Ad Meliora have dropped their new single “Drown”, continuing their evolution as one of Stockholm’s more intriguing alternative/post-hardcore projects. The track blends heavy post-hardcore with alternative metal textures, while maintaining the band’s signature 2000s-influenced nostalgia. It’s both direct and atmospheric—an aggressive yet measured move forward.
The band was formed during the pandemic in Stockholm by four members with roots in Italy, Spain, and the Canary Islands. They came together by chance after moving to Sweden in different years. What started as an outlet during uncertain times has grown into a serious live presence and DIY operation.
Their debut album A Story Untold dropped in 2023 and was self-released, mastered in Austin, Texas, by Gene “Machine” Freeman (known for his work with Every Time I Die, Fall Out Boy, and Lamb of God).
It marked a solid entrance into the European post-hardcore landscape. Since then, Ad Meliora have played intense gigs across Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, and Belgium. Along the way, they’ve shared the stage with acts like Show Me The Body, Liv Sin, and Dead Kosmonaut.
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With “Drown,” the band opens a new chapter—both sonically and personally. The single builds on their earlier material but isn’t afraid to stretch further. They describe it as expanding their boundaries, staying “in your face” but also “gentle and atmospheric.”
As drummer Paolo explains, living in Stockholm has also exposed them to a thriving local scene. “Even though the echo of the Swedish underground scene was well-known even abroad, Ad Meliora stepped into unknown yet interesting bands from the Stockholm area.”
He shared a list of local discoveries that influenced or impressed him, which the band wanted to spotlight alongside their new release:
THE FAMILY BIBLE:
Shoegaze mixed with emo. This five-piece band got me enchanted from the first time I saw them live, so much so that I wouldn’t miss their other concerts.
They have animated images projected in the background, sometimes misplaced because of the limited spaces of the stages they perform, having pictures beamed on the face of the singer, nonetheless, this involuntary effect made the experience even more atmospheric and emotional. Highly recommended!
ULTRA-LOVER:
Like most of the time, I discover new interesting bands by attending randomly to gigs, and this was one of those cases.
This band counts as an all star band as it counts members from other cool projects (God Mother, This Gift Is a Curse).
Original sound and music, technical and dirty at the same time. wow.
SOCCER MOMS.:
Stockholm is pretty cool because you find basically whatever music-genre you like. Midwest emo has its local heroes here in the Swedish capital as well.
Super young, guess they barely pass the limit of the underage, but wow, you should see them live. Although the young age they manage to keep the scene as no one, and they have killer songs too. They got me interested in this genre I’d never really considered before. Thank you Soccer Moms.
NIONDE PLÅGAN:
I reckon most of you know them, back in 2022 they released “Transformation” which you had an article dedicated for.
I like them, so much that I asked them to play with us at the release party of our debut album “A Story Untold”. Post-rock infused screamo. Goosebumps.
If you don´t know them yet give it a listen immediately.
KNOGJÄRN:
Like in all good lists there is always a black sheep. I pick Knogjärn, a band that´s not actually from Karlstad and not Stockholm ;D
I use to think of them as one of the bands we sound more alike. They can mix metal, hardcore and rock in a perfect blend. Any listener could find something they like in their songs.
I really hope to share the stage with them some day.
In 2023 they self-released the debut album “A Story Untold”, mastered in Austin (TX) by Gene “Machine” Freeman (Every Time I Die, Fall Out Boy, Lamb of God).
Ad Meliora has been active through the years playing intense gigs through Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Belgium, and had the honor to play with great bands such as Show Me The Body (US), Liv Sin and Dead Kosmonaut.
