Art Nation - Inception

[Stefan]

 

Press release:

"When we released our debut album "Revolution" in 2015, everything went extremely fast. Suddenly we were on tour, doing shows on some of the biggest stages in Sweden and walking the red carpet of the Grammy Awards. At the same time, we were navigating the difficulties of being a bunch of kids, playing in a band where no one had any experience of doing all the things that we were expected to do.

I was totally broken and overwhelmed by all the anxiety that had built up from the pressure of trying too hard. After the release of "Liberation" in 2017, I could barely be on stage anymore without pain in my chest and I was so frustrated with being ill.

During this period, I did things to my friends in the band that I deeply regret today. Even if I told myself that it was okay because of my health, it’s never okay to treat your friends badly. I need to live with that for the rest of my life and I’ll try to do better from now on.

I lost my friends in 2017 and the band was never the same after that. We tried really hard to continue the journey, but it never felt like Art Nation without Christoffer, who started the band with me back in 2014. The musical spirit was gone along with the strong friendship.

After the release of "Transition" in 2019, the dawn of the pandemic in early 2020 forced me to cancel all future plans and everything went upside down. I tried to see it all as a sign to just focus on myself and try to repair all the damage I had done during the years.

This break was necessary because I needed to heal myself and today I’m feeling stronger than ever with much thanks to my family and friends.

Christoffer and I are back together with Richard and Alex and we couldn’t be more happy to tell you guys that we have signed a world wide record deal with Frontiers Records. We are now in the making of our fourth album which is planned to be released in 2023.

We will do our first show in 3 years at Sweden Rock Festival's ”Sweden Stage'' on the 8th of June. We couldn't be more thrilled to be back on the road and meet all of you guys again!

We're here to stay this time and from the bottom of my heart, I’m so thankful for all the support during the band's existence. Let's make this next chapter of Art Nation the best ever!" - Alexander Strandell

 

facebook

 

 

 

Edited March 11 by Stefan

[Tabe]

I have high hopes for this album.  Really, really hope they're able to recapture the magic of "Revolution".

[The Rocker]

On 5/18/2022 at 4:19 PM, Tabe said:

I have high hopes for this album.  Really, really hope they're able to recapture the magic of "Revolution".

This

[tts42572]

I liked this band for a spell but they've really fallen off my radar.  I'm not sure they'll ever make it back on as I guess I feel like there are plenty of other bands doing what they do that I like way more.

[Kristian]

The first two albums had some excellent songs on them.

[Stefan]

New album 'Inception' out June 9 through Frontiers.

More details to come...

[CMGiordano]

I fell out of love with this band so hard I didn't even realize they'd released a third album.

 

Whoops.

[Stefan]

 

New video for 'Brutal And Beautiful'.

From Frontiers:

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Art Nation's new album "Inception" on June 9, 2023. 

This will be the band's first new album in four years and sees vocalist Alexander Strandell, guitarist Christoffer Borg, bassist Richard Svärd, and drummer Alexander Lundgren delivering a powerful musical statement. Huge, anthemic melodic hard rock mixed with European metal influences throughout make "Inception" an undeniably enjoyable sonic delight. 

After having worked with lead vocalist Alexander Strandell on 2022's excellent debut album from Crowne, "Kings In The North", Frontiers Music Srl approached Alexander about working together on a new Art Nation album and thankfully Strandell was keen on the idea. Importantly and crucially, guitarist Christoffer Borg, who started the band with Strandell in 2014, has returned to Art Nation. Strandell and Borg, along with bassist Richard Svärd and drummer Alexander Lundgren, have re-established that great musical spirit and chemistry that launched the band and Art Nation is back and better than ever!

