The Living Infinite

Released in 2013, The Living Infinite is Soilwork's ninth studio album and a landmark in the melodic death metal genre as its first true double album. Spanning 20 tracks, it marked the debut of guitarist David Andersson, whose songwriting influence introduced a more progressive and classic rock-inflected melodicism to the band's established sound. The album is conceptually tied to the sea and existentialist themes, a departure from the more urban or abstract lyrics of their previous efforts. Despite the departure of founding guitarist Peter Wichers, the band achieved a creative rebirth, balancing the high-speed 'Gothenburg sound' with experimental interludes and diverse vocal arrangements. It was a commercial success for the band, debuting at No. 60 on the Billboard 200, and is widely cited by fans and critics as a high-water mark for their second era.