Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Release: 25 April 2025
Genre: Melodic Hard Rock/Metal
Links: https://www.facebook.com/artnationswe/
Line Up:
Alexander Strandell – Vocals
Christoffer Borg – Guitar
Richard Svärd – Bass
Tracklist:
1. Set Me Free
2. Thunderball
3. Halo
4. Runaways
5. Julia
6. The Last Of Us
7. Lightbringer
8. A New Beginning
9. Unstoppable
10. Rise
11. Fallout
Art Nation is taking Sweden’s melodic metal scene by storm with their powerful anthems and modern sound. This Gothenburg-based group was brought to life by vocalist Alexander Strandell and guitarist Christoffer Borg, with Richard Svärd’s impressive bass skills completing their signature sound.
I’ve been tracking these talented Swedes since their debut Revolution back in 2015, and I knew right away they had that magic sauce in their sound that could take them higher. There was something special in their approach that set them apart from other bands in the genre.
We were finally able to catch the guys on a stacked bill opening for one of our favorites in H.E.A.T at Islington Assembly Hall, London, and what a show it was. It made one Adrian a fan soon after. Their live performance cemented everything I’d heard on record and then some.
The vocal acrobatics and soaring highs of singer Alexander Strandell are absolutely mesmerizing—he catapults the band over the top with his extraordinary range and power. Meanwhile, the guitar action of Christoffer Borg provides that perfect crunchy, edgy foundation that drives their sound forward. On songs like the opener “Set Me Free,” the band kicks things into high gear, bringing flashes of Sonata Arctica with precision and catchiness all over.
Pictures: Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
On “Thunderball,” the guys have another smashing catchy and accessible tune, with a super enticing chorus that leaves the listener wanting more. It’s the kind of track that showcases their ability to craft instant earworms while maintaining their metal credentials.
“Halo” continues the momentum with the band’s signature blend of heaviness and melody, while “Runaways” comes in with a folky intro riff before the drums kick in with high power, later delivering more melodic metal goodness. This tune oozes with Nightwish-esque passion. The symphonic elements blend perfectly with their hard rock foundation, creating something both familiar and distinctly Art Nation.
The power ballad “Julia” is unexpected because it’s what a Rock ballad should feel and sound like. In places I’m thinking of Europe’s classics like “Carrie” or “Open Your Heart”—so freaking good and well done. If you are going to do a ballad, this is the way!!! It shows the band understands the art of dynamics and emotional delivery that made the great 80s ballads so enduring.
Pictures: Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
The bangers continue with “The Last of Us” with a neck-breaker of a chorus. Strandell’s vocals keep shining bright here, and their enigmatic rhythm just flows and drives another excellent tune.
Their debut quickly caught critics’ attention and earned them recognition at Sweden’s prestigious Gaffa Awards. After winning over Nordic audiences and sharing stages with legends like Nightwish and Hammerfall, they’re now ready to conquer Europe with their upcoming album The Ascendance (dropping April 25, 2025).
This new release builds on the success of Inception while taking their sound in a bolder direction. Songs like “Halo,” “Thunderball,” and “Unstoppable” show how they’ve evolved—heavier and more modern, but still packed with those unforgettable melodies that fans love. With Strandell’s passionate vocals leading the way (he’s been nominated for “Rock Voice of the Year”!) and a new touring partnership, Art Nation is ready to claim their throne as royalty in the world of modern melodic metal.
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 9/10
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