Review GAUPA “Fyr” – EP – Markus' Heavy Music Blog

Gaupa is a very interesting band, and “Fyr” is the title of their latest release. It is an EP that has a running time of 24 minutes, and the physical release also includes a bonus track. The latter is a live version of “Sömnen / Febersvan”, which was recorded live at the Monkey Moon Studios in 2023. Fans of the band may already have the digital version of this song in their collection, as it was included in the “Live Sessions at Monkey Moon Studios” release from 2023.

Gaupa’s debut album is called “Feberdöm”, which means ‘fever dream’ in Swedish — a fitting title for the band’s sound. It is a blend of stoner rock, metal, and folk, all with a strong psychedelic touch. It’s as if you’ve stepped into a musical fever dream the moment you press play. The new EP is no different, although some things have changed over time.

In 2024, the departure of Daniel Nygren was witnessed, which means that Gaupa is now a four-piece outfit, with the responsibility of being the only six-string musician now being shouldered by David Rosberg. This has also led to a different writing process, and recording “Fyr” in a new studio with a new recording crew has given the band’s latest work a fresh boost.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the changes, rest assured that the band is still true to its roots. “Fyr” opens with “Lion’s Thron”, a seven-minute track that showcases the band’s strong folk influences, particularly at the beginning, where the bagpipe introduces this captivating piece. “Lion’s Throne” is a dark and atmospheric song with roaring momentum and colourful soundscapes.

Compared to the opener, “Heavy” is more to the point, although the somber vibe remains. Each band member contributed equally to “Fyr”, giving each song on this release a slightly different feel, while a common musical pattern connects the tunes.

“Fyr” is a skillfully crafted EP from an electrifying band. It is a release that easily bridges the waiting time for the next studio album and showcases a band that isn’t afraid of change and new situations. Dive into the world of Gaupa’s music and enjoy the colourful journey through their universe of sounds.