Pär Hagström is a Swedish artist who has dabbled in a lot of genres in his lifetime, finally settling down in the world of gospel music. He’s just come to my attention through the release of his latest album The End Again.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Anna Fagerberg
Growing up in the Free Church in Sweden, Pär was subjected to the genre early on, but like all of us, he had to see what else was out there. Once upon a time, he was a disciple of death metal, and has journeyed through ’70s hard rock and the cinematic ’80s. His career has seen him commuting regularly to Germany, and spending time in the US, recently composing for the San Francisco ballet.
With a background like that, it’s hard to know what to expect from his new album The End Again, and it is certainly an album that keeps the listener on their toes. Much of the traditions of gospel music are there, but Pär hasn’t completely forsaken his other loves, and we get plenty of throwback rock elements in the album’s compositions.
Lyrically, he brings concepts like the devil and doomsday and brings them into our modern world, exploring the climate crisis, over-consumption and lucrative wars across its seven tracks. The album’s themes are apparent right from vibrant and pleading opener Lucifer, Is That You? Pär’s vocals are beautifully passionate and compelling as they search for hope in a dark world.
O, It Feels So Good keeps the passion up while slowing down the tempo while All God’s Children is sultry, atmospheric blues. Snakes and Fire livens things with a smokey groove before Nocturnalized simmers with a sense of defiance. Title track The End, Again closes the album with a triumphant call to action that will have you up out of your seat.
Though steeped in the Christian religion, there’s enough universal appeal in The End Again for anyone to get something from it. It’s well-composed and Pär has a voice that demands attention. His latest album is a masterpiece.
You can check out The End Again below.