Episode 113

EF Interview with Niklas Åström (Drums)

January 2nd, 2026

34 mins 38 secs

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About this Episode

Hailing from the musical landscapes of Swedish coastal city Gothenburg, EF emerged already in 2003. This post-rock ensemble quickly captivated audiences with their emotionally charged instrumentals which they skillfully blended with northern melancholy, indie rock riffs and infusing the short energetic bursts of hardcore into their compositions. What truly did set them apart from other bands at this point of time was the use of tender vocals which made their melodies compelling to a diverse fanbase. The debut album, "Give me beauty...Or give me death!" (2006), marked the commencement of a spellbinding adventure into EF's immersive soundscapes. And with the subsequent releases "I Am Responsible" (2008), "Mourning
Golden Morning" (2010), and "Ceremonies" (2013), EF solidified their standing in the post-rock realms. The band's live performances, renowned for intensity and visual allure, added an extra layer to their enigmatic allure and the band have done 400+ shows all over Europe and Asia.

In November 2022, EF continued their musical odyssey with the release of their latest album, "We Salute You, You and You!" on the esteemed German post-metal label Pelagic Records. This latest offering would be the bands 5th, their first in 10 years and a celebration of their 20 years together as a creative force. ”We Salute You, You and You!” further showcased EF's ability to craftevocative soundscapes, contributing another chapter to their captivating journey.

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of ”Give me beauty...Or give me death!” which of course calls for a celebration. The band really wants to give their debut album the love it deserves and decides to re-record the full album. They want to make it tight, bombastic and give the songs a kiss of modern EF. Focusing on making orchestral arrangements bigger, the explosive parts bolder and even creating a new ”gem” out of an old outro. This is surely a heart project for the members, for the old fans, but hopefully will be embraced and find a place in new hearts as well.

I got to sit down with drummer Niklas Åström where we talked about how the band started, going back and recording the 20th anniversary of, "Give Me Beauty...Or Give Me Death!", and the music scene in Gothenburg.

With great stories, chats and banter this is not one to be missed.

Avalible on all streaming platforms.

Check out EF here: https://www.instagram.com/efmusicsweden/
Track played: He Came, He Stayed, He Fell', ©️ all rights reserved EF.

Edited by Richie Duhig of The Metal Cell Podcast.
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