Copenhagen’s genre-defying trio, When Saints Go Machine, have launched into 2024 with the release of their double-single, “Chainsaw / Trying.” This marks the band’s first new music of the year, setting the stage for an ambitious nationwide tour across Denmark planned for later this autumn. Known for their ability to merge a wide array of genres into a cohesive sound, the band continues to push boundaries with this latest release, exploring new sonic landscapes that reflect their evolving musical journey.
Comprised of Nikolaj Manuel Vonsild, Jonas Kenton, and Silas Moldenhawer, When Saints Go Machine have crafted a unique identity that fuses elements of techno, electronica, post-punk, hip hop, pop, and club culture. The trio’s approach to music is rooted in their deep, lifelong friendship, and this connection is palpable in their sound. Their latest release, “Chainsaw / Trying,” embodies this connection, blending vivid imagery with a raw, experimental sound that challenges traditional genre boundaries.
The band describes the new tracks as an exploration of transformative moments, both sonically and conceptually. In discussing the inspiration behind “Chainsaw,” they reflected on a moment of introspection that became a driving force for the song’s creation. “One day in the middle of it all, on a treatment table. The images that appear, that open something. Is it a gate? No, it’s something vibrant that makes daylight something other than just daylight. A chainsaw into the body, transforming into something almost religious,” the band shared.
This evocative description is characteristic of When Saints Go Machine’s artistic ethos: a commitment to pushing beyond the surface to discover deeper, more resonant meanings within their work. The group’s new musical direction is a testament to their desire to create immersive experiences that transcend the traditional confines of sound. As Vonsild, Kenton, and Moldenhawer explain, “More than ever, we want to make images burst through sound, creating a web of connections. That’s what’s truly valuable to us right now.”
The double-single’s creation process is rooted in a hands-on approach, emphasizing the physicality of making music. The band describes “Chainsaw / Trying” as a reflection of “hands touching instruments,” amplifying a sense of something tangible, real, and human. This approach aligns with their broader artistic vision: to blend diverse influences into a unified, resonant expression that connects deeply with listeners.
When Saints Go Machine’s ability to defy categorization has earned them international acclaim, most recently for their award-winning 2023 album, Rosy. The album received widespread praise, highlighted by the success of their single “Gone,” which became their fourth “Song of the Week” on Danish national radio P3. Their momentum carried through the summer, as they headlined major festivals, further solidifying their reputation as one of Denmark’s most innovative musical acts.
As the band prepares for their upcoming tour, “Chainsaw / Trying” serves not only as a new chapter in their discography but also as a statement of intent: to continue breaking down barriers and exploring the outer edges of sound. Fans can expect When Saints Go Machine to deliver a captivating and immersive live experience as they bring their latest tracks to the stage.
With their new release, When Saints Go Machine invite listeners to join them in their ongoing journey—one that is less about adhering to musical conventions and more about embracing the unexpected and the transformative.
