THERION was founded in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson their debut album Of Darkness… “was released in 1991 and was a huge success for the band within the underground Metal scene. THERION began as a very creative Death Metal band, pushing limits of the contemporary sound and grew beyond themselves. In the course of the years, the bands style developed in a quite unique way and between 1991 and 1996 THERION released groundbreaking records, one being more special than the other.
In 1996 THERION released Theli which would be the ultimate breakthrough for the band. At this time THERION turned towards a more opera-like, progressive and even orchestral sound. Vovin and Deggial are dominated by the new style of catchy symphonic opera metal Christofer invented. Then came Secrets of the Rune, their first concept album, dealing with Nordic myths and influenced by Scandinavian Folk music. The double record Lemuria / Sirius B was a huge success then THERION engaged themselves with the recording of Gotihc Kabbalah and The Miskolc Experience. After that Christofer decided it was time for a change: Sitra Ahra was done with a completely new lineup.
THERION have evolved from a mere death metal act into one of the first projects to take a trip towards the world of classical music, setting the initial standards to a style later known as symphonic metal. When 15 year old prodigy Christofer Johnsson founded THERION as a death metal band in 1987, little did he know that exactly 30 years later he would put the final touches to a project that will go down in history as symphonic metal’s most ambitious release. While ‘rock operas’ are no longer an unusual concept, this term will now receive a new meaning when the curtain opens for Johnsson’s lifelong creation: Beloved Antichrist is the title of his spectacular brainchild, consisting of 3 full-length CDs. It is more than just a concept album; it’s a complete rock opera unveiling a sweeping story inspired by Vladímir Soloviov "A Short Tale Of The Antichrist".
Joining THERION are THE DEVIL who are a mysterious and highly original Cinematic Metal act that has innovated by creating an entirely new genre within metal music. The band features an international line up of masked musicians that deliver a unique live show, complete with cinematic movie projection in sync to the entire live performance.
Further experimental elements of THE DEVIL music is the selective use of historical and political conspiracy laden samples in place of traditional vocals which reveals a powerful message encoded within the music. THE DEVIL exposes a great secret. A grand conspiracy...
THE DEVIL self-titled debut album was released worldwide through Candlelight Records / EMI and released three official music videos from that album, 'Universe', 'Extinction Level Event' and 'Alternative Dimensions'.
TOUR DATES:
Wednesday 12th September - MELBOURNE - Max Watt’s
Thursday 13th September - BRISBANE - The Triffid
Friday 14th September - SYDNEY - Manning Bar
An exclusive event. A unique experience. Limited VIP meet and greet tickets will be available.
Its time for pre-orders to be available for ROYAL MESS - out on MelodicRock Records September 25 - the same date as THE RADIO SUN sophmore release, which you can also pre-order now as part of a MRR September Package deal.
Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS is designed to kick some ass – a little Steve Stevens Atomic Playboys meets Kiss, meets Swedish melodic rock class.
View album teaser #3 now:
Nalle’s name should be very familiar to fans of Scandinavian rock – just check the credits for such great acts as Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
After so many years helping others sound great, MRR is proud to bring Nalle’s debut album to fans.
Produced by Nalle Påhlsson and Mixed by Chris Laney.
The self-titled Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS album will be released September 25 in two configurations – regular and a direct pre-order limited Special Edition that will feature one bonus track.
Track Listing:
01. Aces High (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 4:00
02. Hell City (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:44
03. Mr Freedom (Påhlsson) 4:22
04. Gold Digger (Påhlsson) 3:22
05. Breakout (Påhlsson) 3:50
06. Higher Than Seventh Heaven (Påhlsson/Lundquist-Nerge) 4:09
07. The Pieces Of My Heart (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:45
08. To Hell And Back (Påhlsson/Lundquist-Zan) 3:29
09. Trip (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:28
10. From Rise To Fall (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:05
11. Loaded Gun (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 4:18
Special Edition Exclusive Bonus Track:
12. See You In My Dreams (Påhlsson/Nilsson-Geli) 4:52
And check out the list of special guests on ROYAL MESS!
