Swedish melodic death/thrash metal band Vittra has announced their second full-length album, Intense Indifference, set for release on September 19, 2025. The band, formed in 2017 in Skellefteå, Sweden, dropped the album’s first single, “The Leap”, accompanied by a music video premiered via Sweden Rock Magazine. Directed by an uncredited filmmaker, the video captures the song’s high-energy thrash spirit, reflecting its theme of taking bold risks, as vocalist David Döragrip notes, “If you find yourself facing a big decision in life or just trying to do that stage dive… this one’s for those wanting to take that leap.” Guitarist Johan Murmester adds, “Musically, the song reflects my influences… Master of Puppets-era Metallica meets Slayer and a touch of Annihilator: intense thrash but still with some groove and melodies.”
Vittra, originally named Vildvittra after characters from Astrid Lindgren’s 1981 children’s book Ronja Rövardotter, later simplified their name to Vittra, drawing from Swedish folklore creatures. The band—David Döragrip (vocals), Johan Murmester (guitars), Lars Elofsson (lead guitar), Gustav Svensson (bass), and Alex Smith (drums)—weaves folk elements into their sound while staying rooted in melodic death and thrash metal, citing influences like At The Gates, Dissection, and Megadeth. Following their 2022 debut Blasphemy Blues, which earned critical praise for its raw energy, Intense Indifference explores themes of soul-searching and inner conflict through 10 tracks:
- MOFO
- Reign Supreme
- Burn(h)er
- Transylvanian Buffet
- Soul Searcher
- The Leap
- Bound By Blood
- Hate
- End To It
- Piece By Piece
Murmester highlights the album’s diversity, stating, “It shows a slightly more diverse side of the band… we are not stuck in one expression!”
The album was recorded and engineered by Simon Johansson (Soilwork, Wolf), produced by Murmester, and mixed/mastered by Lawrence Mackrory (Lik, Bloodbath, Katatonia). It features guest appearances by John Lönnmyr (Night Flight Orchestra) on piano for “Transylvanian Buffet,” Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork) adding shaker and vibra-slap on “Burn(h)er” and “Transylvanian Buffet,” and Linus Öhrn (Valkyrja) providing backing vocals. The cover art, created by Hjules (Accept, Destruction), interprets the album’s lyrics visually. Available for pre-order in LP and digital formats at the provided link, Intense Indifference promises a mix of classical thrashing and experimental shades, as heard in tracks like “Reign Supreme” and “Transylvanian Buffet.”
Vittra has performed at festivals like Sweden Rock Festival in 2023 and plans to support the album with a Scandinavian tour in late 2025, though specific dates are pending. Fans can follow updates via their official site vittraofficial.com and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.