DAMNED NATION

The Rise and Fall of Swedish Melodious Hard Rock
DAMNED NATION and Its Trajectory

Chapter 1: Background Analysis

1.1 The Ground for Melodious Hard Rock in Sweden

In the 1990s, the global music scene was undergoing a dramatic transformation with the rise of Grunge and Alternative Rock. The glamorous melodious hard rock of the 1980s, often called "Arena Rock" or "Hair Metal", was pushed out of the mainstream, leaving many bands facing disbandment or contract terminations. However, in Sweden, the fire of hard rock that cherished traditional melodies never died out, being passed down continuously like an underground vein of water.

1.2 The Evolution of the Band and Its Two Eras

The career of DAMNED NATION can be broadly divided into two eras based on their musical style and frontman. The first period is the late 1990s "Melodic Era," featuring Thomas Thorsen, which pursued pure Scandinavian-style AOR (Album Oriented Rock). The second period is the early 2000s "Modern Heaviness Era," featuring the talented singer Matti Alfonzetti, where the band shifted toward a more contemporary and heavy sound.

Chapter 2: Prehistory - The Formation and Struggles of Easy Street (1986-1993)

2.1 Formation in Degerfors

Easy Street, the predecessor of DAMNED NATION, was formed in 1986 in Degerfors, an industrial town located in Värmland County, Sweden. The core figures were the following three musicians who would later form the heart of DAMNED NATION:

• Robert Warnqvist: Guitar
• Magnus Jönsson: Bass
• Leif "The Machine" Erixon: Drums

They began their activities in the late 1980s, an era when melodious hard rock still retained its commercial brilliance. However, due to geographical constraints and the absence of a stable vocalist, they were unable to achieve major success. The band spent their days performing mainly at local bars and clubs, repeatedly making demo tapes and changing members.

2.2 Records of Single Releases and Market Value

Two single records (7-inch vinyl) were released during the Easy Street era. These are currently traded as rare records in the melodious hard rock (AOR) collector's market and serve as crucial historical materials to understand the band's early musicality.

1st Single: "With You / This Must Be Love" (1989)

• Label: Platina (Catalog Number: PL 69)
• Vocals: Ove Jonsson
• Recording Studio: Studio Kuling (Örebro)
• Overview: Recorded on June 12, 1989, this work is a song imbued with the lyricism typical of 80s Scandinavian metal. In today's secondhand market, it is recognized as a collector's item due to its rarity, and copies in good condition tend to be traded at high prices.

2nd Single: "Everybody Want Some / High On Emotion" (1992)

• Label: U.F.O. Records
• Vocals: Mikael "Pillen" Carlsson
• Overview: The vocalist changed, and Mikael Carlsson, who would later perform in Quolio and Vulkan, participated. The sound during this period approached a sophisticated AOR direction, suggesting a transitional phase into DAMNED NATION.

2.3 Limits and Turning Point

In 1993, seven years after their formation, the three core members—Warnqvist, Jönsson, and Erixon—stood at a crossroads. Feeling the limits of their activities within Sweden, they made the decision to dedicate all their efforts to discovering a new vocalist and securing a record contract to aim for the world with a more professional setup.

Chapter 3: The Birth and Debut of DAMNED NATION (1993-1995)

3.1 A Fated Encounter and Renaming

In 1993, the band succeeded in securing a contract with UFO Records. However, they still lacked a "world-class frontman." The band conducted an uncompromising selection process, reviewing auditions and demo tapes for about eight months, and finally discovered a singer. It was Thomas Thorsen, the former vocalist of Powerhouse.

In early 1994, welcoming Thorsen, the band renamed themselves from Easy Street to DAMNED NATION to make a fresh start. This aggressive band name, meaning "a cursed nation," can be interpreted as symbolizing their break from their unfortunate past and their fighting spirit against adversity.

3.2 Production of the 1st Album "Just What The Doctor Ordered"

For the production of their debut album, the band and the label recruited a powerful helper: James Christian, renowned as the vocalist of the American melodious hard rock band House of Lords. He composed two songs on the album ("I Wanna Make You Mine" and "After All"), adding prestige to the rookie band.

