Dead by April
Encyclopedia
Dead by April is a Swedish
metal
band from Gothenburg
, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the band. Pontus, however, will still be the songwriter for the band and will be acting as a "session" player on their new album and on upcoming tours.
, decided to collaborate with songwriter and former Cipher System member Pontus Hjelm to form Dead by April. During the band's early days in 2007 and 2008, the band did not release any physical media, though most of the songs that they gave to friends were quickly leaked out to several peer-to-peer
-sites, with the first songs being "Lost" and "Stronger". During this time, they also played in local venues around Gothenburg
. Without having released any merchandise, the band still spawned one radio single, "Falling Behind". In 2008, the band received two awards, both for Best Newcomer, on "Swedish Metal Awards" and "Bandit Rock Awards" on August 3, 2009 through Spinefarm. Thereby, on July 21, 2009, while touring in the UK tour with Skindred
, Dead by April announced that the track "Angels of Clarity" would be their next UK single. The band also announced a second Swedish single, "What Can I Say".
On March 27, 2010, Dead by April headlined the Norwegian
festival 'Rock mot Rus' together with several Norwegian acts such as Turdus Musicus
, Moddi, Cyaneed, Jodski, Purified in Blood
etc. The band continued touring with Purified in Blood until early May.
page that Pontus Hjelm (guitarist, songwriter and singer) had officially left Dead by April. The reason for his departure was because he didn't want to continue as a band member, he wanted to focus on being a songwriter. Although Pontus would no longer be an official band member, he wanted to continue writing music for Dead by April, telling the fans that "nothing is different in the songwriting department". The replacement for Pontus Hjelm became Zandro Santiago. Although Zandro only provides vocals, the band felt that it did not change much of the sound to continue with only one guitarist.
On May 17, the band released the fourth single of their debut album. Unlike any other Dead by April-single release, this single was a double A-Side entitled "Love Like Blood/Promise Me". Besides that "Love Like Blood
" is a Killing Joke
cover, it marks the very first track recorded by Dead by April with their new singer, Zandro Santiago. "Promise Me", however, already appeared on the album.
On October 22, 2010, it was announced that Johan would be leaving the band, citing "personal issues", as well as focusing on his clothing range. The band searched for a new guitarist via FaceBook
and YouTube
. However, they later revealed on their FaceBook page that Pontus would act as a "session" player on their upcoming album and whilst on tour.
During Dead by April's UK tour with My Passion
, Johan was replaced by guitarist Joel Nilsson.
In August, 2010, they released a teaser for a new song called "Within My Heart", which was released, along with the new album, in early 2011. The album is heavier and more dynamic than their self-titled album. The song "More Than Yesterday" has been played live on tour in the UK and Sweden and will feature on the new album, as well as the compilation
album, "Stronger
". Jimmie released a demo recording of it on his YouTube
channel.
Dead by April made an appearance on the soundtrack for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
as a featured artist on the song "Stronger" by Lazee
(not to be confused with their song with the same name).
On December 7, it was announced that a new compilation
album called "Stronger
" would be released on January 25, 2011. It contains a demo version of "More Than Yesterday", three heavier versions of their songs and some tracks that have already been released.
During shows in Russia, DeathDestruction drummer Jonas Ekdahl, was replacing Alexander while he is resting his ears. Jonas will remain as a session drummer for the coming 3 to 5 months.
On January 24, 2011, Dead by April released the compilation album Stronger
. On April 19, 2011, Dead by April confirmed the mixing was complete for their newest album via their Facebook page. On May 2, 2011, Dead by April announced that their first single of their second album would be "Within My Heart". This was released digitally on May 16, 2011 and included two more songs - a new song called "Two Faced" and a re-recorded version of "Unhateable". Later it was confirmed that the band would perform at the Sonisphere Festival
in Sweden on July 9.
