Based out of Sweden, Liv Jagrell is one of the fiercest vocalists in Heavy Metal today. A powerhouse singer who leaves it all on the stage each time she performs, she has one foot set in traditional Heavy Metal, with another in the modern scene.
First building a foundation with her band Sister Sin, they would release five albums between 2002 and 2014, plus tour the world (including a stint on Mayhem Festival in 2015). Unfortunately, Sister Sin dissolved in late 2015, thus leaving Jagrell in limbo. Looking for her next move, she formed Liv Sin in 2016, going on to release two albums – 2017’s Follow Me and 2019’s Burning Sermons.
Seeming to find a new path with Liv Sin, the band hit a little bump in the road in late 2019 when Guitarist Christoffer Bertzell bowed out. In a strange turn of events Sister Sin reactivated around the same time, so it seemed like that would be the detoured path Jagrell would follow; but she clearly had her heart invested in Liv Sin. Liv Sin, more Heavy Metal than Sister Sin stylistically, is something Jargell is perfect for. That is why it is great that she has kept the vision of the band moving forward, retooled over the last couple of years, and returned in a big way in 2023 with KaliYuga.
Liv Sin’s third studio album, KaliYuga arrived on January 27th through Mighty Music and might have flown under the radar for some. An album that is clearly the most experimental Jagrell has ever partook in, it is a mixture of vocals that see her going harsher and softer both at the same time. A bold move, it is one that adds another dynamic to the powerful singer’s repertoire and actually makes for interesting diversity. Thus, Jagrell, along with the latest lineup of Per Bjelovuk on drums, Daniel Skoglund on bass, plus Jay Matharu and Krille Kellerman on guitars create an album that is heavy, yet oozing with plenty of color.
In fact, one could argue this is Liv Sin’s best effort to date because it feels like they took off the reins and just ran wild. Sometimes a recipe for disaster, because it can result in a lack of direction, in the case of KaliYuga it works spectacularly well because it unlocks Jagrell’s true potential.
These aspects hit you right in the face as soon as you hear “The Process” where Jagrell unleashes a myriad of different styles all in one song! From here you also have bangers like “Antihero,” “Karma,” and the anthemic, uplifting “I Am The Storm.” And then other highlights that follow include “Virus,” where Jagrell is again all over the spectrum, plus “Horizon of Black” where you are dazzled with guitars, keyboards, and of course, a lively vocal performance.
In truth, if you somehow missed the release of KaliYuga early in 2023, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. A delightful surprise and step forward for Liv Sin, Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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