Released in 1995, the debut album "Just What The Doctor Ordered" became an orthodox melodious hard rock work filled with transparent keyboards and catchy hooks, seemingly going against the grunge boom of the time.

Album Analysis

This album was also released in Japan by Canyon International (Catalog Number: PCCY-00773) and became a topic of discussion among Japanese "Melohar" (Melodic Hard Rock) fans. In particular, the quality of the songs provided by James Christian was high, and Thomas Thorsen's soaring, high-pitched voice met the expectations of Scandinavian metal fans.

Key Track Features:

• "Are You Willing To Forgive": The album's opening track, characterized by a sorrowful melody.
• "I Wanna Make You Mine": A song provided by James Christian. A sweet, ballad-style track where the vocalist's expressiveness stands out.

Chapter 4: Season of Straying - Conflict with the Label and Member Departure (1996-1998)

4.1 The Phantom 2nd Album and the Tragedy of the Thailand Tour

Having received a certain amount of acclaim for their debut work, the band was already working on songwriting for their next album by 1996. However, here the band faced an unreasonable wall in the music industry. Their label, UFO Records, continuously delayed the recording schedule for inexplicable reasons.

Things finally moved in early 1997. The label requested the band to embark on a promotional tour in Thailand. On the condition that "recording for the 2nd album would begin immediately upon return," the band accepted the offer and traveled to Thailand. However, even after their return, the label failed to fulfill its promise, and the recording was postponed yet again.

4.2 Departure of a Founding Member and a New Setup

The prolonged stagnation of activity and distrust toward the label caused cracks within the band. Drummer Leif Erixon, a founding member since the Easy Street days and the backbone of the band, announced his departure during this period.

Welcomed as his replacement was drummer Roger Jern, who had previously been in a band called Dead End Street. With Jern's joining, the band's rhythm section acquired a new groove.

4.3 Contract with Z-Records and Revival

In 1998, having given up on UFO Records, the band terminated their contract, produced their own demo tape, and sent it to labels around the world. Mark Alger, the president of the rising British label Z-Records, was the quickest to respond to this demo.

At the time, Z-Records was becoming a central figure in the Melodic Rock Revival of the late 90s, making it an ideal sanctuary for bands like DAMNED NATION. Once the contract was finalized in late 1998, the band immediately set to work on their new material. To add thickness to their sound, they also officially welcomed a new keyboardist, Anders Andersson (often credited as Anders Lindén in later releases), as a regular member in November 1998.

Chapter 5: The Golden Era - Success of "Road of Desire" (1999)

5.1 Completion of the Album "Road of Desire"

In 1999, having overcome their period of hardship, the band released their 2nd album, "Road of Desire". The Japanese edition was released ahead of schedule on June 17 by Canyon International (Catalog Number: PCCY-01379).

This work is evaluated as the most complete piece of "Scandinavian Melodious Hard Rock" within DAMNED NATION's discography. The brilliant arrangements heavy on keyboards, sorrowful melody lines, and Thomas Thorsen's emotional vocals blended in a perfect balance, receiving extremely high praise from specialized magazines and fan sites.

5.2 Track Analysis and Evaluation

While praised heavily by genre aficionados, scoring over 80 points on the music review site Heavy Harmonies, some reviews also offered specific criticisms, such as "the first track 'Come Hell Or High Water' is weak with its emphasis on groove, but the subsequent tracks are wonderful."

Tracks Worth Noting:

• "Road Of Desire": The title track and one of the band's signature songs. It combines a catchy chorus with a sense of speed.
• "Calling Your Loveline": A dramatic song starting with a heavy keyboard intro.
• "The Reason I Live": A highly complete ballad where Thorsen's vocal ability shines.

During this period, the band established a solid fanbase in the Japanese market. The Japanese edition came with an "Obi" strip, included bonus tracks, and was thoroughly tailored for Japanese fans.

Chapter 6: Sophistication and Stability - "Grand Design" (2000)

6.1 Continuation of the Previous Direction

Following the success of "Road of Desire", the band released their 3rd album, "Grand Design", in 2000 without losing momentum (Japanese edition: PCCY-01451). This work was an extension of its predecessor, proving that the production had become more sophisticated and the band's ensemble had grown tighter.