"When Art Nation released our debut album "Revolution" in 2015, everything went extremely fast. Suddenly we were on tour, doing shows on some of the biggest stages in Sweden and walking the red carpet of the Grammy Awards. At the same time, we were navigating the difficulties of being a bunch of kids, playing in a band where no one had any experience of doing all the things that we were expected to do. I was totally broken and overwhelmed by all the anxiety that had built up from the pressure of trying too hard. After the release of "Liberation" in 2017, I could barely be on stage anymore without pain in my chest and I was so frustrated with being ill. During this period, I did things to my friends in the band that I deeply regret today. Even if I told myself that it was okay because of my health, it’s never okay to treat your friends badly. I need to live with that for the rest of my life and I’ll try to do better from now on. I lost my friends in 2017 and the band was never the same after that. We tried really hard to continue the journey, but it never felt like Art Nation without Christoffer, who started the band with me back in 2014. The musical spirit was gone along with the strong friendship," explains Strandell.

"After the release of "Transition" in 2019, the dawn of the pandemic in early 2020 forced me to cancel all future plans and everything went upside down. I tried to see it all as a sign to just focus on myself and try to repair all the damage I had done during the years. This break was necessary because I needed to heal myself and today I’m feeling stronger than ever, with much thanks to my family and friends. Christoffer and I are back together with Richard and Alex and we couldn’t be more happy," continues Strandell. 

"We're here to stay this time and from the bottom of my heart, I’m so thankful for all the support during the band's existence. Let's make this next chapter of Art Nation the best ever!" concludes Strandell.

The band played their first show in three years at the legendary Sweden Rock Festival's ”Sweden Stage'' on June 8, 2022 and plans on even more gigs for 2023 and 2024.

 

Tracklisting:
1.    Brutal & Beautiful 
2.    Last Of The Burned
3.    1001
4.    Fight Fire With Fire 
5.    Echo 
6.    Break Up 
7.    Light The Fire
8.    The Legend Reborn
9.    Somewhere I Know I Belong 
10.    Superman
11.    Powerless 

Line-up:
Alexander Strandell - Vocals
Christoffer Borg - Guitar
Richard Svärd - Bass
Alexander Lundgren - Drums

 

 

 

Edited March 31 by Stefan

[melodicrock]

Not blown away by that unfortunately.

[KarpetRydOFunk]

35 minutes ago, melodicrock said:

Not blown away by that unfortunately.

Never been blown away, unfortunately. Their music's usually good, but I just can't get behind Strandell's voice. 

[Mr.AOR]

[tobi is an animal]

yea, lead single is just ok, I guess Alex will have to be content with having just one album in my top 10 this year.

[Mafisen]

Catching these fellas live this summer at Skogsröjet festival. 

[Mafisen]

As far as the song goes, it's good but not mind-blowing. I expect much better songs to come. 

[AlphaMale]

On 4/1/2023 at 2:11 AM, Mr.AOR said:

backed

[tts42572]

On 3/31/2023 at 10:36 PM, KarpetRydOFunk said:

Never been blown away, unfortunately. Their music's usually good, but I just can't get behind Strandell's voice. 

Same.

[Stefan]

New video for "Echo'.

 

 

[Mafisen]

Echo is better than B&B but still not blown away. I had hoped for a return to more AOR/melodic rock on this album, but I guess melodic metal is his way now. 

[Mr.AOR]

Another piece of...

[Mafisen]

I think some let personal dislike and/or grudges affect their judgment. 

[The Rocker]

10 hours ago, Mafisen said:

I think some let personal dislike and/or grudges affect their judgment. 

Love the first album, like most of the second album, third was a major letdown, and this one isn't sound too far off from the last.

[Mr.AOR]

7 hours ago, Mafisen said:

I think some let personal dislike and/or grudges affect their judgment. 

I don't have a personal dislike of or a grudge with anyone in Art Nation I just think both of those songs are  

[Mafisen]

On 4/25/2023 at 10:40 PM, The Rocker said:

Love the first album, like most of the second album, third was a major letdown, and this one isn't sound too far off from the last.

They've changed their style quite a bit from the debut and it's nor for everyone for sure. I like the more metallic approach. 

Echo is a grower. 

[Mafisen]

On 4/25/2023 at 10:53 PM, Mr.AOR said:

I don't have a personal dislike of or a grudge with anyone in Art Nation I just think both of those songs are  

Each to their own, but shit it is not, I shit you not. 😎

[Stefan]

New video for '1001'.