Kee Marcello (ex Europe)
Ian Haugland (Europe)
Mats Olausson (Yngwie Malmsteen)
Jamie Borger (Treat, L.A.D.)
Danne McKentzie (Mustasch)
Mats Levén (Candlemass, Therion)
Snowy Shaw (Therion)
Linnéa Vikström (Therion)
Johan Koleberg (Therion)
Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall)
Patrick Appelgren (Treat)
Kristian Niemann (ex Therion)
Zinny Zan (Easy Action, Shotgun Messiah)
Stefan Bergström (Skintrade)
Christian Vidal (Therion)
Micke Hujanen
Igna Jover (Antalgia)
Nicci Notini
Love Magnusson (Dynazty)
Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv)
Max Lorentz
Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles)
Mikael Erlandsson (L.A.D)
Lasse Andersson (producer, songwriter)
Pontus Larsson (Vindictiv)
For more than three decades, Nalle Påhlsson has been one of Sweden's leading rock bassists, providing reliable backing vocals along the way. September sees the release of Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess. An album where Nalle finally steps out as a lead singer, songwriter and versatile musician (providing rhythm guitars and keyboards, as well as bass).
Inspired by his oldest brother's record collection, Nalle started playing guitar at an early age. At 10, he joined his first band, switching to bass guitar the following year.
"Playing the bass reflects my personality. If I was a housebuilder I'd be into cement, working on the foundation. I feel just as at home playing the rhythm guitar, which has a similar role", Nalle smiles.
His early influences – Deep Purple, Kiss, The Sweet, Kansas – instilled the rock'n'roll dream, and the success of the band Europe proved that it was possible for Swedes his own age to make it.
Soon, Nalle was a sought-after bass player, touring and/or recording with some of Scandinavia's biggest names (Mikael Rickfors, Mats Ronander, Pugh Rogefeldt, Sanne Salomonsen, Easy Action and many others). He also formed what may have been Sweden's first tribute band, AB/CD. Not only did they play impeccable AC/DC covers; Nalle (who, being the rhythm guitarist, naturally called himself Nalcolm) also wrote new material in the style of the Australian rockers. AB/CD released one EP and two albums. The first album shifted 30,000 units, outselling some of Sweden's most hyped rock bands in the process.
Nalle continued to work as a freelance musician, as well as being a member of bands like Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
"I always tried to create bass lines that added something to the music, and made it more interesting and varied".
His efforts did not go unnoticed: in 2010, he was voted Bass Player of the Year on MelodicRock.com
But there was always a sense of unfinished business. He had his own album to make. And now it's finally here.
Royal Mess reflects a big part of Nalle's musical tastes. Crunchy riffs, high energy playing, and catchy melodies. Timeless and melodic hard rock/AOR, as opposed to metal. Elements of prog can be detected, too, but he has chosen to save most of that side for another time.
It would be hard to pick out specific highlights from such a strong collection of quality songs. Most of them convey a life-affirming feeling. Nalle has had his share of bad relationships and self-destructive behaviour. Four years sober, he has used his time well, playing sessions and touring the world as Therion's bass player, while making this album.
"I have spent a lot of time being drunk or hungover in my day. The drinking increased around 2008, and one day I had just had enough. I realized that not only did I hurt myself, but also the ones I care about the most: my kids, my mother, my brothers and my friends. I decided to look for help. Ever since then, my whole life has become more enjoyable".
Most of the album's lyrics describe this journey.
"I hope that the songs inspire others who find themselves in similar situations to make a change, and take control of their own destiny. It's never too late."
The album was produced and arranged by Nalle himself, and mixed by renowned producer/musician/songwriter/artist, Chris Laney, who provided the already big and bold material with his trademark "in your face" attitude, and a slightly more modern twist.
The list of musicians credited on the album reads like a who's who of the Swedish hard rock community. How about Kee Marcello (Easy Action/Europe), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall), Micke Hujanen (AB/CD), Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv), Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles), and Kristian Niemann (Therion) – and that's just the solo guitarists. It seems that everyone who knows Nalle wanted to help put him in the spotlight by lending their talents to the album. However, it's Nalle's vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and songwriting that is the core of the album's sound and style. The question remains: Why on earth hasn't he sung lead before?
