The Swedish Music Scene Is One Of The Wealthiest And Most Influential In The World. With Its Rich Collection Of Talented Artists And Bands, It Continues To Produce A Wide Range Of Popular Music That’s Listened To In All Corners Of The Globe. This Post Lists 21 Swedish Bands You May Or May Not Have Heard About Before.
1. Opeth
| Opeth | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Opeth |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Progressive metal, progressive rock, death metal |
| Years Active | 1990-present |
| Labels | Moderbolaget, Nuclear Blast, Candlelight, Century Black, Peaceville, Music For Nations, Koch, Roadrunner, Atomic Fire |
| Members | Mikael Åkerfeldt, Martín Méndez, Fredrik Åkesson, Joakim Svalberg, Waltteri Väyrynen |
| Notable Achievements | Blending folk, blues, classical, and jazz elements into their music |
| Notable Albums | Debut Album: “Orchid” (1995) |
| Live Performances | Known for captivating live shows and world tours |
David Isberg, the lead vocalist for the Swedish progressive metal/rock band Opeth, founded the group in 1990. They Are Known For Integrating Progressive And Folk Metal In Their Unique Style. 13 Studio Albums, 4 Live DVDs, 4 Live Albums (including three that coincide with DVDs), and 2 Boxsets have all been released by Opeth. Orchid, the Band’s debut album, was released in 1995.
2. Abba
| Abba | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | ABBA |
| Background Info | ABBA is a Swedish supergroup formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group’s name is an acronym of the first letters of their first names arranged as a palindrome. |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Pop, disco, pop rock |
| Years Active | 1972–1982, 2016–present |
| Labels | Polar, Polydor, Atlantic, Epic, RCA Victor, Vogue, Sunshine |
| Spinoff of | Hep Stars, Hootenanny Singers |
| Members | Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad |
| Eurovision Success | Winners of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with the song “Waterloo” |
| Breakup and Solo Careers | After the band disbanded in 1982, Andersson and Ulvaeus continued to write music, while Fältskog and Lyngstad pursued solo careers |
| ABBA Gold | Released a compilation album, ABBA Gold, in 1992 which became a worldwide best-seller |
| Mamma Mia! Musical | Music adapted into the stage musical “Mamma Mia!” in 1999, which became a global success |
| Reunion and New Album | Reunited in 2016 and released their first new album in 40 years, “Voyage,” in 2021 |
| Commercial Success | One of the best-selling music acts in the history of popular music |
| Awards and Honors | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and received multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades |
| Cultural Impact | First non-English-speaking group to achieve consistent success in English-speaking countries, influential in pop music and fashion |
Abba Is A Swedish Supergroup Formed In Stockholm In 1972 By Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, And Anni-Frid Lyngstad. They began to gain recognition abroad after winning the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. Abba was Formed In 1972 When Four Swedish Musicians Met At The Stockholm 1st Music High School. They Signed With Polar Records, Who Sent Them To Hamburg, Germany, Where They Recorded Their First Album. They Released 17 Albums And Sold More Than 300 Million Records Worldwide, Making Them One Of The World’s Best-Selling Music Artists.
