Swedish DSBM outfit Lifelover quite literally carved a name for themselves as one of the most unique bands representing the genre. Released in 2011, their final album, “Sjukdom” (Swedish for sickness or disease) was one not to be fucked with. Sjukdom is as miserable as it gets: a deranged descent into madness and misery, a bitter and frightening depiction of what it is to truly revile one’s life. This pain is real, and it’s here to stay.
At times, Sjukdom is melodic and bright, while other tracks are chaotic and malicious, or somber and repetitive. Lifelover’s swansong, Sjukdom was a fantastic end to a grand era of auditory misery.
On a personal note, this was my first Lifelover album, and is likely my favorite release by them. I spent many a lonely evening walking and listening to Sjukdom after I had moved to Tampa the same year it was released. Sjukdom was more than another throwaway listen or a time-killer: it was something that I would later come to embody when I was strung out and living on my girlfriend’s mom’s couch, or sleeping in my truck in the Steak ‘N Shake parking lot after a three or four day crack binge. If there was ever a soundtrack to the utter and total ruination of one’s life, Sjukdom would be a contender.
Listen below:
Sjukdom by Lifelover
Towers of Rust 