Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Heavy Metal-World™ Goes International: Signs "Strykjärn" to IME Records

Strykjärn
Nestled between Norway and Finland, on the Scandinavian Peninsula of Northern Europe there lies a country of Nordic ancestry known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.  Afforded many liberties long removed from western culture, Sweden is also known as the land of Public Access, where all the land and all the nature are open to everyone. The Swedish EPA sums up the Right of Public Access in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy.’

Those rules are taken to heart by the Swedes, with the exception of one very particular realm:  HEAVY METAL.  Here, it’s no-holds-barred as some of the most powerfully shredding bands including Opeth, In Flames, Amon Amarth and Soilwork unleash their Swedish, musical fury around the globe.

It’s no surprise that this influence would trickle into the underground metal scenes of the surrounding countryside. Travel 360km to the west of Stockholm, and there you’ll find four brutally-inspired musicians known as “Strykjärn”.

Currently commanding the #1 spot on the ReverbNation charts, representing the town of Säffle – Strykjärn was formed in the winter of 2007 with the single goal to produce some heavy-KO,  face-fucking metalcore. Originally self-releasing a 5-track EP entitled "En Last För Samhället", the group soon evolved, bringing on a new singer & guitarist focused on completing the band’s debut record. In summer of 2009, the quartet released "Vi Lever På Hat" which was very well-received by the anxious public. Continuously focused, the band took no rests and quickly followed up with their third EP "Ingen Morgondag Är Värd Sitt Namn". – ReverbNation/ Strykjärn

“One of the most impressive things about Strykjärn is how much they’ve accomplished towards their catalog and music career in a relatively short amount of time,” comments Ed Fassio, President of Itchy Metal Entertainment (IME Records). “We began discussions in late November, exploring the possibilities of having them join IME as our first international group. Given the logistics involved across borders, this was a very aggressive move for both sides – and exactly what you’d expect from anyone involved in heavy metal. I love their music and am very excited about this band.”

Strykjärn’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with the launch of two new singles, and a collaborative merchandising project.

For more information on Strykjärn, visit them online at: