'All For The King' was formed in 2016 by Erik Tilling and Ricard Hulteke who found each other by way of forums and discussions on Facebook where they expressed similar views on issues regarding God, the Bible, faith, the church and Christianity in general. They spoke about this and decided to meet and it was during this meeting that Erik presented some musical ideas to Ricard, whos jaw dropped when he heard the riffs that Erik had created. Ricard added melody and they decided on lyrics and recorded the three first songs; Rules of love, The old man and Never back down. After that Erik and Ricard contacted bass virtuoso extraordinare Johan Tjernström who added the depth and heavy bass that was needed. Olof Gardestrand contributed on the first three songs with open, heavy rhythms but never decided to be in the band. In January of 2017, heavy rock drummer Richard Tonyson took over the drum throne.
All For The King is a four piece European band from Jönköping, Sweden offering up some of the tightest Modern Hard Rock to be had. However, trying to pigeonhole these Swedish Rockers into one genre seems to be an injustice. The band's arrangements prove much more with technical intricacies weaving in and out with a strong Modern Rock presence found throughout which occasionally melts into some 80's/90's style Rock sounds. Throw in a little Power Metal for good measure and what we have is a band that can appeal to a broad range of listeners.
In an interview in Fireworks Magazine we find that the band considers their style 'Apologetic Hard Rock' meaning - to defend the christian faith. The band believes that we all live in times where christian values have been thrown away and replaced with individualism and postmodern thinking. "We believe that God has given humanity rules not based on the need to control and dominate, but with great love to protect, guide and defend. We want to point out that way"
In the interview the band also states: "The perfect show for us would be to play in a rock club and invite everyone for further socializing in the local church after the gig"
All For The King is a four piece European band from Jönköping, Sweden offering up some of the tightest Modern Hard Rock to be had. However, trying to pigeonhole these Swedish Rockers into one genre seems to be an injustice. The band's arrangements prove much more with technical intricacies weaving in and out with a strong Modern Rock presence found throughout which occasionally melts into some 80's/90's style Rock sounds. Throw in a little Power Metal for good measure and what we have is a band that can appeal to a broad range of listeners.
In an interview in Fireworks Magazine we find that the band considers their style 'Apologetic Hard Rock' meaning - to defend the christian faith. The band believes that we all live in times where christian values have been thrown away and replaced with individualism and postmodern thinking. "We believe that God has given humanity rules not based on the need to control and dominate, but with great love to protect, guide and defend. We want to point out that way"
In the interview the band also states: "The perfect show for us would be to play in a rock club and invite everyone for further socializing in the local church after the gig"
I personally asked the band why they decided to form and the following was their response: "The bible has no grey zones. It is all black or white. Either you are forgiven or you are not, you are saved or you are not, your name is in the book or its not. The world today is all about grey zones - "Do what you want, no one can judge you" and so on. We do not believe that the word of God is about grey areas and we want to bring this message into the light. To tell the truth and speak about the graceful, everlasting and total love that our God stands for. To preach that gospel is why we started the band."
When asked how they chose their band's moniker they had the following to say: "To be able to be a committed disciple, we need to hold nothing back and give everything we have and all that we are to Him. We sing about this in the song "All Tor The King" - I won't keep a thing, I give everything, my soul will sing - All for the King!"
"The musical roots of the band comes from Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Glenn Hughes,
(some) Jorn Lande. But since all of the band members are musicians with long histories in different kinds of music, we pour all of those experiences into the cauldron and brew our own mixture."
(some) Jorn Lande. But since all of the band members are musicians with long histories in different kinds of music, we pour all of those experiences into the cauldron and brew our own mixture."
2017
In 2017 All For The King rocked onto the heavy music scene with the release of their debut full-length self-titled album. This album was released on the "Connection" label and is available in three different formats - vinyl, CD, and digital. The album was independently produced by Erik Tilling - the rhythm guitars, Bass guitars, some vocals and Drums for seven of the tracks were recorded at Old Barn Drum Studio in Sweden taking only one day to complete. The rest was recorded over a 6 month period at their home studios. Johannes Häger was responsible for mixing the album at Loud Noise Studio in the bands home land. Mastering was handled by renowned Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden as well.
As one can see, the album's cover art isn't terrible but was kept a bit under imaginative. hopefully on future releases the band will get a bit more creative with some eye catching art work that will be memorial.
