In a city where melodic death metal reigns supreme, Bombus has always danced to their own rhythm, blending relentless energy with their distinct “Metal ‘n’ Roll” sound. Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, the band—formed in 2008—has built a reputation for fusing raw power with a touch of groove, never quite fitting into any predefined box. Now, with their latest release, Your Blood, the Bombus Your Blood album shows the band continuing to evolve, delving deeper into melody while keeping the heavy edge that has always defined them.
Speaking with Johan Meiton, Bombus’ vocalist and guitarist, it’s clear the band is entering a new chapter, but without compromising the core identity they’ve crafted over the years. As part of this journey, Bombus has gone through lineup changes and sonic transformations, but their ethos remains the same: create loud, unapologetic music that challenges and excites. From their early albums, which were more blistering and primal, to the Bombus Your Blood album, the band continues to develop while staying true to their heavy roots.
“We’ve always had melodies in our music, so it’s a natural progression rather than a conscious decision,” Johan explains when discussing Your Blood’s more melodic undertones. “It’s just that now, there’s a stronger rock ’n’ roll vibe to it. You can’t stop rock ’n’ roll. At least we couldn’t, didn’t even try,” he adds, capturing their irreverent and free-spirited approach to music.
The decision to record Your Blood independently wasn’t just a logistical choice—it was about full creative freedom. For a band that thrives on authenticity, this allowed them to push their sound even further. Having bassist Ola largely in charge of the recording process may have brought headaches, but it also gave the band total control over their music, free from outside influence.
“There were no doubts. Petter Litvall, who mixed the album, added a little magic—about 6% of it—and that only made it better,” Johan shares. Bombus’ willingness to experiment and collaborate shines through here, with Litvall’s mix elevating the raw material into something new and fresh.
You can hear this progression throughout the Bombus Your Blood album. The melodies feel richer, the rock ’n’ roll elements more pronounced, and the balance between their heavy metal roots and new influences is perfectly executed. Tracks like “Killer” show Bombus at their melodic best, while still hitting with the intensity fans crave.
Despite influences from the likes of Motörhead and Metallica, Johan mentions that Bombus constantly seeks out fresh inspiration, even if that means going off the beaten path. “I was really into Country Teasers when writing my parts for this album. And Maggot Heart, especially the song Soulpolice,” he notes, hinting at the eclectic mix that influences their sound. This is Bombus at their most experimental, with traces of post-punk, alt-rock, and metal intertwining seamlessly.
Coming from Gothenburg, a city famous for its heavy metal exports, you’d think Bombus might feel the pressure to live up to such a legacy. But Johan quickly dismisses the idea. “Our music would have sounded the same if we lived anywhere else in Sweden. It’s cool that Gothenburg has such a strong metal scene, but we couldn’t care less about reputations,” he says with characteristic swagger.
Bombus is all about doing things their own way, and that extends to their live performances. With Your Blood ready to be unleashed on stage, Johan is eager to see how the new songs translate to their live audience. “Hopefully, these new songs will hit just as hard live as our earlier stuff. Our sound has evolved, but it’s still loud and catchy,” he says. Bombus has always excelled in live environments, where their relentless energy and connection with the crowd elevate their music to a new level.
The band’s approach to songwriting has evolved with each album, particularly as they’ve seen lineup changes over the years. Feffe, the main songwriter, continues to lead the creative process, but Johan stresses that Bombus is a collective effort. “If one of us comes up with a hit, it’s a go,” he explains, reflecting the egalitarian spirit that keeps the band dynamic and ever-evolving.
With over 15 years in the industry, Bombus isn’t resting on their laurels. The Bombus Your Blood album reflects a band that’s still hungry, still pushing boundaries, and still finding new ways to excite their fans. The term “Metal ‘n’ Roll” that Bombus coined for their sound feels more fitting than ever. It’s more than just a genre—it’s a way of life for them. “We just play what comes naturally, and Metal ‘n’ Roll seemed like a fitting way to describe our sound. We haven’t thought much more about it,” Johan admits.
As you explore the Bombus Your Blood album, you’ll hear the mix of infectious melodies, massive riffs, and a rebellious attitude that defines Bombus. Songs like “Leave and Let Die” are anthems for a new era of heavy rock, showing that Bombus isn’t content to rest on their past achievements—they’re here to evolve and conquer.
So what’s next for Bombus? Johan is coy about predicting the future, and that’s exactly how they like it. “We love what we do, so the motivation comes from that,” he explains. While they’re certain the next record won’t sound like Your Blood, they’re just as sure that it’ll still be unmistakably Bombus—wild, unpredictable, and completely on their own terms. “Stupid and smart at the same time,” Johan laughs. “The next record might be even more stupid and way smarter. We’ll see.”
As Bombus prepares to hit the road, armed with the bombastic new material from the Bombus Your Blood album, they stand poised to remind fans why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock and metal. Expect the unexpected, because Bombus never plays by the rules—and that’s what makes them so exciting.