6.2 Track Structure and Japanese Edition Bonus Tracks

In this album, the fusion of Robert Warnqvist's guitar work and Anders Lindén's keyboard work advanced even further, showcasing their high songwriting ability in tracks like "Stonecold Woman" and "Hiding From The World".

The Japanese edition included live recordings "Love & Devotion (Live)" and "Are You Willing To Forgive (Live)" as bonus tracks, serving as precious recordings that offer a glimpse into DAMNED NATION's actual live performance capabilities. Reviews at the time described it as a "high-quality work that tickles the melodic hard rock soul," conveying the confidence of a band that had entered its period of stability.

Chapter 7: Turbulent Transformation - Joining of Matti Alfonzetti (2001-2003)

7.1 Departure of Thomas Thorsen

Entering the 2000s, the band faced its biggest turning point. Vocalist Thomas Thorsen, who had made his voice resound as the "face" of the band since their debut, left the band in 2001. Although the detailed reasons for this departure have not been spoken of, the band was forced to search for a new direction.

7.2 New Vocalist: Matti Alfonzetti

The person chosen as his successor was Matti Alfonzetti, a heavyweight in the Swedish rock scene. He had already built an international career prior to joining DAMNED NATION.

Matti Alfonzetti's Major Career History:

• Jagged Edge: A British hard rock band. He served as the vocalist on the album "Fuel for Your Soul".
• Skintrade: A Swedish hard rock band that achieved success in the early 90s.
• Talisman: He also has a history of activity in the band led by Marcel Jacob.

In contrast to Thorsen's clean and transparent voice, Alfonzetti's vocal style was a bluesy, husky, and powerful "rock voice." This change in vocal quality acted as a catalyst that fundamentally altered the band's sound itself.

7.3 Heavier Sound and the Recruitment of Tomas Skogsberg

With Alfonzetti on board, the band spent most of 2001 writing songs. What they aimed for was not the conventional AOR direction, but a sound that was "heavier and more up to date."

The definitive factor in this transformation was recruiting producer Tomas Skogsberg. Skogsberg is a figure known as the father of the death metal sound in Sweden, having worked with bands like Entombed. The fact that a melodious hard rock band welcomed a master of death metal as their producer was a clear sign that DAMNED NATION was trying to destroy their "past selves" and build a completely new sound.

Chapter 8: The Final Chapter - "Sign of Madness" and Mixed Reviews (2004)

8.1 Release of the Album "Sign of Madness"

Breaking a silence of about four years, on November 15, 2004, the band released their fourth and final album, "Sign of Madness" (Label: Scarlet Records).

This album shocked many fans. The glamorous keyboards of the past receded, replaced instead by down-tuned heavy guitar riffs and Alfonzetti's rough vocals. The atmosphere of the tracks was dark and heavy, occasionally stepping into the realms of progressive metal and modern heaviness.

8.2 Polarization of Evaluations

Evaluations regarding this dramatic change were split down the middle.

• Proponents: Praised Alfonzetti's overwhelming vocal power, the high level of the band's performance technique, and their aggressive attitude that refused to conform to trends. It was received favorably especially by audiences who preferred dark metal, such as Evergrey.
• Detractors: Conventional fans who had expected a melodic sound like "Road of Desire" raised harsh voices, claiming they had "abandoned their melodic roots" and expressing "disappointment." On review sites, it was sometimes harshly criticized as "one of the biggest disappointments of 2004."

8.3 The End of the Band

After the release of "Sign of Madness", prominent activity records as DAMNED NATION ceased. While there is no evidence of a major, official declaration of disbandment, it is considered a de facto split-up since the main members moved on to separate projects (such as Shadowland).

Chapter 9: Discography

Below is a detailed list of all releases by DAMNED NATION and Easy Street.

9.1 Easy Street (Pre-DAMNED NATION)

Year	Title	Format	Label	Notes
1989	With You / This Must Be Love	7" Single	Platina (PL 69)	Vo: Ove Jonsson. Rare record.
1992	Everybody Want Some / High On Emotion	7" Single	U.F.O. Records	Vo: Mikael Carlsson.

