So Sorry I Could Die

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "So Sorry I Could Die" by The Hellacopters from their album Eyes Of Oblivion for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song stands out as a unique piece in the band’s catalog, described as a stripped-down, intense blues ballad with a southern soul vibe in its vocal delivery. According to Sonic Perspectives, it’s possibly the most unusual track The Hellacopters have ever recorded, blending emotional depth with a slow, pounding rhythm. The song features a prominent piano, as noted by Markus’ Heavy Music Blog, which adds to its bluesy, heartfelt atmosphere. The music video, set in black-and-white with a spooky, Frankenstein-esque vibe, shows band members cruising through a graveyard in hearse-like Cadillacs, amplifying the song’s melancholic tone. Lyrically, it’s a sarcastic apology for walking away from misery, with frontman Nicke Andersson singing lines like, “Well, you left behind a trail of grief and trouble,” as highlighted by mxdwn Music.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s reception. While Stargazed Magazine called it the least likable track on Eyes Of Oblivion for its slow, bluesy pace, others praised its emotional intensity and diversity. The track’s soulful, ternary rhythm and a subtle nod to Led Zeppelin before its solo, as mentioned in Albumrock, showcase The Hellacopters’ ability to step outside their high-energy rock roots. This song was the third single from the album, released with an official video in March 2022, following the album’s announcement by Nuclear Blast Records. Fans on platforms like The Hellacopters’ official Facebook have shared their love for the song’s raw emotion, with some calling it a standout for its departure from the band’s typical garage rock sound.

The Hellacopters kicked off their journey in 1994 in Stockholm, Sweden, initially as a side project for Nicke Andersson, who was then drumming for the death metal band Entombed. Andersson, itching to explore his love for high-energy rock ‘n’ roll, teamed up with guitarist Dregen from Backyard Babies, bassist Kenny Håkansson, and drummer Robert Eriksson. As detailed on AllMusic, Andersson stepped out from behind the drum kit to take on vocals and guitar, channeling influences from the ‘60s and ‘70s rock scene with a punk edge. The band’s early days were marked by their raw, fuel-injected sound, earning them a reputation as one of Sweden’s most influential rock acts alongside bands like The Hives. Their debut album, Supershitty to the Max!, released in 1996, won a Swedish Grammy, setting the stage for their rise. Despite Dregen’s departure in 1998 to focus on Backyard Babies, the band continued to churn out albums until their 2008 breakup after Head Off. They reunited in 2016 for a 20th-anniversary show, as noted on The Rockpit, and have been rocking stages and studios ever since.

Today, you can keep up with The Hellacopters through their official Facebook page, where they post tour updates and engage with fans, or on Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and album teasers. Their X account is another spot for quick updates and interactions with the rock community. Fans have also created spaces to celebrate the band, like the Hellacopters Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share concert stories, rare vinyl finds, and love for tracks like "So Sorry I Could Die." For more on their discography and merch, their official website, thehellacopters.com, is the go-to hub, while their Bandcamp page offers digital downloads and vinyl pre-orders. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms keep the Hellacopters’ high-energy spirit alive.