I have been talking about my new album for what seems like forever. No original material has been released in over two years but that doesn’t mean I haven’t kept myself busy with songwriting and recording. Finally I have something to share with all of you; my new album is entitled Eternal White and it will see its release in 2019.
Eternal White is a concept album based on true events:
The story is set in December 1718. The Swedish invasion of Norway has failed. It’s been a month since the Swedish king, Charles XII, was killed in the Norwegian town Fredrikshald. The southern forces of the Swedish army (known as the Carolean army after their king) retreated immediately across the border, but unfortunately, the northern forces are only learning about the king’s death now. It’s already winter and their retreat through the Norwegian mountains turns into a catastrophe; 3000 men freeze to death during what has become known as “The Carolean Death March”. The story of Eternal White takes place in the night on the lake of Essand in Tydal, not far from the Swedish border. The young soldier Peter is suffering from severe frostbite and hypothermia. He knows death is imminent and as he slowly succumbs he fades into a state of hallucination in which he relives moments of his life.
Ever since I was a little boy I’ve been fascinated by this story. This is a story of war-weary soldiers who are pawns in a wide scale game of power. It’s a story of a national tragedy as well as a personal one for everyone involved. The story screams to be metallized. Eternal White is way heavier and more symphonic than my previous albums. The earlier albums explored the sound of AOR, pop, progressive and heavy metal. This time I wanted to go full-scale symphonic metal and stay true to that sound throughout the album. Guest artists and release date will be announced in early 2019.
The artwork for this album is made by the incredibly talented artist, Peter Sallai. I absolutely love Peter’s work. What he has delivered for Sabaton is just stunning. Peter was the perfect choice for a war themed cover. I am very happy that he had the time and that he wanted to create the visuals for my new album. He really managed to capture the darkness and desperation of the story in one picture and in my opinion, the cover art couldn’t have been better.
More great news: my webstore has been updated with some cool new items. In addition to the two previous CD releases you’ll find two t-shirt designs; one with the Eternal White cover and one with the On Through the Storm cover. There’s also a small number of coffee mugs left and lots of bottle openers with the On Through the Storm design. Every purchase is a contribution to the recording and mixing of Eternal White and highly appreciated.