Editing Soilwork (section)

===Rise to popularity (2000–2006)===
In 2000, after exhausting themselves with touring, Soilwork returned to the studio to record their third full-length album, ''[[A Predator's Portrait]]''. The release was well received and brought Soilwork to the forefront of the melodic death metal scene, alongside label mates [[In Flames]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soilwork.org/biography.php |title=Predator's Portrait brings much acclaim |author=Soilwork |access-date=23 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713203921/http://www.soilwork.org/biography.php |archive-date=13 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The band performed at [[Wacken Open Air]] that year and toured extensively with [[Annihilator (band)|Annihilator]] and [[Nevermore]].{{fact|date=January 2025}}

Following up on their success, Soilwork entered the studio again in late 2001 to record the follow-up to ''A Predator's Portrait'' with [[Devin Townsend]] and [[Fredrik Nordström]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Soilwork Complete Work on "Best Album We Ever Did"! |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=443 |date=27 December 2001 |publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001000715/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=443 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref> ''[[Natural Born Chaos]]'' was released in early 2002, to much acclaim as well.{{citation needed|date=November 2008}} Soilwork toured throughout Europe to support the album and, for the first time, throughout the United States—first with bands [[Hypocrisy (band)|Hypocrisy]], Scar Culture, Chimaira, Unearth, and [[Killswitch Engage]] during the summer,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2819 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021030124239/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2819 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 October 2002 |title=Soilwork to tour US with Hypocrisy |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref> and then alongside label mates In Flames during the fall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2019 |title=In Flames, Soilwork join forces for European/US tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220935/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=2019 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> After touring, they began writing and recording their fifth album.

In December 2002, Soilwork entered the studio to begin recording their fifth album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=7840|title=Soilwork To Commence Recording New CD|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=23 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930220756/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=7840|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> After recording, the band began a European tour with [[Children of Bodom]] and [[Shadows Fall]] throughout April and May.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=9152 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030307050927/http://roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=9152 |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 March 2003 |title=Shadows Fall to Support Children of Bodom, Soilwork in Europe |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref> That same month, ''[[Figure Number Five]]'' was released. In early June, drummer Henry Ranta left the band to focus more on his personal life and was replaced a week later by Richard Evensand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12686 |title=Soilwork Announce New Drummer |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930230505/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12686 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> The band then embarked on another North American tour with In Flames, [[Chimaira]], and [[Unearth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11788 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040105172643/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11788 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 January 2004 |title=In Flames, Soilwork, Chimaira, Unearth to Team up For North American Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11930 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030727205006/http://roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11930 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 July 2003 |title=In Flames, Soilwork, Chimaira: More North American Dates Announced |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref> In September, Soilwork toured Japan with Children of Bodom.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12312 |title=Children of Bodom, Soilwork to Team up for Japanese Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002705/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=12312 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref> Merely days after a short mini-trek through Japan, Soilwork also toured Australia briefly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13083 |title=Soilwork to Tour Australia |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002359/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=13083 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref> Later that year, they again toured North America with Chimaira, [[As I Lay Dying (band)|As I Lay Dying]] and [[Bleeding Through]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15794 |title=Chimaira And Soilwork to Team up For 'Pure Hatred' Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927223951/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=15794 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> After the tour, Richard Evensand left the band to replace drummer Andols Herrick, who had recently left Chimaira.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17903 |title=Former Soilwork Drummer Explains Decision to Join Chimaira |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930230340/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17903 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> Soilwork initially announced his temporary replacement as Dirk Verbeuren of [[Scarve]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17929 |title=Soilwork Announce Temporary Replacement For Departed Drummer |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927223407/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17929 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> Verbeuren would later become the full-time replacement.<ref name="BMWichersQuits">{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45407 |title=SOILWORK: Guitarist WICHERS Quits, Drummer VERBEUREN Named Full-Time Member |date=11 December 2005 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822232330/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45407 |archive-date=22 August 2007 }}</ref> In early 2004, singer [[Björn "Speed" Strid]] laid down tracks with Italian melodic death metal band [[Disarmonia Mundi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21074 |title=DISARMONIA MUNDI: Sophomore Album To Include Appearance By SOILWORK Singer |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606213332/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21074 |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> During April, the band announced that it had extended its contract with record label Nuclear Blast Records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21562 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930225858/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21562 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 September 2007 |title=Soilwork Extend Contract With Nuclear Blast |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref> That same month, the band again toured Australia alongside [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Embodiment 12:14]], and Killswitch Engage. In mid-2004, Soilwork toured Japan for a second time alongside Dark Tranquillity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dark Tranquillity, Soilwork to Team up for Japanese Tour|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=20498|access-date=23 July 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001004704/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=20498|archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref>

Soilwork entered Dug Out Studios on 14 September 2004, to begin recording their sixth full-length album, ''[[Stabbing the Drama]]''. A week later, the band switched venues and recorded at Fascination Street Studios.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=26835 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041012064117/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=26835 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2004 |title=Soilwork Begin Recording New Album |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 }}</ref> ''Stabbing the Drama'' was released in early March 2005. The album entered the Finnish charts at number 19 and the Swedish charts at number 14.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33831 |title=Soilwork's 'Stabbing The Drama' Enters Finnish Chart At No.&nbsp;19 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204559/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=33831 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> The band also began to experience minor commercial success in the [[United States]]. ''[[Stabbing the Drama]]'' reached No.&nbsp;12 and No.&nbsp;21 on the [[Billboard charts#Top Heatseekers|Billboard Heatseeker]] and [[Independent Albums|Independent]] album charts, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Billboard albums |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |url={{Allmusic |class=album |id=r730435 |pure_url=yes}} |access-date=23 July 2007}}</ref> The band participated in the 2005 [[Ozzfest]], performing on the second stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34998 |title=It's Official: Mudvayne To Fill 'Mystery Band' Slot on Ozzfest's Main Stage |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930225025/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34998 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> In November, the band toured the United States with [[Fear Factory]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=41713 |title=Soilwork to Miss First Nine Shows of Fear Factory Tour |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001010132/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=41713 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref> In late 2005, guitarist [[Peter Wichers]] left the band due to tour exhaustion and other personal issues.<ref name="BMWichersQuits"/> The same month, Strid announced he was working on a second album with Disarmonia Mundi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45766 |title=Soilwork Frontman Working on New Diarmonia Mundi Album |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606213405/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=45766 |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref> In May 2006, Daniel Antonsson was announced as the replacement for Peter Wichers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51901|title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SOILWORK: North American Debut With New Guitarist Scheduled For The Fall|date=30 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181219/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=51901|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref> Soilwork spent the summer appearing at festivals throughout Europe. In September, they toured the UK and Turkey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54076 |title=SOILWORK: U.K., Turkish Dates Announced |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930230550/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54076 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> The band later canceled the Turkish dates due to terrorist attacks and bombings that had recently occurred against tourists there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59413 |title=SOILWORK Postpones Turkish Dates |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927223218/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59413 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> In October, the band toured North America with [[Darkest Hour (band)|Darkest Hour]], [[Mnemic]], and [[Threat Signal]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57391 |title=Soilwork, Darkest Hour, Mnemic: More U.S. Tour Dates Announced |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001004609/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=57391 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=62581 |title=Threat Signal: Video Footage From Soilwork Tour Posted Online |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=23 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001001543/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=62581 |archive-date=1 October 2007 }}</ref>