Gaupa – FYR EP

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · August 8, 2025

Gaupa is a hard rock band from Falun, Sweden. They consist of Emma Näslund on vocals, Jimmy Hurtig on drums, Erik Sävström on bass, and David Rosberg on guitar. They have released a Self Titled EP in 2018, 2020’s Feberdröm, 2022’s Myriad, and their latest, a mini album, 2025’s FYR. Original co-founding guitarist Daniel Nygren left in 2024. FYR was released on July 4th 2025, on Nuclear Blast Records. It contains four tracks at twenty four minutes long.

“Lion’s Thorn” has a nice slow and consistent build up that crescendos into ecstasy. The new age sounding hard rocking groove of Gaupa can’t be ignored. Once the captivating voice of Emma Näslund is heard then it’s all over! Her Bjork-esc vocals are very unique and dynamic. The angelic tone and raspy textures are amazing and really makes the sound so fantastic. Each of the four tracks are varied from one another. The anthem like opener of “Lion’s Thorn” is quite different than the second song,entitled “Heavy Lord”. The song is a more upbeat rocker with Emma’s voice commanding the lead. The solid structure rock song has a nice fuzzy tone.

The third track called “Ten Of Twelve” is another piece of musical art. The music has some twists and turns and coalesces perfectly with the excellent vocals. Together, the winning combination is working magnificently in their favor. There’s a good reason why High Desert Queen wrote a song specifically for Emma’s vocal style. She really is amazing and the Bjork comparisons are a big compliment. Gaupa has a very powerful sound that is original and divine. The fourth and final track called “Elastic Sleep” is an emotional roller coaster of a song. It has a slow and uneasy feeling beginning that gets heavy and doomy. Emma’s voice is oozing with emotion and expression. The short but concise twenty four minute EP is colossal in sound and quality. This is definitely a band to watch out for in the near future.