Meet The Swedish Alternative Metalcore Band Imminence
Great to talk with the Swedish band Imminence, as singer/violinist, Eddie Berg and guitarist Harold Barrett joined me on Talkin’ Rock. They’ll be in town playing the famed Saint Andrews Hall on November 29th, in what is their first journey to the States to play. “I mean, for us, it’s a really really big milestone for us to be able to headline a tour, even though it’s a short one,” Harold said. He went on “It’s really remarkable for us,” Eddie said “We just decided to take matters into our own hands” and just take the leap to play over here. So far so good. They were booked to play the Shelter but were bumped upstairs to the bigger room after selling out the smaller one.
The band In Flames kept coming up and I asked them what bands influenced Imminence. Eddie mentioned Linkin Park and listening to Nu Metal in high school. “That was the catalyst I’d say. The union of Scandinavian Metal and Nu Metal”
I’m always fascinated to find out about how bands from those far-off places see live bands. That’s a trick they told me, as many bands and tours don’t get over there. Obviously, we live in a time where kids all over the planet can listen to music from all four corners.
I’ve always wondered, why does so much heavy music come out of Sweden? “I guess it’s something in the air…or the limited amount of sunlight,” Eddie said with a chuckle. Harold mentioned Abba paving the way for a whole new generation of singer/songwriters and breaking open the possibility for generations to come.
Harold told me about guitar players that influenced him. Eddie spoke to some of his influences as well.
As far as 2024 is concerned for the guys, they have a new album coming out, as well as the huge Welcome To Rockville festival. A lot of it is still under wraps, but let’s just say it could be a huge year for the band!
Check out the fun conversation with Eddie and Harold below.
Metallica Destroys At Ford Field With Ice Nine Kills And Five Finger Death Punch
Metallica; two nights, four different openers, one weekend Detroit never forget.
Opening with “Whiplash” and ripping through hits, non-hits, deep cuts, and wrapping up with “One” and “Enter Sandman”. The guys made Detroit their home for the last several days, ending with two packed shows at Ford Field.
Here are some pictures WRIF photographer Will Spurrier took to cap off a weekend of controlled chaos. The Metallica boys know how to do it up right. From the stage setup to the setlists to the fan experiences and the Blackened Whiskey tasting and bottle signings. I even met a member of the band Damage Inc., who traveled with the entire tour and played the Saturday nights at each stop with two other tribute bands.
One thing that I wasn’t sure I was going to like is how the band takes the stage each night. I guess I’m old-school in that way. I don’t want to see the band until they appear on stage. I’d seen all sorts of videos from other shows with the guys just there, hanging among the fans. Well, after seeing them come out of the backstage area, in full view of the crowd, hang during AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock ‘N Roll)”, and then through their intro with the “Ecstasy Of Gold”, I get it now. It’s another thing they do that other bands don’t or simply can’t. As with their music, they’re not afraid to do things out of the ordinary. As they’re waiting to go on stage, it’s almost like they’re part of the crowd waiting for it to begin with the rest of us….but they’re bringing the thunder!
In closing, just a personal thing from me. A big Thank You to every person who stopped me to say Hello, fist bump, shake hands, or yell MELTDOWN from across the corridor. You guys are appreciated. I’m glad we got to spend this weekend together!
-Meltdown-
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