"A lot of people who have heard the album have wondered why I have waited so long to do it. I guess it's a question of self confidence. People also seem to find it refreshing that I have made a classic hard rock album that reminds them of the Seventies and Eighties. But this is quite simply the kind of music I grew up listening to. I guess the only target group I had in mind was me!" Nalle laughs.
Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess is a personal and musical victory.
Put it on, crank it up, and you will soon know why.
Its time to announce a second release scheduled for September on MelodicRock Records.
This one is designed to kick some ass – a little Steve Stevens Atomic Playboys meets Kiss, meets Swedish melodic rock class.
I’m talking about Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS.
Nalle’s name should be very familiar to fans of Scandinavian rock – just check the credits for such great acts as Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
After so many years helping others sound great, MRR is proud to bring Nalle’s debut album to fans.
The self-titled Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS album will be released September 25 in two configurations – regular and a direct pre-order limited Special Edition that will feature one bonus track.
Right now you can enjoy two teaser videos previewing several tracks from the album.
More information soon!
For more than three decades, Nalle Påhlsson has been one of Sweden's leading rock bassists, providing reliable backing vocals along the way. September sees the release of Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess. An album where Nalle finally steps out as a lead singer, songwriter and versatile musician (providing rhythm guitars and keyboards, as well as bass).
Inspired by his oldest brother's record collection, Nalle started playing guitar at an early age. At 10, he joined his first band, switching to bass guitar the following year.
"Playing the bass reflects my personality. If I was a housebuilder I'd be into cement, working on the foundation. I feel just as at home playing the rhythm guitar, which has a similar role", Nalle smiles.
His early influences – Deep Purple, Kiss, The Sweet, Kansas – instilled the rock'n'roll dream, and the success of the band Europe proved that it was possible for Swedes his own age to make it.
Soon, Nalle was a sought-after bass player, touring and/or recording with some of Scandinavia's biggest names (Mikael Rickfors, Mats Ronander, Pugh Rogefeldt, Sanne Salomonsen, Easy Action and many others). He also formed what may have been Sweden's first tribute band, AB/CD. Not only did they play impeccable AC/DC covers; Nalle (who, being the rhythm guitarist, naturally called himself Nalcolm) also wrote new material in the style of the Australian rockers. AB/CD released one EP and two albums. The first album shifted 30,000 units, outselling some of Sweden's most hyped rock bands in the process.
Nalle continued to work as a freelance musician, as well as being a member of bands like Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
"I always tried to create bass lines that added something to the music, and made it more interesting and varied".
His efforts did not go unnoticed: in 2010, he was voted Bass Player of the Year on MelodicRock.com
But there was always a sense of unfinished business. He had his own album to make. And now it's finally here.
Royal Mess reflects a big part of Nalle's musical tastes. Crunchy riffs, high energy playing, and catchy melodies. Timeless and melodic hard rock/AOR, as opposed to metal. Elements of prog can be detected, too, but he has chosen to save most of that side for another time.
It would be hard to pick out specific highlights from such a strong collection of quality songs. Most of them convey a life-affirming feeling. Nalle has had his share of bad relationships and self-destructive behaviour. Four years sober, he has used his time well, playing sessions and touring the world as Therion's bass player, while making this album.
"I have spent a lot of time being drunk or hungover in my day. The drinking increased around 2008, and one day I had just had enough. I realized that not only did I hurt myself, but also the ones I care about the most: my kids, my mother, my brothers and my friends. I decided to look for help. Ever since then, my whole life has become more enjoyable".
Most of the album's lyrics describe this journey.
"I hope that the songs inspire others who find themselves in similar situations to make a change, and take control of their own destiny. It's never too late."
The album was produced and arranged by Nalle himself, and mixed by renowned producer/musician/songwriter/artist, Chris Laney, who provided the already big and bold material with his trademark "in your face" attitude, and a slightly more modern twist.
