Closer

Closer is a Swedish melodic death metal band originating from Hagfors, Värmland. Originally performing under the name Withered, the group gained significant underground traction in the mid-2000s, eventually being named Sweden's best unsigned band by the influential Close-Up Magazine.

Their sound is firmly rooted in the tradition of the 'Gothenburg Style,' characterized by the use of melodic lead guitar lines over a death metal rhythmic foundation. Their 2008 debut, 'A Darker Kind of Salvation,' serves as their definitive statement, showcasing a blend of aggressive thrash tempos and melancholic harmonic structures. The band's lineup, featuring Andreas Melberg's distinctive harsh vocals and Per Bergquist's technical guitar work, positioned them alongside peers like Dark Age and Omnium Gatherum. Critically, they are noted for maintaining a raw, high-energy approach while utilizing the polished production standards typical of the Swedish scene. While the name 'Closer' is shared by several disparate acts in the indie and emo spheres, the Swedish metal entity remains a cult favorite for collectors of late-2000s melodic death metal.