3. Meshuggah
| Meshuggah | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meshuggah |
| Origin | Umeå, Sweden |
| Genres | Extreme metal, progressive metal, avant-garde metal, technical death metal, groove metal, djent |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Nuclear Blast, Fractured Transmitter, Atomic Fire |
| Members | Jens Kidman, Fredrik Thordendal, Tomas Haake, Mårten Hagström, Dick Lövgren |
| Past Members | Niklas Lundgren, Peter Nordin, Gustaf Hielm |
| Latest Studio Album | Immutable (April 2022, Atomic Fire Records) |
| Musical Style | Innovative, complex, polymetered song structures, polyrhythms |
| Influence and Impact | Influenced modern metal bands, gained a cult following |
| Recognition | Labeled as one of the ten most important hard rock and heavy metal bands by Rolling Stone |
| Nominations | Swedish Grammis Awards (2006 and 2009), Grammy Award nomination for “Best Metal Performance” (2018) |
| Performances | Rock am Ring, Ozzfest, Download, obZen world tour (2008-2010), “Ophidian Trek” |
| Early Years | Formed in Umeå in 1987, initially as Metallien and later adopting the name Meshuggah |
| Notable Releases | Self-titled EP (1989), Contradictions Collapse (1991), Destroy Erase Improve (1995), Chaosphere (1998), Nothing (2002) |
| Commercial Success | First band signed to Nuclear Blast to be reviewed in Rolling Stone magazine |
| Exploration of Sound | Known for exploring dynamics, innovative approaches to metal music |
Swedish progressive metal band Meshuggah originates from Ume. The word “Meshuggah” in Hebrew, which means “Crazy,” is the source of the name. Meshuggah, a 1987 formation, has eleven studio albums and two live DVDs to their credit. Lead vocalist Jens Kidman, guitarists Fredrik Thordendal and Marten Hagström, drummer Tomas Haake, and bassist Dick Lövgren make up the Band’s current lineup.
4. Bathory
| Bathory | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bathory |
| Origin | Vällingby, Sweden |
| Genres | Black metal, thrash metal, Viking metal |
| Years Active | 1983–2004 |
| Labels | Tyfon Grammofon, Under One Flag, Black Mark Production, Noise International |
| Past Members | Quorthon, Frederick Melander (Freddan/Hanoi), Jonas Åkerlund, Ribban, Stefan Larsson, Adde, Paul Pålle Lundburg, Kothaar, Vvornth |
| Background Info | Swedish black metal band formed in Vällingby in March 1983 |
| Influence | Pioneers of black metal and Viking metal, influencing bands such as Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, and more |
| Significant Albums | – Considered the blueprint for Scandinavian black metal |
| Live Performances | Bathory never toured and stopped performing live early on |
| Quorthon’s Death | Quorthon (Tomas Forsberg) passed away from heart failure at the age of 38 in June 2004 |
| Tributes | Several Bathory tribute albums and live tribute performances have been organized in honor of Quorthon |
Bathory Is A Swedish Black Metal Band Formed In 1983 By Guitarist Quorthon (Torbjörn Lindbohm). Along With Other Early Bands, Including Venom And Hellhammer, They Are Credited As One Of The Fathers Of Black Metal. Bathory Is Known For Its Fast, Technical Guitar Riffs And Fast Tempo Music. In 1989 Bathory Made Its First Appearance On The Us Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart At Number 191 With “Under The Sign Of The Black Mark”.
5. Amon Amarth
| Amon Amarth | Information |
|---|---|
| Band Name | Amon Amarth |
| Background | Berlin 2022, Vikings and Lionhearts |
| Origin | Tumba, Sweden |
| Genres | Melodic death metal |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Metal Blade, Sony Music |
| Members | Olavi Mikkonen, Johan Hegg, Ted Lundström, |
| Past Members | Niko Kaukinen, Anders Hansson, Martin Lopez, |
| Notable Albums | Once Sent from the Golden Hall (1998), |
| Musical Style | Melodic death metal with epic-sounding |
| Popular Songs | “Twilight of the Thunder God,” |
| Discography | 12 studio albums, 1 compilation album, |
| Notable Collaborations | Lars-Göran Petrov, Roope Latvala, |
| Latest Album | Berserker (released in 2019) |
Amon Amarth is a 1992-founded Swedish melodic death metal band from Tumba. The Band’s name references Mount Doom, a made-up volcano from J. R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth. Their Lyrics Mostly Deal With Viking Mythology And History, And So They Have Been Sometimes Erroneously Labeled “Viking Metal”, Although The Band Insists They Play Melodic Death Metal.
