Swedish heavy metal quartet Black Steam encapsulate the energy and soul of classic, old-school metal while keeping things interesting with more modern influences in a diverse sound they describe as “powerful, melodic and defiant.”
The Linköping band was formed in the summer of 2017 when vocalist Stefan Borg decided he wanted to create original material after several years playing cover songs. He posted in a local Facebook group and quickly had the first lineup in place with Wilhelm Glanz and Jan Högström on guitars, Hans Liljebladh on bass and Oscar Rask on drums. Over time, the band evolved, including Wilhelm departing earlier this year, and Stefan is now joined by Kennet Jansson on guitar, Hans Liljebladh on bass and Uffe Tillman on drums.
As Stefan explains: “From the beginning, our goal was clear – to create melodic, classic heavy metal with a strong visual presence on stage that would really grab the audience. Wilhelm left the band in early 2025, just before the recording of our upcoming album. Since the majority of the new material was already written, we decided to go ahead and record the album as a four-piece. That said, we do intend to bring in an additional guitarist to complete the full sound we want for our live shows.”
And on the sound they’ve crafted, Stefan told us: “Our sound is rooted in classic heavy metal – think Judas Priest meets Ghost – but we pride ourselves on variation. While everything we do is guitar-driven and melodic, we like to explore a wide dynamic range. Some songs are hard-hitting and aggressive, others more atmospheric and restrained, but always with intensity and purpose.
“A good example is Fight, from our first full-length album Come To My Darkness, where we had the honor of featuring renowned cellist Svante Henryson (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Elvis Costello). It’s a track that blends heavy riffs with haunting cello – showing that metal can be both brutal and beautiful.”
To give us a taste for this, the band sent us Heavy Metal, which was released in May. It kicks off with a lively bouncy riff that continues under a funky little guitar solo and drops into an engaging opening verse. That builds up to a catchy chorus of “Heavy metal, Pounding in our hearts, Heavy metal, Too strong to tear apart.” A more intense second verse follows with multiple vocal parts, flowing into another big chorus that gives way to a laid-back guitar lick over spoken vocals. That ends with a blistering guitar solo setting up concluding blasts of the chorus.
On the track, Stefan said: “The reception has been fantastic! Heavy Metal is the first single from our upcoming album, and it’s already streamed over 20,000 times since its release at the end of May. It’s a bold, riff-driven anthem that pays homage to the genre itself – heavy, catchy, and full of energy. If you’re into old-school metal with a modern edge, you won’t be disappointed.”
The band have since followed that up with Rise Up, which was released last week and Stefan describes as “a track about overcoming adversity and finding your strength.” It opens up with chunky guitar chords that give way to engaging vocals answered by little guitar flurries, before rolling drums build up to a big singalong chorus. Check it out in the video here:
Both those tracks come from Black Steam’s upcoming album, which will be released next Spring. On the album, Stefan told us: “We’re incredibly excited about it. It’s our most ambitious work so far – a mix of classic heavy metal with dark undertones and big, melodic choruses. Expect a dynamic, high-energy album that reflects both our roots and our evolution as a band.”
The Black Steam sound has been shaped by growing up on hard rock and heavy metal legends like Judas Priest, Metallica, Ghost, Sabaton and Iron Maiden, plus a wide range of individual influences. For example, Stefan tells us he grew up on bands like The Sweet and KISS before moving on to the likes of AC/DC, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. And, more recently, he’s a big fan of bands like In Flames, Five Finger Death Punch, and Parkway Drive, which embodies the band’s combination of old-school attitude and modern aggression.
And on what inspires them to write music, Stefan explained: “Much of the inspiration comes from life itself – the highs and lows, joy and sorrow, victories and defeats. I try to write lyrics that are honest and emotionally grounded – stories and feelings that people can relate to. While my background in aviation and the military sometimes comes through in themes like resilience, loyalty and brotherhood, it’s just one part of the picture.
“Just as important is the love for the metal community – the fans, the power of the music, the sense of belonging. That energy and connection inspire us just as much as any life experience. I tend to stay away from politics, but I’m not afraid to take a stand when something truly matters.”
Black Steam will continue to release new singles building up to the album release next year, ahead of which they’ll also be dropping new merch and video content and have new shows lined up.
And Stefan added: “We live and breathe heavy metal. Everything we do – from the songwriting to our stage presence – comes from a deep love for this genre. We want to move people, fire them up, and give them a sense of power and connection through our music.”
You can follow Black Steam on Facebook and Instagram, and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and YouTube.
GigRadar 