Ricard Hulteke formerly the lead vocalist for Empire 21, draws influence from his roots in Soul, Gospel, and Praise music which explains the heart felt soulful delivery that often rises to the forefront throughout this release. Although not having originally started out as a Hard Rock vocalist, Ricard has transitioned quite seamlessly while not completely straying from his roots. Ricard Hulteke has been compared to such vocalist as Glenn Hughes. For this listener, while listening to Ricard's delivery, several vocalists come to mind such as frontman-Peter Sigfridsson(Majestic Vanguard), and frontman-Henrik Bath(Harmony). However, with Ricard's delivery, there's a heavier tone present than the previously mentioned vocalists which adds distinction and individuality to Ricard's vocal delivery.
Guitarist Erik Tilling cut his teeth back in the 80's practicing 2 hours a day while studying the techniques of various Metal band of that era. Since then, Tilling has played in a number of bands allowing him to continue to hone his skills as a guitarist. In 2001, Eric Tilling decided to go solo where he released 12 albums over a 14 year span all the while traveling across Sweden doing various gigs. In 2016 Tilling met Vocalist Huteke and together they formed the band All For The King as previously stated.
Tilling can be compared to a mad chef hard at work on his lethal soup concoction. His recipe calls for just the right amount of Modern guitar flavorings along with some Doom low-tuned guitar seasonings. Add some grunge 90's era play all the while infusing heavy sludging guitars. next, toss in the right amount of Power Metal and Blues and then mix the concoction until it melts together with love and you now have a glimpse of what Guitarist-"chef" Tilling brings to the table.
Tilling can be compared to a mad chef hard at work on his lethal soup concoction. His recipe calls for just the right amount of Modern guitar flavorings along with some Doom low-tuned guitar seasonings. Add some grunge 90's era play all the while infusing heavy sludging guitars. next, toss in the right amount of Power Metal and Blues and then mix the concoction until it melts together with love and you now have a glimpse of what Guitarist-"chef" Tilling brings to the table.
All For The King's percussion team is comprised of none other than Bassist-Johan Tjernström(Ole Børud) with his heavy Bass lines & Drummer Richard Tonyson who does a fine job keeping time for this foursome outfit.
When I asked the band what their purpose was they had the following to say:
"We have a calling as christians, not only as a band - to make disciples of all the nations, baptize them and teach them the rules that He has given to us. That is our purpose, not only as a band but also as christians."
"We have a calling as christians, not only as a band - to make disciples of all the nations, baptize them and teach them the rules that He has given to us. That is our purpose, not only as a band but also as christians."
Lyrics are thought provoking
and show the band's desire to reach out and encourage the body
as well as reach out to the lost as one can see in the following lyric:
and show the band's desire to reach out and encourage the body
as well as reach out to the lost as one can see in the following lyric:
"Going Blind"
To say that God is not alive
To say that all is just a fake
To say the truth is just a lie
Is human ego going blind?
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
This world is slowly turning dark
Our minds are twisted over time
But even if we're not on track
He is the same today as yesterday
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in You
Forever and ever!
To say that God is not alive
To say that all is just a fake
To say the truth is just a lie
Is human ego going blind?
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
This world is slowly turning dark
Our minds are twisted over time
But even if we're not on track
He is the same today as yesterday
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in Him
Forever and ever!
I will trust in You
Forever and ever!
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
In an inundated market of talented bands, All For The King stands apart with a fresh uplifting sound that not only rocks but calls for repeat listens. Those into bands like 7 Days, Majestic Vanguard, or Harmony are going to love this European-Swedish band. Their debut release has left me hungry for more but I hear the band is already working on a follow up album to be released in the near future.
Album purchases can be made at any of the following sites:
Amazon:
www.amazon.de/All-King-Vinyl-LP/dp/B078DDZBWV/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1513601681&sr=1-3&keywords=all+for+the+king+vinyl
Amazon:
www.amazon.de/All-King-Vinyl-LP/dp/B078DDZBWV/ref=sr_1_3?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1513601681&sr=1-3&keywords=all+for+the+king+vinyl
Musicians:
Ricard Hulteke(Empire 21)-Vocals
Erik Tilling-Guitars
Johan Tjernström(Ole Børud)-Bass
Richard Tonyson-Drums
Ricard Hulteke(Empire 21)-Vocals
Erik Tilling-Guitars
Johan Tjernström(Ole Børud)-Bass
Richard Tonyson-Drums
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