6. Ghost
| Ghost | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ghost |
| Also known as | Ghost B.C. |
| Origin | Linköping, Sweden |
| Genres | Hard rock, heavy metal, doom metal, pop rock, progressive rock, psychedelic rock |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | Iron Pegasus, Rise Above, Metal Blade, Trooper Ent., Seven Four Ent., Loma Vista |
| Members | Tobias Forge (as Papa Emeritus IV), A Group of Nameless Ghouls, Papa Nihil |
| Past members | Martin Persner, Simon Söderberg, Mauro Rubino, Martin Hjertstedt, Henrik Palm, Gustaf Lindström, Aksel Holmgren, Rikard Ottoson, Linton Rubino, Megan Thomas |
| Formation | Formed in 2006 |
| Debut album | Opus Eponymous |
| Notable songs | “Ritual,” “Cirice,” “Square Hammer” |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance |
| Eccentric on-stage presence | Members known as “Nameless Ghouls” wear identical costumes |
| Lead singer personas | Papa Emeritus I, II, III, Nihil, and IV |
| Musical style | Combination of heavy metal, doom metal, and rock influences |
| Major label debut | Infestissumam |
| Chart success | Multiple number one albums in Sweden |
| Acclaim | Grammis Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album |
| Latest album | Impera |
A Swedish rock band called Ghost, formerly known as Ghost B.C. in the United States was founded in Linköping in 2006. In 2010, they released a three-track demo, then an “Elizabeth” 7-inch vinyl, and later their self-titled debut full-length album.
Ghost Is Known For Its Quirkiness On Stage. Seven of the group’s eight members, referred to as “Nameless Ghouls,” dress alike in mask-obscuring costumes.
7. Sabaton
Sabaton Was A Swedish Power Metal Band Formed In 1999. They Are Known For Their Lyrics, Which Are Entirely Written In Swedish, Which Has Led Some To Label Them As “Swedish Metal”. The Band’s Mascot Is A Sabaton, A Large Cavalry Sword. Most of their albums write about historical events, primarily wars and important battles. The “Big Four” Power Metal bands, including Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Dragonforce, has been referred to as including Sabaton.
8. Europe
| Europe | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Europe |
| Also known as | Force (1979–1982) |
| Origin | Upplands Väsby, Sweden |
| Genres | Arena rock, hard rock, glam metal, blues rock, heavy metal |
| Years active | 1979–1992, 1999, 2003–present |
| Labels | Epic, Edel, Sanctuary, earMusic, UDR Records, Silver Lining Music, Swedmetal Records |
| Members | Joey Tempest, John Norum, John Levén, Mic Michaeli, Ian Haugland |
| Past members | Peter Olsson, Tony Reno, Marcel Jacob, Kee Marcello |
| Formation | Formed in Upplands Väsby, Sweden in 1979 by Joey Tempest, John Norum, Peter Olsson, and Tony Reno |
| Breakthrough | Gained major breakthrough in Sweden in 1982 by winning the televised competition “Rock-SM” |
| Discography | Released eleven studio albums, three live albums, three compilations, and twenty-four music videos |
| International Fame | Rose to international fame in the 1980s with their third album, “The Final Countdown” |
| Reunion and Albums | Went on hiatus in 1992, reunited in 1999 and officially in 2003. Since then, released six albums |
| Influences | Influenced by Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, UFO, and Michael Schenker Group |
In 1979, drummer Tony Reno, bassist Peter Olsson, guitarist John Norum, and frontman Joey Tempest formed the Swedish rock group Europe in Upplands Väsby. Start From The Dark, Secret Society, Last Look At Eden, Bag Of Bones, War Of Kings, and Walk The Earth are the six albums the Band has released.
