Month: February 2009

DIMENZION ZERO formed when the scene in Gothenburg, Sweden was still quite underground. Back in 1995-96, classic Gothenburg groups such as AT THE GATES and DISSECTION were first being thrust onto the global metal scene. America was clueless about this thrashing, melodic death metal style. The bands formerly or currently associated with DIMENSION ZERO—MARDUK, SOILWORK, DARK TRANQUILITY and IN FLAMES had not even ventured into America yet. Now the above bands, especially SOILWORK and IN FLAMES are major heavy metal stars. Even though DIMENSION ZERO is an integral group to the classic Gothenburg scene, the group has never received the name recognition of the full time gigs.

DIMENSION ZERO From the beginning, as vocalist Jocke Göthberg later explains, was created for these members to do something different and more aggressive than their main bands. The greater emphasis on aggression and a large portion of their time relegated with their main bands may explain DIMENSION ZERO lacking the name recognition that their main groups enjoy. DIMENSION ZERO does not create the atmosphere and melodies of DARK TRANQUILITY or have the commercial sensibilities of SOILWORK and IN FLAMES. DIMENSION ZERO is about classic Gothenburg riffs and pounding drums that never seem to quit. Melodies do play a part in their music, although guitarists Jesper Strömblad and Daniel Antonsson mostly incorporate them as lead harmonies.

The latest recording by these Swedes, “He Who Shall Not Bleed,” retains the intense head banging qualities from their WAR Records debut EP “Penetrations From the Lost World,” but reveals a band that has definitely matured as musicians. Canadian thrash guitar shredder, Jeff Waters (ANNIHILATOR) added a couple of amazingly fast solos, which was all processed at In Flames studio. Jocke Göthberg called Metal Centre.com from his home in Sweden to speak about this new album, where the band came from, and where it is heading.