9.2 DAMNED NATION - Studio Albums

#	English Title	Notes	Time
1	Are You Willing To Forgive		4:12
2	Gimme Your Love		3:43
3	Back (Someday)		4:24
4	Dance With The Fire		4:18
5	Good Girl		4:41
6	Take Me Higher		5:24
7	Tell The Truth		4:25
8	Just What The Doctor Ordered		3:59
9	Big Dreams		3:50
10	I Wanna Make You Mine	Written by James Christian	3:44
11	After All	Written by James Christian	3:46

#	English Title	Time
1	Come Hell Or High Water	3:36
2	When The Truth Becomes A Lie	5:17
3	Road Of Desire	4:21
4	Hold On	4:09
5	Calling Your Loveline	5:40
6	Soulstealer	4:21
7	I Got What It Takes	5:07
8	Life Is A Mission	4:01
9	The Reason I Live	4:59
10	Love & Devotion	4:49
11	Coming Home	4:42
12	Endless Dream	3:13

#	English Title	Notes	Time
1	Stonecold Woman		5:09
2	Hiding From The World		4:54
3	Heart On The Run		N/A
4	Fortune-Teller		N/A
5	Desperate Call		5:07
6	Eyes Of A Stranger		N/A
7	Hands Of Time		N/A
8	Going Crazy		4:56
9	Scream Of Anger		N/A
10	Love Reaction		N/A
11	Dance In Darkness		N/A
12	Love & Devotion (Live)	*Japan Bonus	N/A
13	Are You Willing To Forgive (Live)	*Japan Bonus	N/A

#	English Title	Notes	Time
1	Innocence	Intro - Written/Performed by Tomas Skogsberg	1:25
2	Stranded		3:21
3	Wall Of Illusion		4:12
4	Consequences		3:18
5	Bringer Of Light		3:32
6	Sign Of Madness		3:50
7	Facing The Enemy		3:57
8	Human Sacrifice		2:58
9	Still Alive		4:12
10	Wake Up		3:37
11	Slave		3:56
12	Going Blind		5:29

Chapter 10: Members Profile

Thomas Thorsen

• Role: Vocals (1994-2000)
• Career: A singer symbolizing the "Melodic Era" of DAMNED NATION. He possessed a sweet, soaring tenor voice perfectly suited for AOR-style tracks. After his departure, he continued his activities in bands such as Powerhouse and Soulskinner.

Matti Alfonzetti

• Role: Vocals (2001-2004)
• Career: One of the leading rock vocalists in Sweden. He has made his voice resound in numerous bands, including Jagged Edge, Skintrade, Bam Bam Boys, Talisman, and The Poodles (related project). In DAMNED NATION, he displayed a more aggressive and soulful singing style, driving the band's sound.

Robert Warnqvist

• Role: Guitar, Backing Vocals (1986-2004)
• Career: An original member from the predecessor band Easy Street. The main songwriter of the band, possessing the versatility to handle everything from melodious arpeggios to heavy riffs.

Magnus Jönsson

• Role: Bass (1986-2004)
• Career: An original member. After the dissolution of DAMNED NATION, he participated in the progressive metal band Shadowland and released the album "Falling". He also took part in The Ring, a project with Jakob Samuel from The Poodles.

Roger Jern

• Role: Drums (1997-2004)
• Career: Former Dead End Street. Joined as the successor to Leif Erixon and supported the backbone of the band in its later years.

Anders Lindén / Anders Andersson

• Role: Keyboards (1998-2000)
• Career: A keyboardist indispensable to building the sound of "Road of Desire" and "Grand Design". The synthesis layers he brought were the core of the band's AOR sound.

Leif Erixon

• Role: Drums (1986-1997)
• Career: A founding member. Later participated in Act of Metal and other projects.

Historical Significance of DAMNED NATION

DAMNED NATION was a rare presence that continuously delivered high-quality melodies from Sweden during the late 90s "melodious hard rock winter era." Its affinity with the Japanese market was particularly high, and the three albums released through Canyon International are still talked about among Japanese AOR fans today.

The career of DAMNED NATION was also a history of struggle for a band that altered its style in search of commercial success. From the sophisticated AOR sound of the early to mid-period to the heavy modern heaviness of the later period, this dramatic contrast represents the diversity of DAMNED NATION and stands as a legacy that tells the deep layers of the Swedish rock scene.