Review: GAUPA ‘Fyr’
Back in November of 2022, I was having a conversation with one of my Instagram friends, and the topic of incredible new bands worth checking out came up. My friend Johnny was absolutely raving about Sweden’s GAUPA, a band that I should definitely get on to.
He couldn’t say enough incredible things about them, so, following his lead I promptly got myself educated. I ordered their newest release at the time, an awesome album entitled Myriad and fell into a little rabbit hole.
Jumping forward to 2025 and the rumblings of a new release from the GAUPA camp were true, which had been a long time coming for me personally. Having wondered what they had been up to, amongst everything else they’ve had going on, they’ve still found the time to come back with the absolutely astounding Fyr. It’s a five-track opus, comprising of four studio tracks and an eleven-minute live track, recorded back in 2023, as part of a live studio session. It’s actually the merging of two tracks, which should stamp down forever more just how impressive a collective this band is.
The band, now a quartet, is made up of Jimmy Hurtig on drums, Erik Jerka Sävströmon bass, David Zol Rosbergon guitars, and the otherworldly enchantress that is Emma Näslund assuming the vocal duties. One thing that always struck me was the formidable quality in Emma’s vocal style. It has an air of Björk about it, and there’s a Scandinavian swagger that elevates the charm beyond merely a comparison. Although there is a similarity in both, with the alt-rock backdrop which accompanies Emma’s vocal, this transforms the experience into a more surreal listening experience indeed.
As for Fyr (which translates to ‘lighthouse’ or ‘four’ depending on context), it marks their fourth release, and, as mentioned earlier, it features four new tracks, giving the title an extra layer of significance.
Opening with Lions Thorn, which comes in at just shy of eight minutes, it’s a great initial return and reignites the inferno that is their sound. A considered pensive start opens out into a tentative progression, and as Emma’s hypnotic vocal washes in, it’s only a matter of time before a crushing outpouring inevitably ensues.
It ebbs back temporarily before hitting back for a second time. They bring the heat like no one else, and it’s furious in its vibrancy. Dropping back for a final time before its ultimate explosion of majesty, nothing is held back for the final flourish. Absolutely electric, utterly epic, GAUPA are back, and boy, what a return it is.
An epic band, with an epic album, GAUPA are everything that is phenomenal about heavy alternative music…
Heavy Lord picks up where Lions Thorn left off, but this time it’s more of a driving approach. The heady mix of pulsing guitars and drums provides a riveting backdrop for the piece, and the combination of bassy rumbling and pummelling kick drum are devastating throughout. Emma’s vocal this time are fuller, as thunderous as its soundtrack, and as cool as it is fierce. This is the thing with GAUPA, they are such a versatile band, they can change lanes between tracks, without losing any momentum or energy. It’s utterly compelling.
Track three, Ten Of Twelve is a twin guitar stomp. One of the straighter rockier numbers on the album, it honours their rock roots, without compromising on quality. Letting the guitar lead the way, it solidifies just how technically proficient each member is. Yes, Emma is the gem that draws you in, but the uber dynamic instrumentation of Jimmy, Erik and David keeps you engaged, even during the quieter moments.
Elastic Sleep sees a return of those Björk-esque tones, which, for me, is a joy; I love the uniqueness and eclectic warmth that they embody. At times awkward and disjointed, therein lies the charm in the storytelling. It’s this ability to direct the sonic experience into another realm where GAUPA set one of their strengths. Add to that the crushing breakdowns, those soaring guitar highs, and bassy guttural twinges, it makes for an experience that resonates far deeper inside than most other music can reach.
It’s at this point where things deviate a little. Added to the album is the inclusion of not one, but two tracks from a 2023 live studio session, which was recorded at Monkey Moon Studios. Sömnen & Febersvan is an exposé on how incredible the band are in a live setting too. The recording is so wonderful that it captures a performance that proves just how great they are, disregarding whether it’s live or with the safety net of being able to go back and fine-tune a performance.
It’s a beautiful ending, and instead of being tagged on to make the time up, it’s equally as relevant as its four predecessors. It leaves no doubt as to just how formidable this band are, and if you have any sense, you will seek them out immediately, because you will be forever changed once you have.
An epic band, with an epic album, GAUPA are everything that is phenomenal about heavy alternative music, find them, love them, tell all your friends…
Label: Magnetic Eye Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