9. Katatonia
| Katatonia | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katatonia |
| Background Information | Katatonia at Kavarna Rock Fest 2011, Bulgaria |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Progressive rock, progressive metal, doom metal, gothic rock, death-doom (early) |
| Years Active | 1991–1994, 1996–2018, 2019–present |
| Labels | Avantgarde Music, No Fashion, Peaceville, Vic Napalm Records |
| Spinoffs | October Tide, Bloodbath |
| Members | Jonas Renkse, Anders Nyström, Niklas Sandin, Daniel Moilanen, Roger Öjersson |
| Past Members | Guillaume Le Huche, Fredrik Norrman, Mikael Oretoft, Mattias Norrman, Per Eriksson, Daniel Liljekvist, Mikael Åkerfeldt |
| Formed By | Jonas Renkse, Anders Nyström |
| Formation Year | 1991 |
| Musical Style | Progressive rock/metal with elements of doom, gothic, and death-doom |
| Notable Albums | “Brave Murder Day,” “Tonight’s Decision,” “The Great Cold Distance,” “Night Is the New Day,” “Dead End Kings,” “The Fall of Hearts” |
| Notable Songs | “Ghost of the Sun,” “My Twin,” “Deliberation” |
| Hiatus and Return | Entered a hiatus in 2018, returned in 2019 with “City Burials” and released “Sky Void of Stars” |
| Influential Members | Jonas Renkse, Anders Nyström, Mikael Åkerfeldt (former member) |
| Evolution of Sound | Transitioned from death/doom metal to a more melodic and progressive rock sound |
| Tours and Performances | Extensive touring throughout Europe and North America, notable performances at Summer Breeze Open Air, collaborations with Opeth and In the Woods… |
| Current Lineup | Jonas Renkse, Anders Nyström, Niklas Sandin, Daniel Moilanen, Roger Öjersson |
| Record Labels | Peaceville, Avantgarde Music, No Fashion, Vic Napalm Records |
| Additional Albums | “Discouraged Ones,” “Viva Emptiness,” “Dead End Kings,” “The Fall of Hearts” |
| Influence | Katatonia’s genre-blending approach has had an impact on the progressive metal and rock scene |
Swedish heavy metal group Katatonia was founded in 1991 by Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström in Stockholm. With this lineup, the Band released four additional albums: Last Fair Deal Gone Down, Viva Emptiness, The Great Cold Distance, and Night Are The New Day. Over time, the Band shifted away from its metal sound and added more progressive rock elements to its work.
10. Soilwork
| Soilwork | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Soilwork |
| Background Information | Soilwork performing at Rockharz Open Air 2016 in Germany |
| Also known as | Inferior Breed (1995-1996) |
| Origin | Helsingborg, Sweden |
| Genres | Melodic death metal, alternative metal |
| Years Active | 1995−present |
| Labels | Listenable, Century Media, Nuclear Blast |
| Members | Björn Strid, Sven Karlsson, Sylvain Coudret, Bastian Thusgaard, Rasmus Ehrnborn, Simon Johansson |
| Past Members | List of Soilwork band members |
| Formation | Late 1995, as Inferior Breed, changed to Soilwork in late 1996 |
| Sound Influences | Pantera, Meshuggah, Carcass |
| Key Albums | Steelbath Suicide, The Chainheart Machine, Natural Born Chaos, Stabbing the Drama |
| Commercial Success | Reached high positions on Billboard Heatseeker and Independent album charts |
| Major Tours | Ozzfest, The Clash of the Titans Tour, We Sold Our Souls To Metal Tour |
| Latest Album | Death Resonance (2016) |
Swedish Melodic Death Metal Band Soilwork Is From Helsingborg. The Band Started In Late 1995, When Björn “Speed” Strid And Peter Wichers, Members Of Two Metal Bands At The Time, Decided To Form A New Project Together. They Were Later Joined By Sven Karlsson (Also Known As “Svenness”) And Ola Flink (“Inferno”), Completing The Current Lineup.
