Swedish band Orbit Culture showcases ESP guitars and shares insights
Orbit Culture, a Swedish heavy metal band, recently showcased their preferred guitars from ESP and KAP at the Tons Of Rock Festival in Norway. Guitarists Richard Hansson and Niklas Karlsson favor sleek, black guitars with pointy edges for their performances, embodying the essence of metal with their instrument choices. While Karlsson has a few alternates, his custom-built Explorer-style guitar from KAP pays tribute to his hero, James Hetfield, whom he greatly admires.
The guitars used by Orbit Culture feature passive humbuckers, specifically Seymour Duncan Black Winter pickups. Although the metal genre typically leans towards active pickups like EMGs, the band finds that passive pickups offer more clarity in the lower registers, especially when downtuning to Drop A. This preference for passive pickups aligns with their musical style and tuning choices, showcasing a conscious decision to prioritize tone quality and versatility in their sound.
In addition to their choice of pickups, Orbit Culture has made modifications to their guitars to suit their preferences. Hansson and Karlsson both praise the Black Winter pickups for their distinctive sound, explaining that the switch from Fishman pickups was worth it for the desired tone. The duo also highlights the significance of the EverTune bridge in their guitars, noting how this feature revolutionized their playing experience.
During the interview, Karlsson shared his enthusiasm for his custom MX-250 guitar, praising its design and playability. The guitar, with its unique features and sleek appearance, embodies Karlsson’s personal style and pays homage to iconic guitar shapes. In showcasing their guitars and discussing their modifications, Orbit Culture emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality in their instruments.
As Orbit Culture prepares for their upcoming European tour and performance at the Tons Of Rock Festival, fans can expect to witness the band’s signature sound and style on stage. With their latest album, “Death Above Life,” released through Century Media, the band continues to push boundaries and explore new musical horizons. Stay tuned for more updates on their tour dates and future projects, as Orbit Culture continues to enthrall audiences with their unique blend of melodeath and heavy metal music.