On the 4th of July, the band announced the title of the new album to be "Incomparable
", and it was announced on July 11 that the new album would be released on September 21. The album cover was originally going to be released by the band on Facebook once they reached 230,000 "likes", but other sites leaked the cover so the band released it early.
Session/touring members
Former members
As featured artist
Music videos
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden and the fifth-largest in the Nordic countries. Situated on the west coast of Sweden, the city proper has a population of 519,399, with 549,839 in the urban area and total of 937,015 inhabitants in the metropolitan area...
, formed in February 2007. The band consists of Jimmie Strimell, Zandro Santiago, Marcus Wesslén and Alex Svenningsson. They released their self-titled debut album in May 2009. In 2010 the two guitarists, Pontus Hjelm and Johan Olsson, left the band. Pontus, however, will still be the songwriter for the band and will be acting as a "session" player on their new album and on upcoming tours.
Early days and debut album (2007-2010)
The band was formed in early 2007, when Jimmie Strimell, then lead singer of NightrageNightrage
Nightrage is a Greek/Swedish melodic death metal band formed by guitarist Marios Iliopoulos and his close friend Gus G. who later re-located to Gothenburg, Sweden.-Sweet Vengeance:...
, decided to collaborate with songwriter and former Cipher System member Pontus Hjelm to form Dead by April. During the band's early days in 2007 and 2008, the band did not release any physical media, though most of the songs that they gave to friends were quickly leaked out to several peer-to-peer
Peer-to-peer
Peer-to-peer computing or networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads among peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application...
-sites, with the first songs being "Lost" and "Stronger". During this time, they also played in local venues around Gothenburg
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden and the fifth-largest in the Nordic countries. Situated on the west coast of Sweden, the city proper has a population of 519,399, with 549,839 in the urban area and total of 937,015 inhabitants in the metropolitan area...
. Without having released any merchandise, the band still spawned one radio single, "Falling Behind". In 2008, the band received two awards, both for Best Newcomer, on "Swedish Metal Awards" and "Bandit Rock Awards" on August 3, 2009 through Spinefarm. Thereby, on July 21, 2009, while touring in the UK tour with Skindred
Skindred
Skindred is a Welsh rock band from Newport. The band was formed in 1998 following the disbandment of vocalist Benji Webbe's previous band, Dub War. Skindred's musical style mixes alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and reggae...
, Dead by April announced that the track "Angels of Clarity" would be their next UK single. The band also announced a second Swedish single, "What Can I Say".
On March 27, 2010, Dead by April headlined the Norwegian
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
festival 'Rock mot Rus' together with several Norwegian acts such as Turdus Musicus
Turdus musicus
Turdus Musicus is a Norwegian band started in 1998 by Carl Christian Lein Størmer and brothers Juhani and Timo Silvola. The name "Turdus musicus" is the former scientific name of the redwing...
, Moddi, Cyaneed, Jodski, Purified in Blood
Purified in Blood
Purified in Blood is a Norwegian metalcore band from Hommersåk, near Sandnes. They started up in the winter of 2003, and dissolved in January 2007. April 25, 2008, PiB though announced that they now are back...
etc. The band continued touring with Purified in Blood until early May.
New line-up, Stronger and Incomparable (2010-present)
On April 23, 2010, it was announced on the band's official MySpaceMySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
page that Pontus Hjelm (guitarist, songwriter and singer) had officially left Dead by April. The reason for his departure was because he didn't want to continue as a band member, he wanted to focus on being a songwriter. Although Pontus would no longer be an official band member, he wanted to continue writing music for Dead by April, telling the fans that "nothing is different in the songwriting department". The replacement for Pontus Hjelm became Zandro Santiago. Although Zandro only provides vocals, the band felt that it did not change much of the sound to continue with only one guitarist.
On May 17, the band released the fourth single of their debut album. Unlike any other Dead by April-single release, this single was a double A-Side entitled "Love Like Blood/Promise Me". Besides that "Love Like Blood
Love Like Blood
Love Like Blood is a German gothic rock/gothic metal band.- Biography :Its nucleus consists of Eysel brothers . The band was active in the years 1989-2001 and is now on hiatus. Its early sound reminisces the style of The Fields of the Nephilim...
" is a Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979.Related news articles: Founding members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker have been the only constant members.A key influence on industrial rock,...
cover, it marks the very first track recorded by Dead by April with their new singer, Zandro Santiago. "Promise Me", however, already appeared on the album.
On October 22, 2010, it was announced that Johan would be leaving the band, citing "personal issues", as well as focusing on his clothing range. The band searched for a new guitarist via FaceBook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
and YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
. However, they later revealed on their FaceBook page that Pontus would act as a "session" player on their upcoming album and whilst on tour.
During Dead by April's UK tour with My Passion
My Passion
My Passion is an English band formed in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England in 2005. They released their debut album, Corporate Flesh Party, in May 2009 on Cool Green Recordings...
, Johan was replaced by guitarist Joel Nilsson.
In August, 2010, they released a teaser for a new song called "Within My Heart", which was released, along with the new album, in early 2011. The album is heavier and more dynamic than their self-titled album. The song "More Than Yesterday" has been played live on tour in the UK and Sweden and will feature on the new album, as well as the compilation
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
album, "Stronger
Stronger (Dead by April album)
Stronger is the first compilation by Swedish alternative metal band Dead by April. It was released on January 24, 2011. The album features some b-sides, acoustic versions, remixes, cover songs as well as an unreleased demo version of the song "More Than Yesterday" as well as two unreleased...
". Jimmie released a demo recording of it on his YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
channel.
Dead by April made an appearance on the soundtrack for Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010 video game)
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a BAFTA Award–winning 2010 racing video game in the Need for Speed series developed by British games developer Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. The Wii version was developed by Exient...
as a featured artist on the song "Stronger" by Lazee
Lazee
Mawuli Kulego is a Swedish rapper from Malmö, Sweden.-Biography:LAZEE was born in Malmö, Sweden, to parents of Ghanaian origin. His passion for music grew from a young age and he was heavily influenced by the musical tastes of his father who was a DJ. He introduced young Lazee to soul, R&B and...
(not to be confused with their song with the same name).
On December 7, it was announced that a new compilation
Compilation album
A compilation album is an album featuring tracks from one or more performers, often culled from a variety of sources The tracks are usually collected according to a common characteristic, such as popularity, genre, source or subject matter...
album called "Stronger
Stronger (Dead by April album)
Stronger is the first compilation by Swedish alternative metal band Dead by April. It was released on January 24, 2011. The album features some b-sides, acoustic versions, remixes, cover songs as well as an unreleased demo version of the song "More Than Yesterday" as well as two unreleased...
" would be released on January 25, 2011. It contains a demo version of "More Than Yesterday", three heavier versions of their songs and some tracks that have already been released.
During shows in Russia, DeathDestruction drummer Jonas Ekdahl, was replacing Alexander while he is resting his ears. Jonas will remain as a session drummer for the coming 3 to 5 months.
On January 24, 2011, Dead by April released the compilation album Stronger
Stronger (Dead by April album)
Stronger is the first compilation by Swedish alternative metal band Dead by April. It was released on January 24, 2011. The album features some b-sides, acoustic versions, remixes, cover songs as well as an unreleased demo version of the song "More Than Yesterday" as well as two unreleased...
. On April 19, 2011, Dead by April confirmed the mixing was complete for their newest album via their Facebook page. On May 2, 2011, Dead by April announced that their first single of their second album would be "Within My Heart". This was released digitally on May 16, 2011 and included two more songs - a new song called "Two Faced" and a re-recorded version of "Unhateable". Later it was confirmed that the band would perform at the Sonisphere Festival
Sonisphere Festival
The Sonisphere Festival is a touring music festival which takes place across Europe between June and August. The festival is owned by John Jackson and Kilimanjaro Live. It is jointly-promoted by K2 and Kilimanjaro Live...
in Sweden on July 9.
On the 4th of July, the band announced the title of the new album to be "Incomparable
Incomparable
Incomparable is the second studio album by Swedish metal band Dead by April. Production for the album took place after a lineup change of guitarists and vocalists for the band following the release of their self-titled debut...
", and it was announced on July 11 that the new album would be released on September 21. The album cover was originally going to be released by the band on Facebook once they reached 230,000 "likes", but other sites leaked the cover so the band released it early.
Members
Current members- Jimmie Strimell – screaming vocals, clean vocals (2007–present)
- Zandro Santiago – clean vocals (2010–present)
- Marcus Wesslén – bass guitar (2007–present)
- Alexander Svenningson – drums (2007–present)
Session/touring members
- Pontus Hjelm – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2010–present)
- Joel Nilsson – guitars (2010)
- Jonas Ekdahl - drums (2010)
Former members
- Johan Olsson – guitars, backing vocals (2007-2010)
- Pontus Hjelm - clean vocals, guitars (2007-2010)
- Henric Carlsson – bass guitar (2007)
Studio albums
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Dead by April Dead by April (album) -Bonus Track:-Bonus DVD:* "Video Blog"* "The Making Of"* "Losing You" * "Losing You" * "Photo Slide" * "Interview"-Critical reception:-Personnel:Dead by April... |
May 13, 2009 | Universal Music Group Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... |
| Incomparable Incomparable Incomparable is the second studio album by Swedish metal band Dead by April. Production for the album took place after a lineup change of guitarists and vocalists for the band following the release of their self-titled debut... |
September 21, 2011 | Universal Music Group Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... |
Compilations
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Stronger Stronger (Dead by April album) Stronger is the first compilation by Swedish alternative metal band Dead by April. It was released on January 24, 2011. The album features some b-sides, acoustic versions, remixes, cover songs as well as an unreleased demo version of the song "More Than Yesterday" as well as two unreleased... |
January 24, 2011 | Universal Music Group |
Singles
As lead artist| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "Falling Behind (Demo)" | Radio single |
| 2009 | "Losing You Losing You (Dead by April song) "Losing You" is the so called debut single by Dead by April and is the first single from their self-titled debut album Dead by April. The single was released on March 6, 2009. "Losing You" is the first physical CD single by the band... " |
Dead by April |
| 2009 | "What Can I Say What Can I Say (Dead by April song) "What Can I Say" is the second single of their self-titled debut album Dead by April. The single was released on September 16, 2009. "What Can I Say" is the second physical CD single by the band. It's also the second song by the band to include a radio version were the screamed vocals are replaced... " |
Dead by April |
| 2009 | "Angels of Clarity" | Dead by April |
| 2010 | "Love Like Blood/Promise Me" | Stronger |
| 2011 | "Within My Heart" | Incomparable |
| 2011 | "Lost" | Incomparable |
| 2011 | "Calling" | Incomparable |
As featured artist
| Artist | Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazee | 2010 | Stronger | Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010 video game) Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit is a BAFTA Award–winning 2010 racing video game in the Need for Speed series developed by British games developer Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts for iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360. The Wii version was developed by Exient... |
| Lena Philipsson Lena Philipsson Maria Magdalena "Lena" Philipsson is a Swedish singer and media personality.-Career:... |
2011 | Dance in the Neon Light Dance in the Neon Light "Dance in the Neon Light" in an English version of the Swedish language song "Dansa i Neon" by Swedish pop singer Lena Philipsson. She sang the song and finished 5th at the Swedish Melodifestivalen 1987. During Melodifestivalen 2011 she performed the new version of her song with the Swedish metal... |
Non-album single |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | "Losing You" | Dead by April |
| 2009 | "Angels of Clarity" | Dead by April |
| 2011 | "Stronger" | Stronger |
| 2011 | "Calling" | Incomparable |
| 2011 | "Lost" | Incomparable |