On April 16, 1980, the post-punk world was forever altered with the release of Joy Division's seminal album 'Closer.' Following the band's groundbreaking debut, 'Unknown Pleasures,' this album solidified their place in music history. With haunting tracks like 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and 'Isolation,' 'Closer' painted a dark yet compelling picture of despair and emotional turbulence. The record was a remarkable commercial success, peaking at number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and gaining a cult following that endures to this day. The original pressing of 'Closer' is a prized possession among vinyl collectors, often sought after for its striking cover art and immersive sound that encapsulates the bleak yet beautiful essence of the band's unique style. Vinyl enthusiasts recognize the limited vinyl releases of the album that have emerged over the years, including the 2015 remastered edition, which has rekindled interest in the band's profound impact on alternative music. Joy Division's music resonated deeply not only within the UK but also around the world, influencing countless artists and movements in the decades that followed. Tragically, the band's frontman, Ian Curtis, passed away just a few days before their U.S. tour was set to begin, adding a haunting layer to the album's legacy. Despite this heart-wrenching loss, 'Closer' remains a testament to Joy Division's genius and emotional depth. The album has inspired a myriad of genres, from goth to indie rock, proving that even in darkness, music can shine brightly. Today, 'Closer' stands as an iconic record, forever etched in the annals of music history, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion through the power of vinyl.
Diamond Kobra
Diamond Kobra is: B.B. Baconsson | Keys, Synthesizers, Voice Otto Løfgren | Synthesizers, Voice, Programming
WE ARE DIAMOND KOBRA In 1984, Swedish siblings Elin and Emeli-Sofi Lundin formed a band called Diamond Kobra. Lacking recording equipment, they sought a way to capture their music on tape. One evening, they seized the opportunity to use Nightingale Studios at a reduced rate following another group's session. They spent the night jamming and successfully recorded a demo tape. However, just a week later, a winter storm devastated the studio, and the demo, along with other materials, was placed in a provisional archive.
Fast forward to 2017, 34 years later, when Rögnvaldr Nyström acquired the studio and discovered the Diamond Kobra demo tracks. Recognizing the Lundin name on the tape, he reached out to his friend Otto Løfgren, whose wife, Ida, is related to the Lundins. Løfgren, a skilled programmer and technology enthusiast, teamed up with his friend Bjørn Bors Baconsson, who owns a studio equipped with a tape machine. Upon hearing the demo, they realized the potential to create an album from it, as it encapsulated the pure joy of the ’80s. They collaborated with fellow musicians to revitalize the music.
The original 1984 recordings showcased exceptional electronic music with a distinct sound. With the addition of vibrant synthesizers and powerful guitars, they honed their craft into what Diamond Kobra is known for: High-Voltage Darksynth.
Baconsson, drawing from his background in film scoring, crafted a narrative for the album, envisioning a distant future where each song serves as a chapter in a novel. This conceptual album features characters and storylines intertwined with soundtrack elements.
The project commenced in early 2018, with recordings taking place across Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the USA. Løfgren and Baconsson were thrilled to collaborate with notable musicians such as Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, Jarmo Mäkkeli of Psychopunch, K.D. Johansen of Supercharger, and the renowned Amott Brothers: Michael Amott & Christopher Amott during the album’s production.
The album's cover artwork was crafted by Tom Hodge, a respected movie poster artist known for his work with The Dude Designs.
