Lars Göran Petrov, Swedish singer and drummer
Lars-Göran Petrov (17 February 1972 – 7 March 2021), widely recognized by his initials L-G or LG Petrov, was a highly influential Swedish singer and an iconic figure in the extreme metal scene. Renowned for his powerful, distinctive vocal delivery, he is most prominently celebrated for his foundational work with the pioneering death metal band Entombed. Petrov's career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring countless musicians with his raw talent and uncompromising spirit.
LG Petrov: The Indomitable Voice of Swedish Death Metal Pioneers Entombed
Lars-Göran Petrov's name is inextricably linked with Entombed, one of the most significant and influential bands to emerge from the early 1990s Swedish death metal wave. Founded in 1987, Entombed, with Petrov at the helm, quickly established a brutal and innovative sound characterized by down-tuned guitars, a distinctive "chainsaw" guitar tone (often achieved with Boss HM-2 pedals), and Petrov's signature guttural growls. This sound became a cornerstone of the burgeoning Scandinavian death metal movement, influencing legions of bands worldwide.
Petrov's vocal contributions were central to Entombed's seminal albums, which defined the band's trajectory and the genre itself:
- Left Hand Path (1990): This debut album is widely regarded as an undisputed classic of the death metal genre. Petrov's raw, aggressive, and deeply guttural vocals perfectly complemented the album's dark, aggressive themes and groundbreaking sound, instantly solidifying Entombed's place as a dominant force in extreme music.
- Clandestine (1991): While Petrov briefly stepped away from the band for the vocal recordings on this album, his influence and initial work with the band had already set a high standard. His return to Entombed shortly after the album's release was highly anticipated and warmly welcomed by fans.
- Wolverine Blues (1993): Marking a significant stylistic shift, Petrov's vocal versatility was crucial to this album's success. Wolverine Blues is celebrated for pioneering the "Death 'n' Roll" sound, which masterfully blended the ferocity of death metal with the infectious groove and swagger of hard rock and roll. Petrov's slightly cleaner, yet still powerfully aggressive, delivery on this and subsequent albums showcased his adaptability while retaining his signature intensity and vocal character.
Throughout his extensive tenure with Entombed, Petrov remained a consistent creative force, performing on many more studio albums including DCLXVI: To Ride Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth (1997), Uprising (2000), and their final studio album, Dead Dawn (2016). His unwavering commitment, distinct stage presence, and engaging charisma made him an instantly recognizable and beloved figure in the global metal community.
Beyond Entombed: A Versatile Metal Veteran's Other Projects
While Entombed was his primary musical vehicle for much of his career, Lars-Göran Petrov was also deeply involved in a variety of other notable projects and bands, showcasing his enduring passion for extreme music and his versatility as a vocalist. These endeavors further cemented his status as a respected and prolific artist within the metal scene:
- Firespawn: A death metal supergroup formed in 2015, featuring members from other prominent Swedish extreme metal bands. Petrov's formidable vocals provided the raw power for their traditional, relentless death metal sound across multiple albums.
- Comecon: An early 90s Swedish death metal project where Petrov contributed vocals to their debut album, Converging Conspiracies (1992), immediately after his brief departure from Entombed for the *Clandestine* vocal sessions.
- Allegiance: Another death metal project in the early 90s where he lent his powerful voice.
- The Lurking Fear: A death metal band formed in 2016, also featuring members from At The Gates, where Petrov delivered his signature brutal growls on their acclaimed albums.
These diverse collaborations underscored his deep roots in the death metal scene and his eagerness to explore different facets of the genre, always bringing his characteristic intensity, powerful delivery, and undeniable vocal prowess to every project.
LG Petrov's Enduring Legacy and Impact on Heavy Metal
Lars-Göran Petrov's contribution to heavy metal, particularly to the death metal genre, is immeasurable. He was more than just a vocalist; he was an embodiment of the raw energy, uncompromising spirit, and authentic passion that defines extreme music. His iconic stage presence, genuine love for his craft, and a vocal style that was both brutal and engaging left an indelible mark on generations of musicians and fans worldwide. He not only helped define the influential Swedish death metal sound but was also instrumental in its global proliferation and evolution, particularly through the pioneering "Death 'n' Roll" style.
His Battle with Cancer and Enduring Memory
In August 2020, Lars-Göran Petrov bravely announced that he had been diagnosed with an incurable form of bile duct cancer, known as cholangiocarcinoma. Despite his arduous fight, he continued to engage with his fans and maintain a remarkably positive outlook, inspiring many with his resilience and openness. Sadly, he passed away on 7 March 2021, at the age of 49. His untimely passing sent shockwaves through the international metal community, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians, fans, and industry professionals who remembered him not only for his immense talent and innovation but also for his warm personality, humility, and unwavering dedication to his art.
LG Petrov's legacy lives on through his extensive discography, the groundbreaking bands he fronted, and the countless artists he influenced. He remains a cherished and revered figure, forever remembered as an authentic pioneer and a true legend of death metal.
Frequently Asked Questions About LG Petrov
- Who was Lars-Göran Petrov?
- Lars-Göran Petrov, also known as L-G or LG Petrov, was an iconic Swedish singer and vocalist, best known as the frontman for the pioneering death metal band Entombed. He was a central and highly influential figure in the Swedish death metal scene, celebrated for his distinctive guttural vocal style and dynamic stage presence.
- What bands was LG Petrov known for?
- LG Petrov was most famous as the lead vocalist for Entombed, an influential Swedish death metal band. He also lent his formidable talents to other notable extreme metal projects, including Firespawn, Comecon, Allegiance, and The Lurking Fear.
- What was LG Petrov's contribution to death metal?
- Petrov played a pivotal role in shaping the Swedish death metal sound through his work with Entombed, particularly on seminal albums like Left Hand Path. He was also instrumental in the development of the "Death 'n' Roll" subgenre with Wolverine Blues, showcasing his versatility and influencing countless bands across the extreme metal spectrum.
- When did LG Petrov pass away?
- LG Petrov passed away on 7 March 2021, at the age of 49, after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer.