Art Nation, the Swedish melodic rock band hailing from Gothenburg, has carved out a notable niche in the modern hard rock scene since their formation in 2014 by vocalist Alexander Strandell and guitarist Christoffer Borg. With a sound that blends soaring melodies, anthemic choruses, and a blend of classic AOR influences with contemporary metal edges, they've been praised for delivering energetic and polished performances that resonate with fans of bands like H.E.A.T and Eclipse. Their debut album "Revolution" (2015) set a strong foundation with its melodic rock anthems, earning nominations for prestigious Swedish awards like the Gaffa-priset for Breakthrough of the Year, and they've continued to build momentum through consistent releases and high-energy live shows that have shared stages with icons such as Europe and Sabaton.
Overall, Art Nation stands out for their ability to infuse traditional rock elements with fresh vigour, making them a rising force in the genre that's both accessible and exhilarating. Over the years, the band has evolved their style, as seen in albums like "Liberation" (2017), which introduced a tougher, more modern sound, and more recent efforts such as "Inception" (2023) and "The Ascendance" (2025), where they explore heavier riffs and thematic depth while maintaining their signature melodic hooks.
Reviews often highlight their growth, noting how they've broadened boundaries to renew the melodic hard rock formula, resulting in music that's dynamic and full of energy. This progression, coupled with lineup stability in recent years—including bassist Richard Svärd and various drummers—has solidified their reputation as a reliable act in Sweden's vibrant rock community, capable of captivating audiences both on record and onstage.
Here are some interesting facts about Art Nation:
- They performed their song "We Are Better Together," the official anthem for the Gothia Cup, at the tournament's opening ceremony in 2016 before a crowd of 60,000 at Ullevi stadium, and it was also broadcast live on Swedish television SVT.
- Their ballad "Look to the Sky" from the debut album appeared on the newspaper Aftonbladet's best-selling list in 2015 and was dubbed the "Beautifulest Ballad of the Year."
- Despite multiple lineup changes, particularly in 2017 when several members were replaced, the core duo of Strandell and Borg has remained constant, driving the band's creative direction.
- Art Nation signed a worldwide deal with Sony Music Entertainment / Gain in early 2016, which boosted their international exposure and led to extensive touring across festivals and clubs.
- They've been nominated for the Gaffa-priset multiple times (2015-2017) in categories like Best Live Act and Swedish Group of the Year, competing alongside major artists such as Ghost and Zara Larsson.