Johannes Heldén's atmospheric sci-fi poetry mixes paranoia and playfulness

Johannes Heldén, known for his unique blend of art, music, and poetry, has released a new collection titled "Modern Mytologi." This work continues his exploration of science fiction themes, filtered through a distinctly personal and eco-critical lens. Heldén is recognized as one of Swedish poetry's most distinctive voices, immediately identifiable by his use of specific terminology and his evocative imagery.

“

trees reaching up out of the water, the lights from a distant city

The collection, self-designed by Heldén, presents fragmented poems often set in a remote house. Prominent figures include the poetic self and a cat, alongside various natural elements and creatures like a startled deer, flocks of jackdaws, and an octopus. These are interwoven with abstract concepts such as "rain in biological algorithms" and "landing lights in harsh weather." The seven suites within the book are characterized by a pervasive, subtle paranoia, captured in lines like "A hoarse cry is heard from the forest across the field every time I pass a window."

“

A hoarse cry is heard from the forest across the field every time I pass a window.

While "Modern Mytologi" excels in creating a strong atmosphere, the review notes that its consistent mood could sometimes lead to a sense of repetition. However, the collection is significantly enlivened by injections of playfulness, particularly evident in the concluding glossary. This section defines terms like "estuary" as "an area that hesitates between reality and fiction" and "boathouse" as a "semi-sentient architectural structure."

“

estuary, an area that hesitates between reality and fiction