Suicide Records Announces In the Loving Memory of You Benefit Compilation Out Sept. 10
Nobody seems to want to talk about it, myself included, but the heavy underground has a persistent thread of mental health problems such that when I see someone involved, whether that’s a musician, fan, or somebody else adjacent to the music has died, especially died young, it’s almost assumed they’ve taken their own life. I don’t think that’s the case in other communities, but it is a sad reality in doom and heavy rock and roll. I’m not really sure what can be done about it beyond broader political reform in healthcare and social services — at least in the States, though as illustrated below this is by no means only a US-wide concern — and no matter who ends up being the next American president, I’m not holding out much hope for it. We got Obamacare once and the insurance industry is still trying to take it apart. They may yet.
I will not mince words and say I’ve never thought of taking my own life. There are times where killing myself seems like the most kind, most generous and most giving thing I can do for my family and those around me. The best way I can serve them is to remove my own inherently toxic presence. I recognize this view as skewed — suicide devastates, irrevocably — but I’ve been there, too, and when you’re in it it’s that much harder to see clearly. If you have ever felt that way or know someone who has, then you might understand where Sweden’s Suicide Records is coming from in putting together the new compilation, In the Loving Memory of You, as a benefit for the organization Suicide Zero.
And if you’ve ever been there or you’re there now — in it — I won’t patronize you by putting a hotline number here. If you’re looking for a thing to hang onto, hang onto the music. That’s what I do. And if you do want to talk about it — guessing you don’t, since nobody does — I’m here for that too.
Comp is out Sept. 10. Here’s info from the PR wire:
Suicide Records Releases Unique Compilation Album in Benefit of Suicide Zero
Suicide Records, the groundbreaking record label from Gothenburg, announces the release of their unique compilation album, In the Loving Memory of You, on September 10th, 2024. This album, featuring 16 bands with brand new songs, aims to support Suicide Zero, a Swedish non-profit organization dedicated to preventing suicide since 2013. All proceeds from the album will go directly to Suicide Zero.
Every six hours, someone commits suicide in Sweden, totaling four lives lost daily, not including drug overdoses or “accidents”. Roger Andersson, founder of Suicide Records, knows this pain personally. “After three incredibly tragic deaths among my close ones, there is no other path to take. I simply MUST do this,” he says. The album reflects emotions like anger, grief, and despair, hoping to aid in raising substantial funds for Suicide Zero’s essential work.
In the Loving Memory of You showcases a powerful lineup: Grand Cadaver, Skitsystem, Knivad, Demonic Death Judge (Finland), M:40, Downfall Of Gaia (Germany), The Moth Gatherer, Besvärjelsen, Novarupta and Firebreather among others. Most notably, punk icons Skitsystem will release their first new song in 18 years on this compilation.
Mikael Stanne (Grand Cadaver, The Halo Effect, Dark Tranquillity) remarked, “When we were approached to contribute, it was a no-brainer. Music is therapy for many, and we hope to help raise as much money as possible for Suicide Zero.”
Renowned Johan Reivén at Audiolord Mastering in Gothenburg mastered the album, ensuring a uniform and massive soundscape, while the album cover was designed by Error! Design from Barcelona and is intended to respectfully reflect the profound emotions related to the theme.
In the Loving Memory of You will be available as a double vinyl, sold exclusively through Bengans.se and Suicide Records’ Bandcamp: https://suiciderecordsswe.bandcamp.com
Founded in 2006 by Roger Andersson, Suicide Records has released over a hundred records, sticking to the philosophy of only releasing music worth paying for. Roger’s personal journey from addiction to becoming a key figure in Gothenburg’s music scene is a testament to his resilience and passion for music.
In December 2022, and again in April 2023, Roger faced tragic losses due to suicide within his family. These events, followed by the overdose death of a close friend, spurred Roger into action. He decided to use his connections in the music industry to create something positive out of his sorrow, leading to the creation of In the Loving Memory of You.
1. Grand Cadaver – Long Lost Light
2. Fredag den 13:e – Änglamakerskan
3. The Moth Gatherer – Black Lung
4. Knivad – Isen förlamar
5. M:40 – Tyngdlös
6. Skitsystem – Evig vinter
7. Downfall of Gaia – Concrete Cemeteries.
8. Demonic Death Judge – Poisoner
9. Division of Laura Lee – Vanishing Act
10. Firebreather – Last Train
11. Fabian Brusk Jahn – Perciption of the past
12. Besvärjelsen – Velvet Sky
13. Novarupta – Mosaic
14. Ulmus – Silenci
15. Guhts – Burn My Body
16. Rainbird – Going Down
https://www.suiciderecords.se
https://suiciderecordsswe.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/suiciderds
https://www.instagram.com/suicide_records
