By Justin Smulison
Meridian has been a mainstay in the EU progressive and metal scene since forming in Denmark in 2013. Since then, they released four LPs that saw them start as slightly more traditional metal and foray into progressive territory. When I saw that their long-time singer, Lars Märker, had left the band (on positive terms), I was certainly intrigued as to who could replace his melodic voice.
Rather than find a soundalike, Meridian searched among Denmark’s local belters and found someone who happened to be one of my absolute favourites – Søren Adamsen. Adamsen was the frontman for Danish thrash icons Artillery for their second comeback – 2009’s When Death Comes and 2011’s My Blood – which were my introduction to that band and two of my all-time favourite metal records. He has also had stints fronting other rock and metal groups like Crystal Tears, Crystal Eyes, Gutter Creek and Denied.
Bringing Adamsen into the fold to sing on their self-titled fifth LP, released by From The Vaults Records (a Target Group label), Meridian has stripped many of the prog elements and reverted to an old-school-sounding metal record that easily could have held its own against Iron Maiden in the 1980s. As you will hear in the interview, guitarist Martin Jepsen Andersen said the band’s energy emanated from the studio, with less overdubbing and technological support and more of an attitude and mindset of a hungry band playing in a garage (or local studio).
The result is an album full of anthemic riffs, socio-politically aware lyrical themes, rougher vocals and succinct choruses designed to draw in an audience – from their cars and homes to a live hall.
I had such a blast speaking with Andersen and Adamsen, discussing how the self-titled new album is something of a mission statement and a declaration of this new attitude and direction. We also delve into the creative process, and though it’s several months away, the recent announcement that they’ll be playing the Nordic Noise Fest 2026 in May.
Horns way up!
Clips: “Uprising”, “Crown the King of Violence”, “Mask of Anger”, and “Swinging the Chain”.
I recently interviewed Martin for his outstanding guitar work in another terrific metal band, Anchorite. Check it out here. You can also check out an interview with guitar master Søren Andersen, Artillery’s producer who worked with Adamsen and is also a long-time friend of Andersen.
Meridian:
Søren Adamsen – vocals
Martin Jepsen Andersen – lead & rhythm guitars
Marco Angioni – lead & rhythm guitars
Klaus Agerbo – drums
Peter Bruun – bass
Meridian online and social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.metal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meridian_denmark/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bXXIXAOLTw3WEYx3qWv7r
From The Vaults
Fromthevaults.dk
Facebook.com/FromTheVaultsRecords
Instagram.com/FromTheVaults
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/783kHeWGIDXXqlHRvrkvj1?si=8fa87d088d72498c&nd=1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx6gRfvl-nVTLvBA_8my-QOj-7lhl6l2W
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