GRIFFEN was formed in 2006 when five guys, with long individual musical background, felt that they had an urge to play, heavy melodic hard rocking metal with inspiration from the 80’s, together. They have made two promos which both were received in the best possible way by both media and audiences. GRIFFEN was signed to Italian Steelheart Records 2009. On April 9th, 2010 GRIFFEN release their debut album “Life - A Way To Die” which contains 12 powerful tracks. The album was recorded in Eskilstuna, mixed by Pelle Saether Studio Underground, Västerås and mastered by Göran Finnberg, Gothenburg.

Band line up:
Tomi Peltonen - Lead guitar (ex. Torch, Madigan)
Kristian Huotari - Drums (ex. Torch, SCAAR)
Harri Touvila - Bass, backing vocals (Vita Vatten, ex. Pink Panther, Ari Haatainen)
Stefan Törnblom - Rhythm Guitar (Metalorgy, ex. Madigan,)
Jörgen Söderberg - Vocals (Metalorgy, ex. 32GO

Fact:
–“Life – A way to die” is the debut-album for this Swedish five-piece band, featuring members of the well-known Metal band TORCH and other Swedish bands.
– Griffen has received many great reviews from leading Hard-Rock and Heavy Metal magazines and webzines worldwide for their two previous demo-recordings.
–GRIFFEN sound is influenced by some “classic” names of the genre such as R.J. Dio, Iron Maiden and Whitesnake, and it’s not too far from the music-offer that artists like Jorn Lande and Jeff Scott Soto brought to the Hard Rock- Metal fans during these last years.
–Great production (recording at “Studio Sensus” by Elias Lindman, mastering by Goran Finnberg at “The Mastering Room”), full colour 16 pages booklet, including lyrics and pics
–For fans of Melodic Metal / powerful Hard Rock a la early Talisman, R.J. Dio solo-career, Jorn/Masterplan

Life - A Way To Die:

01 - Life is on the way
02 - I don´t really know
03 - Linked in eternity
04 - Mystery
05 - Rise and fall
06 - Falling inside
07 - Secret fire
08 - Assasun
09 - Too numb to know
10 - Journeyman
11 - Cut down (cold blood)
12 - The Hydra (Bonus track)

Press for Griffen’s Debut EP

‘This is a cracking mini CD from Sweden’s Griffen who come over in the Bad Moon Rising, Y&T, Misha Calvin, Dio vein. First song ‘Linked In Eternity’ proves this and is a fine melodic rocker with strong guitar riffs from Tomi Peltonen and Stefan Tornblom. Singer Jorgen Soderberg comes over like a mix of Kal Swan, Dave Meniketti and Tony Martin and is a fine singer.

This beefy melodic style continues on the equally excellent ‘Secret Fire’. ‘Falling Inside’ is pure guitar driving melodic rock with a catchy chorus, this is again like Bad Moon Rising. ‘The Hydra’ is darker and heavier with solid riffs and is different from the four other tracks, perhaps chanting a grungier darker side reminscent to Soundgarden. It’s back to the hard rocking with ‘Life Is In The Way’, once again I can’t find any fault with this track, it’s very catchy and again in the Bad Moon Rising and Y&T vein.

Overall, Sweden gives us yet another chuncky melodic rock outfit in Griffen who are not afraid to explore their styles. The debut album I predict will be a monster’ - Fireworks UK

GRIFFEN describes themselves as five guys, in love with their music. A love they’d like to share with others. When I turn the record on I am eager to know how this passion will be expressed in this classic, melodic type of heavy/hard rock with elements of NWOBHM. Sad to say, my cold metal heart remains somewhat emotionally untouched. But on the other hand, I have no choice but to really praise four, equally direct and non artificial, heavy rock tunes, fantastically performed in all aspects, by skilful musicians. The singer, Jörgen Söderberg has a genuine voice and Tomi Peltonen delivers both high class solos as well as riffs. When they bring out the promised passion, this is going to be amazingly good - Sweden Rock Magazine

Linked In Eternity is the new five track EP from Scandinavian band Griffen. Hailing from Finland and Sweden, the band are a genuine heavy metal outfit – and a damn fine one at that. In frontman Jorgen Soderberg they have a vocalist with a superb voice full of power and range and this raises the band above the norm through the sheer quality of his performance alone.

Having said that, the supporting cast of musicians can certainly hold their own with dual guitarists Tomi Peltonen and Stefan Tornblom (both ex Madigan) providing some killer riffs and melodies and very much complementing each others’ playing whilst the rhythm section is tight and strong, reminiscent of Iron Maiden on more than one occasion – especially on Secret Fire.

The song writing is decent enough – nothing particularly new, but well executed and constructed. The title track is a personal favourite, but there is something to like in all of the tracks on offer. This is one of the best EPs I can remember in a long while and I very much look forward to a full length album from these Scandi metallers. Everything you want in a proper metal band is evident in these five tracks and leaves you eager for more. Highly recommended - Hard Rock House.com

‘Linked In Eternity’ is the second EP/Demo from Sweden’s Griffen. As of this review, they are still not signed to a major label. I find this quite surprising because Griffen is quite talented and has their own definitive sound. This is not your typical Scandi heavy (usual power) metal or hard rock. It’s more 80’s based metal wrapped up in traditional melodic hard rock. This makes perfect sense when you discover that the members’ musical beginning go deep into the late 1980’s.

The strength of Griffen is in their combined musicianship and single-mindedness in song composition. Regarding the former, I’m particularly impressed by Jorgen Soderberg vocals; they are solid, strong and consistent. He can easily move between basic hard rock and heavy metal. Additionally, guitarist Tomi Teltonen is an equally solid performer. I would not call his fret work extraordinary, yet it is creative, refined, and enthusiastic. The rhythm section of Kirstian Houtari (drums), Harri Tuovila (bass), and Stefan Tornblom (rhythm guitar) provide a reliable and steady foundation. Simply, this is band of five guys who have a common thread and an exceptional focus.
Frankly, some label in Europe should jump on these guys quickly. Griffen is a solid band with tons of talent and a strong sense of direction. How many young or new bands can you say this about? Not many. ‘Linked In Eternity’ is great stuff. Very recommended - Dangerdog