The extreme metal community is mourning the loss of Nils “Nisse” Joel Karlén, founding vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist of the Swedish melodic black metal band Sacramentum. He passed away at the age of 50, having chosen to end his life.
In a statement shared by the band, Sacramentum wrote:
“With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news that our dear friend, band member, and one of the founders of Sacramentum, Nisse Karlén, has passed away. He chose to leave this world due to struggles with mental health.
At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for his family, friends, and bandmates as we come to terms with this loss.
Thank you for everything, Nisse. You will always be with us.
Suicide is never to be glorified.”
The band also included helplines for those in need:
EU Suicide Helpline: 116 123
U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Who Was Nisse Karlén?
Born on December 2, 1974, in Falköping, Sweden, Nisse Karlén was a driving force behind Sacramentum’s sound and vision. He handled not only guitar and vocals but also lyrics and bass duties at various stages of the band’s existence. His creative fingerprints are all over the group’s discography, from their earliest demos to their revered full-length albums.
About Sacramentum
Sacramentum was formed in Falköping in 1990 under the name Tumulus, with Karlén at the helm. By 1992, the band had changed its name and released their demo Sedes Impiorum. Their first EP, Finis Malorum (1994), quickly established them as a promising new voice in the Swedish underground.
In 1996, Sacramentum released their debut full-length album, Far Away from the Sun. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of melodic black metal—often compared to Dissection and Unanimated, but with a darker, more hypnotic character all its own.
The band continued to evolve with The Coming of Chaos (1997), which leaned into blackened death metal territory, and Thy Black Destiny (1999), which showcased a heavier death metal influence while still carrying traces of their earlier style.
Despite disbanding in 2001, Sacramentum’s music retained a cult following. In 2019, the band reunited, performing live again and working on reissues of their classic material, bringing their legacy to a new generation of listeners.
A Lasting Legacy
With just three albums and a handful of demos and EPs, Sacramentum left an indelible mark on extreme metal. Their music remains a touchstone for fans of the genre—haunting, melodic, and unflinching in its vision.
At the heart of that legacy was Nisse Karlén, whose voice and songwriting helped define not just a band, but a movement within Swedish metal. His loss is deeply felt, but his contributions will continue to resonate for years to come.
Rest in peace, Nisse. You will not be forgotten.
