Biography
What if Johnny Cash's obsessions had veered toward vampires, werewolves, and the stark shadows of German expressionist films instead of his familiar path? The Coffinshakers emerged from that alternate vision.
Robert Fjällsby, performing as Rob Coffinshaker, assembled the group in Karlstadt, Sweden, during 1995. The quartet sustained itself through limited runs of 7" red vinyl singles and sporadic live appearances before largely indifferent crowds. Their debut release, the 1996 single "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave," drew direct inspiration from the classic Hammer horror production. Rob handled vocals and guitar while Joe Undertaker played bass, Fang electric guitar, and Andy Bones drums following Blackfist Bill's 2000 exit to pursue voodoo practices. Audience apathy proved no match for the sheer audacity of their concept and its precise realization. Blending the classic country textures of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with themes reminiscent of Roky Erickson & the Aliens struck many as eccentric, yet Rob's vocals captured the same brooding baritone depth as those forebears. The straightforward arrangements proved instantly memorable, Ennio Morricone and Ventures references appeared with subtle craft, and the lyrics carried substantial weight.
Their debut album, We Are the Undead, surfaced in 1999 and maintained the direction of the preceding singles, cultivating a small yet fiercely devoted listenership concentrated in neighboring Finland. A 2001 performance in that country prompted the mini-LP Dark Wings Over Finland. Modest touring and gradually growing attention failed to sustain momentum, leaving the musicians in prolonged inactivity rather than new studio work. A Finnish promoter eventually coaxed them back with promises of unrestricted studio access and a favorable contract, resulting in the self-titled album The Coffinshakers recorded in early 2007. Issued on the fledgling Finnish imprint, the record advanced the graveyard country-rock outfit into the Finnish Top 40 amid strong critical notices and an enthusiastic public response.
Robert Fjällsby, performing as Rob Coffinshaker, assembled the group in Karlstadt, Sweden, during 1995. The quartet sustained itself through limited runs of 7" red vinyl singles and sporadic live appearances before largely indifferent crowds. Their debut release, the 1996 single "Dracula Has Risen from the Grave," drew direct inspiration from the classic Hammer horror production. Rob handled vocals and guitar while Joe Undertaker played bass, Fang electric guitar, and Andy Bones drums following Blackfist Bill's 2000 exit to pursue voodoo practices. Audience apathy proved no match for the sheer audacity of their concept and its precise realization. Blending the classic country textures of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with themes reminiscent of Roky Erickson & the Aliens struck many as eccentric, yet Rob's vocals captured the same brooding baritone depth as those forebears. The straightforward arrangements proved instantly memorable, Ennio Morricone and Ventures references appeared with subtle craft, and the lyrics carried substantial weight.
Their debut album, We Are the Undead, surfaced in 1999 and maintained the direction of the preceding singles, cultivating a small yet fiercely devoted listenership concentrated in neighboring Finland. A 2001 performance in that country prompted the mini-LP Dark Wings Over Finland. Modest touring and gradually growing attention failed to sustain momentum, leaving the musicians in prolonged inactivity rather than new studio work. A Finnish promoter eventually coaxed them back with promises of unrestricted studio access and a favorable contract, resulting in the self-titled album The Coffinshakers recorded in early 2007. Issued on the fledgling Finnish imprint, the record advanced the graveyard country-rock outfit into the Finnish Top 40 amid strong critical notices and an enthusiastic public response.
Albums
Singles
