Linger – Rise (2026)
Known for Ikea, pickled herring, the Vikings, and smorgasbords, Sweden has a distinctive culture that is embraced by the world. Along with those cultural references, Sweden is also known for hard rock musicians like Erik Grönwall. Today, in true Nordic rock style, we are introduced to the Swedish trio Linger. Three burly-looking lads with the quintessential brusqueness of rockers, Linger isn’t a band you would consider taking lightly. You imagine loud noise, brash blasts, and a great shudder of the floorboards when you listen to their music, but Linger is also sensitive, intimate and vulnerable, weaving their raw emotion into moving melodies. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Rise’.
Produced by Linger, with mixing and mastering by Johan Snöfeldt and Anders Theander, ‘Rise’ is an almost ballad-style rock tune. Five minutes of soft, soothing, heart-warming rock. So easy to listen to, encouraging you to lean back in your armchair, close your eyes, and simply enjoy the music. Interestingly, while the track brims with instruments and powerful vocals, there is a sensitive simplicity lurking within. A combination of Tony Lind’s crashing drums, Christopher Broman Tak’s dynamic bass, and Thomas Juto and Staffan Johansson’s soaring guitars, one might imagine a kaleidoscopic weave; however, the elements might entwine with intricacy, but an odd bare-bones quality remains.
For me, the rock melody is enchanting as Isabelle Andö’s violin and Erik Hamrefors’ cello dip in, adding a haunting, vulnerable tinge to ‘Rise’. The thing is, just as it is melodically weighty, the lyricism and theme really add profound significance. Linger explains:
“We all know the images. The fall of the Berlin Wall; the parades at the end of WWII; the incredulous look on the faces of people who seem to have just exited a long nightmare, not yet sure if this new reality can be trusted. Then, there’s the damage done to people, places, and trust in humanity. The hope of a better world is alive, but so is the doubt that a better world is possible, humanity being what it is. With resolve, sighs of pure relief and tears for those who grieve, we carry on… We rise together, or not at all. This is a song for those moments.”
In addition to the single, Linger released an official music video for ‘Rise’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about Linger on their Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