11. Arch Enemy
| Arch Enemy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arch Enemy |
| Background Info | Swedish melodic death metal band formed in Halmstad in 1995. |
| Origin | Halmstad, Sweden |
| Genres | Melodic death metal |
| Years Active | 1995−present |
| Labels | Century Media, Wrong Again |
| Members | Michael Amott, Daniel Erlandsson, Sharlee D’Angelo, Alissa White-Gluz, Jeff Loomis |
| Past Members | Nick Cordle, Angela Gossow, Christopher Amott, Fredrik Åkesson, Martin Bengtsson, Peter Wildoer, Johan Liiva |
| Debut Album | Black Earth (1996) |
| Notable Albums | Stigmata, Burning Bridges, Wages of Sin, Anthems of Rebellion, Doomsday Machine, Rise of the Tyrant, War Eternal, Will to Power, Deceivers |
| Vocalists | Johan Liiva, Angela Gossow, Alissa White-Gluz |
| Guitarists | Michael Amott, Christopher Amott, Jeff Loomis |
| Bassists | Sharlee D’Angelo, Martin Bengtsson, Nick Cordle |
| Drummers | Daniel Erlandsson, Peter Wildoer |
Arch Enemy Is A Swedish Heavy Metal Band Formed In Umeå In 1995. Since 1997 The Band Has Released Four Studio Albums, One Compilation Album, Seven Eps, And One Live Album. The Band’s main lyrical themes are the Cthulhu Mythos and rebellious subjects like fascism, racism, and religious extremism.
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12. Pain Of Salvation
Daniel Gildenlöw, the group’s primary songwriter, lyricist, guitarist, and vocalist, is the Band’s leader and fronts the Swedish progressive metal outfit Pain Of Salvation. The Beatles, Faith No More, Jeff Buckley, Jesus Christ Superstar, and other musical genres like jazz, classical music, and ethnic music are some of the influences on their music.
13. Candlemass
| Candlemass | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candlemass |
| Also known as | Nemesis (1982–1984) |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Epic doom metal |
| Years Active | 1984–1994, 1997–2002, 2004–present |
| Labels | Capitol, Metal Blade, Restless, Nuclear Blast, Napalm |
| Members | Leif Edling, Mats Björkman, Jan Lindh, Lars Johansson, Johan Längqvist |
| Past Members | Klas Bergwall, Matz Ekström, Messiah Marcolin, Thomas Vikström, Björn Flodkvist, Jejo Perkovic, Michael Amott, Carl Westholm, Mats Ståhl, Robert Lowe, Mats Levén |
| Established | 1984 |
| Influential Albums | Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, Nightfall |
| Swedish Grammy Winner | Yes (2005) |
| Guest Appearance by Tony Iommi | The Door to Doom (2019) |
| Upcoming Album | Sweet Evil Sun (to be released in 2022) |
| Influences | Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, Rush, Nazareth, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Judas Priest, Motörhead, Venom |
Swedish Doom Metal group Candlemass was founded in Stockholm in 1984 by drummer Matz Ekström and bassist Leif Edling. Doom metal is named after the Band’s debut album, Epicus Doomicus Metallicus, which helped define the genre. Along with Pentagram, Saint Vitus, and Trouble, Candlemass is one of the “Big Four of Doom Metal.”
14. In Flames
| In Flames | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | In Flames |
| Origin | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Genres | Melodic death metal, alternative metal |
| Years Active | 1990–present |
| Labels | Nuclear Blast, Ferret, Wrong Again, Koch, Good Fight, Century Media, Epic, SME, Roadrunner, Fearless, Eleven Seven |
| Members | Björn Gelotte, Anders Fridén, Tanner Wayne, Chris Broderick |
| Past Members | Anders Iwers, Carl Näslund, Mikael Stanne, Daniel Erlandsson, Johan Larsson, Glenn Ljungström, Jesper Strömblad, Daniel Svensson, Peter Iwers, Joe Rickard, Niclas Engelin, Bryce Paul |
| Formation | Founded in 1990 by Jesper Strömblad |
| Pioneered Genres | Swedish death metal, melodic death metal |
| Stable Lineup | Established by the release of Colony |
| Musical Style Shift | Reroute to Remain showcased a move towards alternative metal |
| Album Sales | Over two million records sold worldwide |
| Notable Albums | Soundtrack to Your Escape, Come Clarity |
| Latest Release | Foregone |
| Founder’s Background | Jesper Strömblad formed In Flames as a side project from his band, Ceremonial Oath |
| Debut Album | Lunar Strain |
| Record Deal | Signed with Wrong Again Records and later Nuclear Blast |
| Lineup Changes | Recruited Björn Gelotte as drummer and Anders Fridén as vocalist |
| Influential Albums | The Jester Race, Whoracle, Clayman |
| Stylistic Shift | Reroute to Remain marked a departure from melodic death metal |
| Commercial Success | Increased mainstream audience and album sales |
| International Tours | Toured Europe, Japan, United States, Australia |
| Ninth Studio Album | A Sense of Purpose |
Glenn Ljungström and Jesper Stromblad, two guitarists from Göteborg, Sweden, formed the melodic death metal group In Flames in 1990. They Found Bass Player Johan Larsson And Vocalist Anders Fridén. The Band released ten studio albums, three E.P.s, one live album, and a single. Three Of Their Studio Albums Received Gold Certification In The United States.
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15. Dark Tranquillity
Swedish Melodic Death Metal Band Dark Tranquillity, Originally Formed Under The Name “Darkness” In 1987 By Vocalist/Guitarist Mikael Stanne And Former Bassist Martin Henriksson. The Band Later Shortened Its Name To “Dark Tranquillity”. While Finding Great Success In Europe, They Also Enjoy An Established Following In The United States And Japan.
In Their Early Years, Dark Tranquillity’s Lyrical Themes Dealt With Personal Struggles And Complex Emotions.
16. Scar Symmetry
Swedish Melodic Death Metal band Scar Symmetry was founded in Avesta in 2004. The Band has six albums out and seven singles out. Their Musical Style Blends Progressive Metal With Power Metal And Neoclassical Elements, And Their Lyrics Often Deal With Philosophical And Religious Concepts. They Have A Nuclear Blast Records Contract Right Now.
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17. Draconian
| Draconian | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Draconian |
| Origin | Säffle, Sweden |
| Genres | Gothic metal, death-doom, doom metal |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Napalm |
| Members | Johan Ericson, Anders Jacobsson, Lisa Johansson, Jerry Torstensson, Daniel Arvidsson, Niklas Nord |
| Past members | Heike Langhans, Fredrik Johansson, Andy Hindenäs, Andreas Karlsson, Jesper Stolpe, Susanne Arvidsson, Magnus Bergström, Elena Andersson, Thomas Jäger |
| Debut Album | “Where Lovers Mourn” |
| Latest Album | “Under a Godless Veil” |
| Vocalist Changes | Lisa Johansson rejoined the band, replacing Heike Langhans |
| Instrument Changes | Daniel Arvidsson switched from rhythm guitar to bass |
Swedish metal band Draconian was founded in Säffle in 1994. The Band Has Earned A Lot Of Success For Their Sound, Primarily Progressive Metal, With Death Metal Vocals And Black Metal Influences. The Band’s lineup has changed numerous times, almost entirely in 2000. The Demo Dark Oceans We Cry Was Recorded In 2002, The First Release To Feature Lisa Johansson’s Vocals. Both a CD and the Internet were made available with the demo. It Received Good Reviews, And The Band Signed A Long-Awaited Record Deal With Napalm Records.
18. Roxette
| Roxette | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roxette |
| Origin | Halmstad, Sweden |
| Genres | Pop rock, soft rock, pop, dance-pop, power pop |
| Years Active | 1986–2019 |
| Labels | EMI, Edel Music, Capitol, Warner Music, Parlophone |
| Past Members | Marie Fredriksson, Per Gessle |
| Breakthrough Album | Look Sharp! |
| Successful Albums | Joyride, Have a Nice Day, Room Service |
| Notable Hits | “The Look”, “Listen to Your Heart”, “It Must Have Been Love”, “Joyride”, “Dressed for Success”, “Dangerous”, “Fading Like a Flower” |
| Hiatus and Return | Took a break in 2002 due to Marie Fredriksson’s brain tumor diagnosis; reunited in 2009 for Per Gessle’s European Party Crasher tour |
| Studio Albums | Charm School (2011), Travelling (2012), Good Karma (2016) |
| Marie Fredriksson’s Passing | Marie Fredriksson passed away on 9 December 2019 at the age of 61 after battling a brain tumor |
| Worldwide Sales | Sold an estimated 75 million records worldwide, achieving gold and platinum certifications for their albums in Germany, the US, and the UK |
| Contributions to Pretty Woman Soundtrack | Roxette’s song “It Must Have Been Love” was featured in the film Pretty Woman |
Roxette Is A Swedish Pop Duo Formed In 1986, Consisting Of Per Gessle And Marie Fredriksson. They had little success in Sweden after releasing their first album in 1986. The Album Was Later Released Internationally, Peaking At #2 In Norway And #3 In Australia — It Did Not Chart Well Outside These Countries, However.
