Faceshift

Lore & Background

Faceshift was formed in 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden. The band's music is rooted in classic heavy metal from the 1980s and 1990s but incorporates elements of grunge, prog, death, and blues. Their second album, *All Crumbles Down*, released in 2015 on Mighty Music, was critically acclaimed and reflects the diverse musical origins of its members: drummer Stefan Norgren's prog metal roots from Seventh Wonder, singer Timo Hovinen's grunge-esque vocals, bassist Mika Kajanen and rhythm guitarist Petri Tarvainen's death metal influences, and lead guitarist David Bertilsson's bluesy touch.

The band's first album, *Reconcile*, was released in 2008 on Black Lodge Records. They also released a single, "A New Beginning," in 2012, and an earlier single, "Chokehold," in 2008. The band's lineup has changed over time: past members include guitarists Peter Nagy-Eklöf (2005–2008) and bassists Peter Wendin (2005–2008) and Mika Kajanen (2008–2016). The current members, as listed on their official Facebook page, are Timo Hovinen (lead vocals), Stefan Norgren (drums, backing vocals), David Bertilsson (lead guitar), Petri Tarvainen (rhythm guitar), and Helene Norgren (bass guitar).

Reader's Guide

Faceshift represents a fusion of classic heavy metal with diverse subgenres, including grunge, progressive metal, death metal, and blues. Their second album, *All Crumbles Down*, is noted for its critical acclaim and for embodying the varied musical backgrounds of its members, from prog metal to death metal to blues. The band's discography includes two full-length albums and two singles, with releases on labels such as Black Lodge Records and Mighty Music. While not a mainstream act, Faceshift's blend of styles and the individual reputations of its members—particularly Stefan Norgren's involvement with Seventh Wonder—give the band a place in the broader metal scene. Their music demonstrates how metal can absorb and reinterpret elements from other genres, and their lineup changes reflect the evolving nature of the band over time. The band's significance lies in their eclectic approach and the critical recognition of their 2015 album.

Did You Know?

• Faceshift was formed in 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Their second album, *All Crumbles Down*, was released in 2015 on Mighty Music.
• Drummer Stefan Norgren also played in the prog metal band Seventh Wonder.
• The band's current bassist is Helene Norgren, who replaced Mika Kajanen in 2016.