The Coffinshakers
The Coffinshakers | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Karlstad, Sweden |
| Genres |
|
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels |
|
| Members |
|
The Coffinshakers are a Swedish horror country band formed in 1995 in Karlstad by vocalist and guitarist Rob Coffinshaker (Robert Fjällsby). The group blends traditional country and rockabilly influences with gothic themes and horror imagery.
Style and image
The Coffinshakers are known for blending American-style outlaw country, surf rock, and gothic rock. Their lyrics often revolve around death, vampires, graveyards, and the supernatural, delivered through Rob Coffinshaker's low baritone voice. Musically, the band draws inspiration from artists like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Ennio Morricone.
Their stage image complements the lyrical themes, with members dressed in dark, vintage clothing, often resembling Victorian-era funeral attire. Coffins, crosses, and cemetery visuals are recurring motifs in their promotional material and live performances, establishing a theatrical but consistent aesthetic that has earned them a reputation in the horror-country and psychobilly scenes.[1]
Career
The band's debut album, We Are the Undead, was originally released in 1998 and featured songs including "Black Sunday", "Pale Man in Black", and "Vampires Don't Cry". The album received a positive review in Dagens Nyheter.[2] The group was announced as a performer at Hultsfred Festival in 1999.[3] We Are the Undead was reissued in 2022 by Svart Records.[4]
In 2007, The Coffinshakers released their self-titled second album, which further refined their sound and reached the Finnish Top 40 album charts.
In 2022, Svart Records released a deluxe box set titled The Curse of the Coffinshakers 1996–2016, which compiled both full-length albums, two LPs of rare and unreleased material, and a booklet featuring archival content.[5]
In 2023, the band returned with a new studio album, Graves, Release Your Dead, which received praise for maintaining the band's signature style while expanding their cinematic scope and production quality.[6]
Members
- Rob Coffinshaker – vocals, guitar
- Joe Undertaker – bass
- Andy Bones – drums
- Fang – guitar
- Rebecca – backing vocals
Discography
Studio albums
- We Are the Undead (1998; reissued 2022, Svart Records)
- The Coffinshakers (2007)
- Graves, Release Your Dead (2023, Svart Records)
Box sets and compilations
- The Curse of the Coffinshakers 1996–2016 (2022, Svart Records)
Selected singles and EPs
- Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1996)
- Black Sunday
- Return of the Vampire
- Pale Man in Black
- Halloween
References
- ^ "The Coffinshakers – Svart Records". Svart Records. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Skivor". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). 3 December 1999. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ JOHANNESSON, IKA (9 February 1999). "Broder Daniel till Hultsfred". Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "We Are the Undead – Proper Music". Proper Music. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "The Curse of the Coffinshakers 1996–2016 – Svart Records". Svart Records. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Review: The Coffinshakers – Graves, Release Your Dead". The Sleeping Shaman. Retrieved 17 July 2025.