Lake of Tears
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Daniel Brennare, Jonas Eriksson, Mikael Larsson, Johan Oudhuis |
| Defunct | 2000 (disbanded) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2003 |
| Headquarters | Borås , Sweden |
| Products | Music albums, live recordings |
| Website | www |
Lake of Tears is a Swedish heavy metal group established in 1994, initially recognized for their gothic and doom metal sound, which later evolved to include elements of psychedelic and progressive rock. The band dissolved in 2000 due to artistic disagreements but reunited three years later, releasing the well-received album Black Brick Road. Their eighth studio effort, Illwill, was issued in April 2011, followed by their debut live album, By the Black Sea, in 2014. Their most recent release, Ominous, arrived on 18 February 2021.
Formation and early period
Lake of Tears was formed in the early 1990s by Daniel Brennare, Jonas Eriksson, Mikael Larsson, and Johan Oudhuis. Their debut album, Greater Art (1994), released through Black Mark Production, showcased a doom metal style characterized by gritty vocals and heavy guitar riffs. This initial sound was largely set aside in subsequent albums until revisited on Illwill.
Their sophomore record, Headstones (1995), represented a stylistic shift towards a more melodic yet melancholic tone, merging doom metal foundations with psychedelic fantasy-inspired themes to craft dense and atmospheric compositions.
Peak period: A Crimson Cosmos
In 1997, Lake of Tears unveiled A Crimson Cosmos, which became their most acclaimed album at that time. Departing from the refined approach of Headstones, this release introduced hypnotic melodies and a fresh creative direction. The title track revealed clear influences from progressive and psychedelic pioneers such as Pink Floyd, while tracks like "Lady Rosenred" and "Raistlin and the Rose" drew heavily on fantasy motifs. Prior to the album's release, rhythm guitarist Jonas Eriksson exited the band and was succeeded by Ulrik Lindblom; Lindblom left by 1999 and was replaced by Magnus Sahlgren, who contributed lead guitar and songwriting on Forever Autumn and later works but was officially inducted only after the 2004 album Black Brick Road.
The 1999 release, Forever Autumn, marked a departure toward a softer, introspective mood with continued fantasy imagery. The addition of keyboardist Christian Saarinen briefly enhanced the band's sonic palette during this period.
Disbandment
Following personal conflicts, creative disputes, and insufficient label backing, Lake of Tears disbanded shortly after issuing Forever Autumn. However, contractual commitments with Black Mark Production necessitated one more album. Brennare and Sahlgren recorded The Neonai in 2002, an album infused with electronica influences featuring drum machines and polished production. Despite its hurried creation, the record contained inspired songwriting and memorable tunes.
Reunion and recent developments
Reforming in 2003, Lake of Tears reignited their creative drive, culminating in the 2004 release of Black Brick Road. Frustrated by Black Mark Production's promotional efforts, they signed with Noise Records. This album embraced abstract themes centered on emotions and dreamlike imagery rather than traditional fantasy storytelling. Following its release, Magnus Sahlgren was officially integrated into the band lineup.
Their seventh studio album, Moons and Mushrooms (2007), showcased a heavier guitar-driven sound developed organically during rehearsals. This marked a shift from keyboard-centric melodies toward a more robust rock style while retaining Brennare's signature melancholic lyricism.
Released in 2011, Illwill adopted an even darker and weightier tone, replacing sorrowful subjects with bleak visual themes.
On 31 January 2014, Lake of Tears presented their first live recording titled By the Black Sea, capturing a full concert performance from Bucharest featuring sixteen tracks; it was offered as both a DVD/CD package.
On 13 July 2020, Daniel Brennare revealed his diagnosis of chronic leukemia, mentioning that Illwill subtly reflected his personal battle with the illness. He also indicated that their forthcoming album would be named "Ominous".
Current line-up
- Daniel Brennare — vocals, guitars, and additional keyboards (1994–present)
Past members
- Jonas Eriksson — rhythm guitar (1994–1997)
- Christian Saarinen — keyboards (1999–2000)
- Ulrik Lindblom — guitar (1997–1999)
- Magnus Sahlgren — lead guitar (guest appearance: 1999 / official member: 2004–2009)
- Mikael Larsson — bass guitar (1994–2015)
- Johan Oudhuis — drums (1994–2017)
- Fredrik Jordanius — lead guitar (2009–2015)
Studio albums
- Greater Art (1994)
- Headstones (1995)
- A Crimson Cosmos (1997)
- Forever Autumn (1999)
- The Neonai (2002)
- Black Brick Road (2004)
- Moons and Mushrooms (2007)
- Illwill (2011)
- Ominous (2021)
EPs and singles
- Demo 1 (1993)
- Lady Rosenred (1997)
- Sorcerers / Nathalie and the Fireflies (2002)
- Wyverns (2014)
Compilation albums
- Greatest Tears Vol. I (2004)
- Greatest Tears Vol. II (2004)
Live recordings
- By the Black Sea (2014)
External links
- 1994 establishments in Sweden
- AFM Records artists
- Beverina Productions artists
- Black Mark Production artists
- Casus Belli Musica artists
- Century Media Records artists
- Locomotive Music artists
- Sanctuary Records artists
- Swedish doom metal musical groups
- Swedish gothic metal musical groups
- Swedish gothic rock groups
- Swedish heavy metal musical groups
- Musical groups disestablished in 2000
- Musical groups established in 1994
- Musical groups reestablished in 2003
- Swedish musical quartets
- Noise Records artists
- Victor Records artists
- Musical groups from Borås