Misery Loves Co.

In the industrial metal realm the Swedish pair Misery Loves Co. embodied ongoing change while pursuing fresh and unconventional paths. Their sound fused the aggression of thrash-derived guitar riffs with electronic samples, supported by a firm grasp of song structure. Lyrics frequently conveyed near-poetic perspectives, centering on stark, shadowy examinations of sexuality and the psychological strains within fractured relationships.

The duo formed in January 1993, consisting of Patrik Wiren on vocals and Orjan Ornkloo on guitar, bass and programming. Both already possessed prior experience: Wiren had belonged to Midas Touch, which issued an album through Noise Records, while Ornkloo had performed with various groups in his hometown of Uppsala. Their earliest recognition arrived when the track “Sonic Attack” appeared on the metal compilation Extreme Close Up, generating immediate interest in the local scene. MNW Zone, the same organization behind Clawfinger’s breakthrough, assisted with the release of the self-titled debut album Misery Loves Co. in 1995. Quick momentum prompted a signing with Earache Records, which reissued the record across Europe.

Live performances added Jim Edwards on guitar, Marre Ericksson on bass and Olle Dahlstedt on drums, though Niklas Gabrielsson replaced Dahlstedt before the band’s first UK date at Camden Underworld. They were then selected to support Clawfinger on a European tour, expanding their audience. On the next run, shared with Warrior Soul, Headskin and Clawfinger, Dahlstedt returned to the drum kit. The group also made its American debut, accompanied by a promotional CD that included a remix of “Need Another One” by Killing Joke and Pitchshifter.

In 1996 the Swedish act delivered the seven-track EP Happy, which also contained multimedia content such as the video for “My Mind Still Speaks” and discography details. A tour supporting Slayer and Fear Factory followed before the second album, Not like Them, appeared in 1997. It reached number 12 on Kerrang!’s Top 20 that year, solidifying the band’s position within industrial metal. European dates supporting Machine Head came next.

Their final release, Your Vision Was Never Mine to Share, arrived in March 2000. Viewed as the group’s strongest work, it featured Hane and Dahlstedt as full-time members and sustained the blend of dark, forceful thrash metal riffs with a clearer emphasis on electronic samples. Another European tour, this time alongside Kill II This and Earthtone 9, was underway when Misery Loves Co. announced their split before the second leg.