The list of musicians credited on the album reads like a who's who of the Swedish hard rock community. How about Kee Marcello (Easy Action/Europe), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall), Micke Hujanen (AB/CD), Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv), Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles), and Kristian Niemann (Therion) – and that's just the solo guitarists. It seems that everyone who knows Nalle wanted to help put him in the spotlight by lending their talents to the album. However, it's Nalle's vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and songwriting that is the core of the album's sound and style. The question remains: Why on earth hasn't he sung lead before?
"A lot of people who have heard the album have wondered why I have waited so long to do it. I guess it's a question of self confidence. People also seem to find it refreshing that I have made a classic hard rock album that reminds them of the Seventies and Eighties. But this is quite simply the kind of music I grew up listening to. I guess the only target group I had in mind was me!" Nalle laughs.
Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess is a personal and musical victory.
Put it on, crank it up, and you will soon know why.
Sweden delivers yet another rock band in the form of 220 Volt. But these guys aren’t new – they’re back from the 80s, with their first proper studio album since 1997.
It doesn’t happen often, but this is one band that skipped past me in the heyday, so more or less, despite reported changes to their sound, I’m taking them on as a new listener.
Anders Engberg (ex-Therion ex-Lions Share), who joined this group on late 2012, is the new voice of the band, so with a fresh voice it really is a new start for the band.
Founding members Thomas Drevin and Mats Karlsson handle the guitars and drummer Peter Hermansson complete the line-up.
What I’m hearing is pretty typical Scandi-styled melodic hard rock. I’ve spun it several times and I’m liking the vocals, which sound a little like the great Matti Alfonzetti or Goran Edman, but otherwise I’m struggling with the songs somewhat.
Production is ok, it’s not a sharp or as crisp as it should be and compared to some other recent releases. The drum and cymbal sound in particular is weak.
Coupled with some songs that don’t quite do it for me and a sound I’ve heard before, I rate this as a decent release that fans of the band should enjoy, but I’m not seeing huge crossover potential.
This is a pretty hard rocking release though. There are times where the band takes it up a notch and that’s when I think they sound at their best – tracks like Alive, Through The Wastelands and System Overload.
Plus the more melodic Take A Good Look and Stranded.
Overall, not bad, but not a stand out for me in this always crowded market. I expect longtime fans will enjoy and newcomers to the European hard rock scene might also find something worthy here.
Swedish hard rock act 220 Volt returns to the scene with a new album called “Walking In Starlight”. Anders Engberg (ex-Therion ex-Lions Share), who joined this group on late 2012, is the new voice of the band. This is his first full album with 220 Volt. Founding members Thomas Drevin and Mats Karlsson handle the guitars, and drummer Peter Hermansson completes the line-up.
220 Volt (founded 1979) was among the top hard rock acts in Scandinavia during the 80's and released their first, self titled album on CBS in June 1983. The band then went on to release five albums between 1983-1988. The last one recorded in the 80's was the album Eye to Eye which is their best selling album internationally, and it was also on heavy rotation on MTV and many radio stations around the world. It was produced by legendary producer Max Norman (Ozzy/Megadeth/Y&T etc..) and who also has mixed 5 tracks for “Walking In Starlight”.
The band’s reputation was built on frequent album releases and energetic live shows. Besides performing their own headline shows, the Swedes have also toured as support for AC/DC and Nazareth among others. In 1985, 220 Volt performed in front of 80.000 people in Warsaw, Poland. The show was broadcasted live on Polish TV, among the first ever TV-shows in the eastern block to feature a hard rock band.
220 Volt split up in 1992, but released the studio album Lethal Illusion in 1997. The quartet was active for a while between 2002-2008 with members from an earlier line-up and produced two albums, “Volume 1” and the live album “Made in Jamtland”.
Songs like “Firefall”, “Love Is All You Need”, “Beat Of A Heart”, “The Harder They Come”, “Heavy X-mas” and “Power Games” to name a few, still get airplay around the world... Songs you'll be likely to hear live again soon!
Discography: 220 Volt (1983), Power Games (1984), Mind over muscle (1985), Young and wild (1987), Eye To Eye (1988), Lethal Illusion (1997), Volume 1 (2002), Made in Jamtland (2005), Heavy X-mas revisited (2009, EP), Walking In Starlight (2014)
