Griftegård is an epic doom metal band from Norrköping, Sweden, whose name originates in an old Swedish word for "cemetery" or "burial ground." Founded in 2004, the group released their first demo, Psalm Bok, three years later, and their debut album, Solemn Sacred Severe, in 2009, after hooking up with Van Records. At this time, the band's lineup consisted of singer Thomas Eriksson, guitarists Ola Blomkvist, and Per Broddesson, bassist Thomas Jansson, and drummer Jens Gustafsson. Their style relies heavily on the '80s work of compatriots Candlemass -- including their semi-operatic vocals and Christian-themed lyrics -- extrapolated into even more leaden, funeral doom tempos. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia