Review by SzejkElRopa on May 14, 2026.

Tårfödd, which, according to Google Translate, means "born from tears", is a solo project of Simon Lindgren. Tårfödd has released four full-length albums since its start in 2022, and this review is about its latest album - Lidande, which, also according to Google Translate, means "suffering".

The atmosphere on this album is terrifying, sad, and melancholic. For example, the opener, 'Vemod', starts the album with cries, making it sad. Rather sad. Then, the atmosphere starts to become more and more terrifying with each song. In 'Sorg', 'Mörkret', and 'The Thing To Fear Is Life', the aggression is indescribable due to almost constant blast beats with short melodic breaks. On the other hand, 'Lidande' is similar to one on 'Vemod'.

The thing that didn't appeal to me was the length of songs, or maybe how the melody developed. The problem was that when the song was reaching its peak, it suddenly stopped. This occurred on 'Moraliskt Förfall' and 'En Ny Svart Värld'. These songs were becoming more and more interesting every second, but out of nowhere, they ended. This was something that really annoyed me in this album.

The guitar work on this album is very strong as well - the riffs are memorable in 'Sju' (aggressive) and 'Motgång' (hopeless), for example. In 'Saknaden,' a nice, calming acoustic guitar melody can be heard. Bass wasn't highlighted in mastering very much, but there was a moment on 'Moraliskt Förfall' when I could hear it.

I really enjoyed how guitars and keyboards work together. Even though these sometimes fight with each other, Simon Lindgren managed to find the perfect balance between them. This is about the opening riff on 'The Strive For Existence' when guitars play along with keys well. The drums are programmed well and aren't monotonic. There are blast beats and more composed moments. Other instruments, such as the piano in 'En Ny Svart Värld," make this album more interesting.

Simon's vocals aren't extraordinary, but his shrieks fit the music well. Johanna's vocals are angelic and, like the piano, are something that makes this album special. I would like to hear them more often than in two songs.

Last but not least, I would like to write about Vindur's artwork. It's an ideal match for the music - it's terrifying, and it's one of the things that made me click on this album.

Concluding - "Lidande"  is an emotional musical journey that I could recommend to anyone interested in something atmospheric, depressive, and a bit progressive.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10