GAUPA: Fyr (STONER): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

It has now been several years since women took power in metal, whatever form it takes. No one will complain about that. As a corollary to this victory, the combination of heavy riffs and female vocals is no longer surprising, and there are ultimately not that many bands with a real identity. Noticed by the powerful Nuclear Blast, Gaupa is one of the rare chosen ones, owing much to its formidable singer Emma Näslund, whose haunting vocals, tinged with cold melancholy, make her a sort of doom/stoner version of Björk, a label that nevertheless fails to do her justice.

“Fyr” is not strictly speaking the successor to the acclaimed “Myriad” (2022) but a mini album. While this type of short format generally allows artists to sell off leftover compositions or keep fans waiting, this one is much more than that. Admittedly, the opus only offers four tracks, complemented by a long live track (recorded in the studio), but it nonetheless marks an important milestone in Gaupa's career in many ways.

Visually, the cover of this EP stands out from its predecessors, which were colorful and all featured the animal (the lynx) that gives the band its name. Less anecdotal, “Fyr” is above all the Scandinavians' first recording since the departure of guitarist Daniel Nygren, whom they decided not to replace, with David Rosberg now playing solo in this position. This change forced them to work differently and change their habits.

While their captivating and multifaceted musical identity remains intact, these four tracks have a slightly heavier feel than usual, as evidenced by the stirring 'Heavy Lord', which Queens Of The Stone Age would not have disowned in their “Songs For The Deaf” era. Each composition nonetheless exudes its own personality, range, and hook. Introduced by almost cabalistic sounds, 'Lion's Thorn' stretches out over a heavy, rough substrate with seismic bass lines and mysterious atmospheres inoculated by Emma Näslund's powerfully haunting voice. 'Ten Of Twelve' navigates the haunting waters of groovy psychedelic pop. Its eight minutes provide 'Elastic Sleep' with the burgeoning framework of an evolving, multi-layered altarpiece that is haunting, dark, but always intoxicating.

Closing with a live version of ‘Somnen’ that is as surprising as it is feverish, followed by ‘Ferbersvan’, does "Fyr" mark the beginning of a lasting evolution for Gaupa? Only time will tell. In any case, it confirms the talent and unique personality of a precious band.
- Official website

GAUPA

FYR

NUCLEAR BLAST

STONER