Norway may be known for its black metal, but Anchors are on mission to make sure it has a good reputation for metalcore, too. After dealing with 2 years worth of production and Covid related delays, the Oslo based band has finally dropped their debut album, When Hell Feels Like Home. It’s a crushingly heavy depiction of rising from the ashes that will have fans singing, screaming, and of course, headbanging along.
How could you not? The album is full of heavy anthems that feel so relatable. That’s part of what makes it such a good listen. The other part is definitely the extremely catchy riffs, slamming drums, and insane vocals. Mats Naalsund gives an amazing vocal performance on this record, using a blend of deep growls, powerful screams, and clean melodies. If you’re a fan of band’s like While She Sleeps, Annisokay, and Fit For A King, you won’t want to When Hell Feels Like Home.
Lyrically, the album is based on the real life events that happened to Mats and guitarist Andrew Haugstad’s lives over the last few years. The band says, “The story of When Hell Feels Like Home begins with a string of events that slowly ruin your life. Upon realizing what has happened, you have to soldier on, and fight to get out on the other side. It’s definitely a bitter tale, but with a hopeful conclusion.” Mats also adds, “Songwriting for us has been equal parts therapy and just flat out good inspiration.”
Today, the members of Anchors are sharing with us the songs that made them into metalheads. And as a bonus, I’m giving you my pick from the band’s new album that I think could turn anyone into a metalhead!
5 SONGS THAT MADE ME A METALHEAD: ANCHORS
Don’t forget headbang along with the corresponding playlist here on Spotify!
“The Quiet Place” – In Flames
From 2004’s Soundtrack to Your Escape
Andrew (Guitar): “When I started playing guitar, I was in the search for something that could show my true emotions. I started with blues and rock, but that wasn’t enough for me. Then one day a friend showed me “The Quiet Place” [by] In Flames. That song was exactly what I wanted to play. [It’s] heavy, melodic and fun to play. [I] ended up learning every guitar part from their album, Whoracle from 1997 and working my way up their albums.”
“Assistant to the Regional Manager” – The Devil Wears Prada
From 2009’s With Roots Above And Branches Below
Mats (Vocals): “For me it was mostly the melodies in the instrumental, and the general structure of the song that opened me up to the genre. At that time [I was] mostly playing guitar, [and] I was amazed by how huge it sounded.”
“Right Now” – Korn
From 2003’s Take A Look In The Mirror
Nicolò (Bass): “[I] was starting already to listen to some heavy metal and back in the day (in Italy) we used to have CD players in the supermarket. I would spend my time there looking for something, and after that riff started it felt like I finally found it.”
“Sleepwalker” – Megadeth
From 2007’s United Abominations
Joakim (Drums): “My older brother bought me the album on vinyl. [We] didn’t have a vinyl player that worked, so we went to my uncle’s to play the record. [I] don’t think I quite understood the record there and then, but that became my favorite Megadeth album when I started listening to harder music. [I’m] pretty sure that album started something. The opening song on the album is ‘Sleepwalker’ and it’s just a killer song.”
VV Bonus Pick!: “Blood In The Water” – Anchors
From 2021’s When Hell Feels Like Home
VV: “Blood In The Water” does it all. This song goes from smooth catchy melodies to intensely heavy, banger worthy moments so no matter what type of metalhead you are, there’s something in here to enjoy. It also has one of my favorite choruses on the album and I can guarantee you’ll be singing along.
WHERE TO FIND ANCHORS & WHEN HELL FEELS LIKE HOME
Listen to Anchors on Spotify, YouTube, and Soundcloud. And don’t forget to keep up with them on Instagram and Facebook!
WANT TO COLLABORATE?
Click here for more information on collaborations.
