We all know just how strong the Swedish Stoner Rock scene really is. From Truckfighters to Dozer to Lowrider, you don’t have to look long or hard to find killer bands from Sweden.
Add Cavem3n to the list.
A fuzz-drenched Stoner Rock band based in the Blues and filled with a love for Psychedelic Rock, some have described Cavem3n as a cross between Graveyard and The Black Crowes. An even better description: On The Stalefield Incident, the band sounds like early Greenleaf or All Them Witches, blending a love of fuzzy Blues Rock with Classic Rock sensibilities.
Although The Stalefield Incident was originally released in 2019, the band breathed new life into the record back in November of 2021. And we’re so glad they sent it along. The album opens on one of the strongest openers we’ve heard in a long, long time.
About Cavem3n
Cavem3n formed on the west coast of Sweden back in 2009. Originally a trio, the band added current drummer Anders Jacobsson in 2013. Cavem3n is:
- Bonny Koskela Andersson – Guitars & Vocals
- Richard Maisa – Bass
- Anders “Pompe” Jacobsson – Drums
- Nicklas Andersson – Vocals & Guitars
On The Stalefield Incident, Nicklas Andersson also managed mixing and mastering.
The Stalefield Incident Album Review
Release Date: November 30, 2021
Tracks: 7
Length: 43:34
Track 1 – Six Feet From Death
“Six Feet From Death” is an immediate classic—even within the first few measures. This energetic Blues Rock track features a big, fun riff blasted through warm, fuzzy guitars. Paired with those lightly distorted vocals, there’s an exciting charm throughout “Six Feet From Death,” even when the band slips into the chorus filled with dramatic urgency.
Track 2 – Taylor
After the bombastic energy of “Six Feet From Death,” “Taylor” is comparatively relaxed, channeling Our Mother Electricity-era All Them Witches and Revolution Rock-era Greenleaf. There’s a certain level of ambition within “Taylor,” a 10-minute song that ebbs and flows in direction and intention. Although the bulk of the second half is slow and meandering, its powerful introduction and exciting conclusion make the trip worthwhile.
Track 3 – Gacy
A slow, fuzzy track with a thick bass line, “Gacy” offers a gradual build with a fiery conclusion. For all of the song’s merits, there’s one line that makes this especially memorable:
“He’s a wicked man / and the son of a rainbow!”
Track 4 – Forlorn
Another serviceable Blues Rock song, “Fornlorn” relies on dramatic vocals and a Psychedelic—almost mystical—breakdown to stun listeners.
Like “Gacy,” “Fornlorn” features some of the best lyrics on the album. Be sure to listen closely!
Track 5 – Burning Bridges
Surprisingly, the opening notes to “Burning Bridges” sound like they were plucked right from the intro of Alt Metal band Shinedown’s popular “45,” but that comparison drops away as the song’s intro solo appears. Beautiful and emotive, “Burning Bridges” relies on those Classic Rock vibes and layered vocals to create a lovely yet heartbreaking soundscape.
Track 6 – The Last Song
Don’t let the name fool you—“The Last Song” isn’t the last song on the album. “The Last Song” opens on a Psychedelic note, relying on a gradual bass line and ethereal guitars to drift the song forward—as if Pink Floyd tried its hand at the Blues. As the song builds, we really get a better feel for Jacobsson’s true ability on the drums, as he does away with the restraint he’s shown on previous songs and pounds into the kit for an explosive adrenaline rush.
Track 7 – Bundy
After a chaotic introduction, “Bundy” offers big, rolling drums and a tense arrangement on the bass and guitar, driving the song forward. On “Bundy,” Cavem3n relies on beautifully layered vocals to really build the tension in the song, pushing into a dramatic conclusion that ends the album on a feeling of desperation and despair.
Final Thoughts
Final Score: 8/10
Standout Tracks: “Six Feet From Death,” “Taylor,” and “Forlorn”
Pros: “Six Feet From Death” is a powerful opener, one that immediately elevates the album regardless of anything that comes after it. Packed from front to back with big, energetic riffs and a blistering guitar solo, “Six Feet From Death” is a rare treat to be savored for its entire duration.
We occasionally see the same brilliance that permeates “Six Feet From Death” in moments throughout The Stalefield Incident. The first half of “Taylor” towers with cool swagger. “Gacy” is a perfect example of the band’s ability to establish, build, and ride emotion. And “Forlorn” shows just how heavy the band can really rock.
Cons: The Stalefield Incident is a strong album, but the high points experienced in “Six Feet From Death” don’t always reappear throughout the rest of the record. Overall, this is a serviceable Blues Rock album steeped in Stoner vibes and Psychedelic tendencies, but it opens on a song that’s tough to follow. And yes, there are glimmers of that same songwriting strength, but I frequently found myself hoping for another “Six Feet From Death” while listening to the other six songs on the album.
Learn More About Cavem3n
To learn more about Cavem3n, visit their Bandcamp page or check them out on social media (Facebook or Instagram).