, and their commitment to delivering emotional depth shines through in every track. Alice's vocals, supported by symphonic and electronic elements, soar above the driving guitars and powerful rhythms, evoking a range of emotions that transcend boundaries.
"Duality I" is a testament to the band's ability to craft a cohesive sonic experience that pushes boundaries and defies expectations. From the infectious energy of up-tempo tracks like "Breathe" to the atmospheric and introspective moments found in "The Change," We Are to Blame demonstrates their mastery of dynamics and songwriting. The album is a celebration of the beauty that emerges when diverse musical influences converge.
Listen to the album here: Duality I | We Are To Blame (bandcamp.com)