The Swedish band that traded thrash for a buzzsaw sound
In short: During the late 1980s, Swedish musicians abandoned the polished speed of thrash to pioneer a raw, grinding aesthetic. By blending underground American influences with a unique distorted tone, they helped define the Scandinavian death metal scene, establishing a legacy that eventually merged extreme metal with hard rock and progressive elements.
Entombed emerged from the ashes of a band called Nihilist in 1987. Formed by Nicke Andersson, Alex Hellid, and Leif Cuzner, the group was among the first to embrace the burgeoning American death metal underground. While they initially listened to fast music like Slayer and D.R.I., they quickly pivoted toward the heavier sounds of bands like Death, Possessed, and Repulsion. For the members, the transition was swift; they viewed the prevailing thrash scene as "silly music" for "wimps," choosing instead to pursue a more extreme sonic evolution.
A unique 'buzzsaw' guitar timbre characterised the group's style, produced by linking a Boss HM-2 distortion pedal with a Peavey amplifier. This aesthetic became a cornerstone of the Scandinavian death metal scene, helping them earn a place among the "big four" of the genre alongside Dismember, Grave, and Unleashed. Their early work, including the 1990 debut Left Hand Path and the 1991 follow-up Clandestine, solidified this reputation before the band began experimenting with more diverse genres. By the early-to-mid-1990s, Entombed began a stylistic evolution that incorporated progressive, punk, hard rock, and groove metal. This shift culminated in the 1993 release of Wolverine Blues, which introduced a heavier influence of hard rock and heavy metal. This hybrid style, often called "death 'n' roll," was initially divisive among their core fanbase but eventually established the band's mainstream and critical reputation. This era marked a departure from their pure death metal roots while maintaining their status as pioneers.
The band's history is marked by significant internal shifts and legal complexities. Following the departure of founding members and various vocalists, the group navigated trademark disputes that eventually led to the formation of Entombed A.D. in 2014. Despite these fractures, the band has maintained a legacy of high-profile collaborations, including performances with the Royal Swedish Ballet and the Sundsvall Chamber Orchestra. In March 2025, the members announced they are returning to the studio to record their first new material in nearly two decades. The influence of Entombed's "buzzsaw" sound can be traced through modern acts like Black Breath, Nails, and Early Graves. Their journey from the underground scene of 1987 to symphonic collaborations in 2014 illustrates the evolution of Swedish metal from a raw, localized movement into a sophisticated, internationally recognized art form.
The ensemble returned to recording sessions in March 2025.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Entombed (band)
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