19. Children Of Bodom
Children Of Bodom Is A Finnish Melodic Death Metal Band, Formed In 1993 In Espoo. They Quickly Gained Popularity With Their Blend Of Melodic Death Metal And Black Metal, Which Became Widely Imitated By Bands From Different Parts Of The World. The Band all published ten studio albums, two live albums, two E.P.s, two compilation albums, and one DVD. Are You Dead Yet was released in 2006 after The Reaper, the next album.
If you’re a heavy metal fan, you’ve probably heard of Children of Bodom. This Finnish band has been making music since the mid-1990s, and their unique blend of melodic death metal and power metal has earned them a dedicated following. Check out our article on the Greatest Heavy Metal Bands That Defined a Generation to discover more iconic metal bands.
20. Bloodbath
| Bloodbath | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Bloodbath |
| Background | Bloodbath at Hellfest 2010 |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Death metal |
| Years Active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Peaceville, Century Media, Napalm |
| Members | Anders Nyström, Jonas Renkse, Martin Axenrot, Nick Holmes |
| Past Members | Mikael Åkerfeldt, Dan Swanö, Per Eriksson, Peter Tägtgren, Joakim Karlsson |
| Associated Acts | Opeth, Katatonia |
| Discography | – Resurrection Through Carnage (2002) |
| Notable Gigs | Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Bloodstock Open Air, Maryland Deathfest, Graspop Metal Meeting |
| Influences | Entombed, Morbid Angel, Autopsy |
| Current Status | Active |
Swedish death metal supergroup Bloodbath was founded in 1998 and is based in Stockholm. The Band Has Presented Their Performances At Wacken Open Air (2005) And Bloodstock Open Air On Five Full-Length Albums, Two Eps, And Two DVDs (2010). Martin Axenrot (Opeth), Anders Nyström (Katatonia), Jonas Renkse (also Katatonia), and Nick Holmes make up the group (Paradise Lost).
21. Entombed
| Entombed | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Entombed |
| Background Information | Swedish death metal band formed in 1987 under the name of Nihilist |
| Origin | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genres | Death metal, death ‘n’ roll |
| Years Active | 1987–2014, 2016–present |
| Labels | Threeman, Candlelight, Music for Nations, Earache, Combat, Relativity, Columbia, Sony |
| Spinoffs | Entombed A.D. |
| Members | Alex Hellid, Nicke Andersson, Uffe Cederlund, Robert Andersson, Edvin Aftonfalk |
| Main Influences | Slayer, Celtic Frost, Devastation, Repulsion, Autopsy |
| Notable Albums | “Left Hand Path” (1990), “Clandestine” (1991), “Wolverine Blues” (1993) |
| Musical Style | Early pioneer of Scandinavian death metal with a distinct “buzzsaw” guitar tone. Evolved to include garage rock and death ‘n’ roll influences |
| Legacy | Referred to as one of the “big four” of Swedish death metal alongside Dismember, Grave, and Unleashed |
| Significant Events | Legal battle over the band name in 2013. Formation of Entombed A.D. in 2014. Reunion performances in 2016. Passing of vocalist Lars-Göran Petrov in 2021. Recent performance at Gefle Metal Festival in 2022. |
Nihilist, a Swedish death metal band, was the original name of Entombed when it was founded in 1987. Entombed started as a pioneer of Scandinavian death metal, which at first set itself apart from its American counterpart by way of a distinctive “Buzzsaw” guitar tone. The group shares a similar aesthetic with Swedish death metal acts like Dismember, Carnage, Grave, and Unleashed.