Orion: The Swedish Powerhouse of Melodic Death Metal

Orion is the stage name of Swedish bassist and vocalist Roger Landin, a central figure in the Gothenburg melodic death metal scene. Hailing from Sweden, he is best known as the longtime bassist and backing vocalist for the influential band Amon Amarth, contributing to their global rise and multiple gold-certified albums.

Early career

Roger Landin was born in 1976 and began his musical journey in the fertile Swedish metal underground of the early 1990s. Before adopting the moniker Orion, he played in the band This Haven, honing the aggressive yet melodic style that would define his career. His professional path solidified in 1998 when he joined the rising force Amon Amarth, stepping in as their session bassist.

Breakthrough

Orion's breakthrough coincided with Amon Amarth's own ascent in the early 2000s. His first studio album with the band, 2002's "Versus the World" on Metal Blade Records, marked a turning point in their international appeal. The band's subsequent albums, including 2008's "Twilight of the Thunder God" and 2019's "Berserker," achieved chart success across Europe and the United States, with several earning gold certifications in Sweden and beyond.

Key tracks

Twilight of the Thunder God — This title track from the 2008 album became a modern metal anthem, significantly expanding the band's audience worldwide.

Guardians of Asgaard — A fan-favorite from 2008 known for its powerful bass line and anthemic chorus, showcasing Orion's backing vocal contributions.

Deceiver of the Gods — The title track from the 2013 album highlighted the band's tight rhythmic foundation, driven by Orion's precise playing.

Raven's Flight — This song from 2019's "Berserker" exemplifies the blend of melodic death metal and accessible hooks that Orion helped solidify.

Put Your Back into the Oar — A track from 2022's "The Great Heathen Army" that underscores the relentless, driving rhythm section Orion is known for.

Beyond his core work in Amon Amarth, Orion has engaged in notable collaborations, including a guest appearance on the 2021 album "I" by the Swedish metal project Isole. His consistent presence on stage and in the studio for over two decades has made him a recognizable pillar of the melodic death metal genre. The artist Orion continues to tour globally, delivering the powerful, Viking-themed metal that has defined his career with Amon Amarth.

Fans of Orion's work often explore similar artists from the Swedish metal scene. In Flames helped pioneer the Gothenburg sound with its fusion of melody and aggression. Dark Tranquillity is another foundational act in the genre, known for its atmospheric and keyboard-laden approach. At The Gates provided a more visceral and influential take on the style. Amon Amarth is, of course, the primary outlet for Orion's signature bass and vocal work.

The music of Orion with Amon Amarth is a staple on dedicated metal and hard rock radio stations worldwide. Listeners can regularly hear tracks from their extensive catalog on specialty metal FM stations, online metal radio streams, and satellite radio metal channels that feature classic and contemporary heavy music.

You can experience the powerful melodic death metal of Orion by tuning into radio stations featured on our website. Discover his discography with Amon Amarth and other projects through the curated metal and rock radio stations available on onairium.com.