Let’s talk about Close Your Eyes the latest offering from Swedish heavy metallers Liv Sin—a record that’s as fierce as it is polished, and manages to pack both heavy grooves and infectious melodies. Liv Sin formed back in 2016, but its roots stretch even further, thanks to frontwoman Liv Jagrell, formerly the powerhouse vocalist of Sister Sin. Sister Sin carved out their reputation delivering hard-hitting, old-school metal with a punky attitude until they disbanded. Liv Sin emerged from the ashes, determined to keep that spirit alive but also eager to push boundaries and evolve. The band quickly established themselves as a modern force in metal, blending traditional influences with a punchy, contemporary edge. Their earlier records, like Follow Me and Burning Sermons, set the tone: aggressive, catchy, and loaded with attitude. So, expectations are high for Close Your Eyes.
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Imagine a thunderstorm over a neon city: that’s Liv Sin. Their sound is a fusion of classic heavy metal (think Judas Priest, Warlock) and modern metal production, with Liv’s commanding vocals leading the charge. Riffs are chunky and driving, the rhythm section is tight and relentless, and the choruses are big enough to get stuck in your head for days. There’s a theatrical flair to their music, but it never overshadows the power and raw emotion at the core.
The album kicks off with “Praise the Winners,” blending stomping riffs with raw yet powerfully melodic vocals. The song’s structure is tight with a chorus that is instantly memorable, thunderous drums and a dizzying guitar solo. “Run” serves as a warning; it’s dark, brooding and ominous with a seductive edge. Liv’s vocal range is well showcased here between almost creepy doll-like vocals, powerful fry screams and guttural growls. The album’s title and lead track has a dark feel about it, especially considering it tackles the subject of human trafficking. It packs a punch with blast-beats, epic keyboards and serious attitude. Liv’s vocals are accompanied by guest vocalist Lars Palmqvist of Scar Symmetry to create a powerful, multilayered dynamic.
One thing which is prevalent throughout the entire album is the band’s ability to create melodically rich tracks whilst still maintaining a heavy presence of aggression. “Louder” for example is catchy, highly addictive and will most likely serve as a crowd pleaser with its memorable, chant-worthy chorus and fist-pumping atmosphere. Likewise, “It’s Not Your Life” capitalises on the aggression and claps back at societal norms and expectations. Both “Above The Line” and “Shades Of The Sun” explode straight out the gate and charge forward with frantic energy and a battering ram of sheer ferocity. Their Swedish routes are prevalent throughout these tracks in particular with captivating guitar riffs and synthy goodness reminiscent of early 2000s In Flames and Arch Enemy. The sudden, devastating breakdown in “Above The Line” is earth-shattering and unexpected but well placed followed by another flying guitar solo.
“Raven” has heavy influences of Judas Priest with a slight dusting of gothic darkness. It bulldozes its way forward in a muscular fashion full of mid-tempo groove stomps, swinging back and forth with the force of a sledgehammer. “I Refuse” however returns to a frantic pace of furious riffs, ethereal synths and rampaging blast-beats. It also sees the return of Liv’s clean and melodic vocals amongst the attention grabbing screams. “The Mask” showcases the band’s ability to play around with progressive time signatures and layers of keyboards. The track itself is anthemic in nature and despite it being the penultimate track of the album, it doesn’t falter or lose its intensity. “Hold It Together” is a fantastic example of the band’s artistry and musical prowess and presents itself as the perfect conclusion. Soaring guitar riffs, strong and emotively commanding energy and captivating atmosphere.
Close Your Eyes is a rock-solid release from Liv Sin—fierce, polished, and packed with undeniable energy. It’s not an album that reinvents the heavy metal wheel, but it doesn’t need to. What it delivers is powerful, passionate modern metal with hooks that grab you and performances that leave a mark. Liv Jagrell’s vocals remain a force of nature, and the band behind her is tight, talented, and clearly having a blast. This album is likely to delight longtime fans and anyone with a taste for melodic, old-school-meets-modern heavy metal. If you’re after something avant-garde, you might not find it here, but if you want big riffs, soaring vocals, and songs you’ll want to blast at full volume, Close Your Eyes is more than worth your time.
In short: crank it up, and don’t be afraid to sing along. Liv Sin show no signs of slowing down, and Close Your Eyes proves they’re only getting stronger.
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Close Your Eyes is out on August 8th via Seek and Strike
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