The Coffinshakers

Biography

The Coffinshakers are a Swedish band formed in 1995 in Karlstad by frontman Rob Coffinshaker (Robert Fjällsby). Emerging from the underground with limited-run red vinyl singles and sporadic live shows, the band initially played to small, often indifferent audiences. Their debut single, 'Dracula Has Risen from the Grave,' released in 1996, set the tone for their unique blend of horror-inspired lyrics and classic country stylings. The original lineup featured Rob Coffinshaker on vocals and guitar, Joe Undertaker on bass, Fang on electric guitar, and Andy Bones on drums, who replaced Blackfist Bill in 2000.

The Coffinshakers are renowned for merging the somber, narrative-driven traditions of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings with the macabre imagery of German expressionist cinema and Hammer horror films. Their music, sometimes described as 'graveyard country,' also incorporates elements of surf rock and gothic horror, drawing on influences like Ennio Morricone and The Ventures. Their first full-length album, 'We Are the Undead' (1999), and the self-titled 'The Coffinshakers' (2007) earned them a cult following, particularly in Finland, where they briefly entered the Top 40. Despite long periods of inactivity, the band has maintained a devoted fanbase, with their rare releases becoming sought-after collector's items.

The Coffinshakers' legacy lies in their ability to carve out a distinct niche at the crossroads of psychobilly, horror punk, and southern gothic. Their darkly theatrical performances and haunting melodies have influenced a new generation of artists in the horror country and psychobilly scenes, ensuring their continued relevance in underground music circles.

Fun Facts

• The band's first single, 'Dracula Has Risen from the Grave,' was directly inspired by the classic Hammer horror film of the same name.
• After their initial success, The Coffinshakers became cult favorites in Finland, where their self-titled album entered the Top 40.
• Original drummer Blackfist Bill left the band in 2000 to 'study voodoo practices,' a tongue-in-cheek nod to the band's horror persona.
• Their rare vinyl releases have become highly sought-after collector's items among psychobilly and horror punk fans.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Johnny Cash - Stylistic influence; Rob Coffinshaker's vocal delivery and songwriting often echo Cash's somber, narrative-driven style. (General influence across all Coffinshakers material) [1995–present]
• Waylon Jennings - Musical inspiration for traditional country elements and outlaw country attitude. (General influence across all Coffinshakers material) [1995–present]
• Ennio Morricone - Influence on atmospheric and cinematic elements in their music. (Melodic and instrumental stylings throughout discography) [1995–present]
• The Ventures - Inspiration for surf-garage sounds integrated into their style. (Guitar work and instrumental tracks) [1995–present]

Key Collaborators

• Joe Undertaker - Original and longstanding bassist for the band. (All albums and live performances) [1995–present]
• Fang - Electric guitarist, key to the band's signature sound. (All albums and live performances) [1995–present]
• Andy Bones - Drummer who joined after Blackfist Bill's departure in 2000. (All albums and live performances post-2000) [2000–present]
• Blackfist Bill - Original drummer, left to 'study voodoo practices.' (Early singles and performances) [1995–2000]

Artists Influenced

• Ghoultown - Inspired by The Coffinshakers' blend of horror themes and country/rockabilly. (General stylistic parallels) [2000s–present]
• Koffin Kats - Share psychobilly and horror punk influences, often cited alongside The Coffinshakers. (General genre influence) [2000s–present]
• Hola Ghost - Adopted similar horror-country aesthetics and performance style. (General genre influence) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Last Night Down by the Grave (The Coffinshakers)
2. Walpurgis Night (The Coffinshakers)
3. Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (Dark Wings Over the World)
4. Blood-Bath (Dark Wings Over the World)
5. Voodoo Woman (The Coffinshakers)
6. From Here to Hell (The Coffinshakers)
7. Return of the Vampire (The Coffinshakers)
8. Black Sunday (Dark Wings Over the World)
9. Halloween (Dark Wings Over the World)
10. Evil (The Coffinshakers)

External Links

• Spotify