Grönwall is best known for his time fronting H.E.A.T and Skid Row, and for his solo career. He’s one of the most powerful voices in modern rock, and he’ll close the second day of the festival’s expanded two-day event.

Mayhem Rock Festival is an independent Nottingham festival devoted to Scandinavian rock. It brings over artists who rarely play British stages, and the 2027 edition mixes established names with some of the most exciting new bands coming out of Sweden.

Saturday 15 May is headlined by Nicke Borg and his band performing the music of Backyard Babies, which should be a real treat for anyone who grew up on Making Enemies Is Good and Total 13. Sister, Art Nation, Saffire, Corroded and Andy & The Rockets complete the day.

On Sunday 16 May, Erik Grönwall is joined by Lipz, Cruzh, The Striders and The Firebombs.

The festival has built a loyal following, with fans travelling from across the UK and Europe for a weekend given over entirely to Scandinavian rock.

Weekend and day tickets are on sale now.

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Drummer Christian Lundqvist said: “As soon as Jona played me the demo, I thought that this was going to be the title track, and a few seconds later I had the clear idea of how the album cover would look like.”

Vocalist Alexander Strandell commented on the new record, by saying: “It feels incredible to share this third chapter with all of you. Working alongside the amazing team at Frontiers and my brothers Jona, Kicken, John, and Love has been an absolute honour. If you’re a fan of Art Nation, The Poodles, H.E.A.T., Dynazty, or Europe – This one’s for you”.

Wonderland is said to be an experience filled with epic atmospheres, anthemic choruses, and technical know-how that showcases the band’s musicianship.

At the helm is Alexander Strandell, renowned for his vocals with Art Nation, Lionville, and Nitrate. The guitarist is Love Magnusson (Dynazty), keyboard player Jona Tee (H.E.A.T), bassist is the legendary John Leven (Europe) and drummer Christian Lundqvist (ex-The Poodles).

One of the standout moments is ‘Warlords Of The North’, a powerful anthem featuring a songwriting contribution from Biff Byford, the iconic frontman of Saxon. This collaboration is said to add “majesty and weight to an already monumental track”.

The full list of tracks featured on Wonderland is: ‘Wonderland’, ‘Waiting For You’, ‘Eye Of The Oracle’, ‘Heaven Tonight’, ‘Warlords Of The North’, ‘Timing Is Right’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘Love Thy Enemy’, ‘Legacy’, ‘Hearts Collide’ and ‘The Fall’ – You can order the album here.

‘Heaven Tonight’, ‘Timing Is Right’ and ‘Waiting For You’ also came out as singlexd that you can check out videos to here at RAMzine. With keyboard player Jona Tee commenting: ‘”Timing Is Right’ is about keep moving forward and to roll with the punches life throws at you.”

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Founded by Alexander Strandell and Christoffer Borg, the band continue to release new albums and their label, Frontiers Records Srl, has also recently rereleased Art Nation’s most famous album Re-Revolution.

Described as “a huge album filled with absolutely stunning AOR”, it was produced by Jakob Hansen (Pretty Maids, Amaranthe).

Tracks featured are: ‘Need You to Understand’, ‘3000 Beats’, ‘I Want Out’, ‘Number One’, ‘Don’t Wait for Salvation’, ‘All the Way’, ‘Start a Fire’, ‘Moving On’, ‘Here I Am’, ‘Look to The Sky’, ‘Wage War Against The World’, ‘All In’ and bonus tracks ‘Leave It All Behind’, ‘Don’t Wait For’, ‘Salvation (Demo)’, ‘ Number One (Demo)’ and ‘Moving On (Swedish Idol)’.

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Guitarist Christoffer Borg said: “This song is the continuation of ‘Powerless’ and it is part of my own journey. It is about acceptance and moving on instead of getting stuck in the past”.

Singer Alexander Strandell said: “Looking to the future with the release of The Ascendance he said: “It feels amazing to finally share the new album – a true reflection of our journey as a band. Over the years, we’ve explored different sounds, challenged ourselves creatively, and pushed boundaries to find the essence of who we are. Through experimentation and growth, we’ve shaped our identity, and The Ascendance represents the culmination of that process.

“The album consists of eleven signature Art Nation songs, filled with powerful melodies, unforgettable choruses, intricate musical elements, and, most importantly, pure passion. This record is a testament to everything we’ve worked for, and we can’t wait for you to experience it with us”, continued Strandell.

Tracks featured on the album are: ‘Set Me Free’, ‘Thunderball’, ‘Halo’, ‘Runaways’, ‘Julia’, ‘The Last Of Us’, ‘Lightbringer’, ‘A New Beginning’, ‘Unstoppable’,’Rise’ and ‘Fallout’.

Strandell said of previous single, ‘Julia’: “This song holds a very special place in my heart. It’s dedicated to my partner – The person who changed everything from the moment we met. The song captures the emotions, the magic! It’s filled with passion, epic melodies, and a soaring chorus. Writing this song was an incredibly personal experience, and I hope listeners can feel the sincerity and emotion in every part of the track.”

Hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, Art Nation is a rising force in modern melodic metal. Founded by Strandell and guitarist Christoffer Borg, the band is gaining acclaim for their hit-writing potential, captivating sound and live performances.

With his powerful and emotive vocals, Alexander Strandell has captivated audiences on Sweden’s National TV and radio. A nominee for Rock Voice of the Year, his commanding stage presence and vocal mastery set him apart as one of the most dynamic performers in rock today.

A producer and guitarist celebrated for precision and creativity, Christoffer Borg has worked with iconic names like Amaranthe, Anthrax, and Evergrey. His exceptional skills bring a polished and melodic edge to Art Nation‘s signature sound.

Known for his incredible technical prowess and musicality, Richard Svärd has played with a lot of musicians and toured with thrash legends Death Riders. His deep grooves and intricate bass lines lay the foundation for what’s been described as Art Nation’s “unstoppable momentum”.

Commenting on the ‘Set Me Free’ single Strandell on its release: “We are thrilled to share this exciting new perspective of Art Nation with you. In the music video for ‘Set Me Free’, you’ll witness us stepping into the animated world of Art Nation for the very first time. In this inaugural episode, you’ll follow me, Chris, and Rich as we discover the first portal to this otherworldly dimension.”

Their 2015 debut album Revolution earning them nominations at the esteemed Gaffa Awards in Sweden. In 2016, they penned the official anthem for the Gothia Cup soccer tournament, performed live on national TV, and in sold-out stadiums.

After touring excessively in and around their home country, sharing stages with bands like Nightwish, Twisted Sister and Hammerfall, as well as playing all the relevant festivals such as Sweden Rock, Art Nation now prepare to break out all over Europe.

The band’s growing presence on platforms like Spotify, has seen them total over 15 million streams across all their tracks and  Art Nation is now gearing up for a new album release in 2025. On top of that, for the first time the band is seriously expanding their conquest outside the Nordic borders by teaming up with Decibel Touring for more concert performances throughout the entire European continent and the UK.

You can check out the videos to Art Station‘s recent singles here at RAMzine and order The Ascendance here.

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To mark the release, H.E.A.T has released the official video for ‘Call My Name’. Directed by long-time collaborator Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom), the video leans into a neon-soaked 80s aesthetic, matching the band’s larger-than-life sound with equally striking visuals.

A blues drenched guitar leads into the ballad that we perceive H.E.A.T’s single ‘Call My Name’ to be before an 80s styled pumping bass line takes us into more familiar melodic rock waters from the band. That there are chorus hooks you wouldn’t be surprised blasting out of some Mediterranean night club this summer, raises a smile, reminding us of their early Eurovision Song Contest involvement.

Welcome To The Future has been released in multiple formats: CD jewel case, black vinyl, limited edition neon orange vinyl, and digitally on 25th April 25th via earMUSIC – It is available to order now by clicking here.

Tracks featured on the vinyl A side are: ‘Disaster’, ‘Bad Time For Love’, ‘Running To You’, ‘Call My Name’, ‘In Disguise’ and ‘The End’, while the B side features ‘Rock Bottom’, ‘Children Of The Storm’, ‘Losing Game’, ‘Paradise Lost’, ‘Tear It Down (R.N.R.R.)’ and ‘We Will Not Forget’.

The band returned to the UK earlier this year, touring nationwide with special guests Art Nation and Chez Kane, receiving airplay Europe wide for a recent batch of singles and ‘Call My Name’ looking set to do so again, following on from ‘Running To You’.

A euphoric ode to relentless passion, ‘Running To You’ is another instant classic from a band firing on all cylinders. Once again, the band has teamed up with acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom) to deliver a music video that perfectly captures the relentless, in-your-face 80s metal fury that’s as raw and unapologetic as H.E.A.T themselves.

With echoes of Def Leppard, Journey and even Whitesnake in there, H.E.A.T‘s new single ‘Running To You’ may dock its cap to the past but it’s sound is modern, with the kind of beefcake attack those who don’t normally care for melodic rock may find appealing.

You can listen to the single here and check out the video below.

Previous releases like ‘Disaster’ and ‘Bad Time For Love’ all taken from the Welcome To The Future album.

‘Bad Time For Love’ pumps hard, rocking with all the pomp fans have come to expect from H.E.A.T, euphoric in atmosphere despite its title with vocalist Kenny Leckremo adding some high-noted yet melodic hollering. You can listen to the single here and check out the music video, directed by Patric Ullaeus.

On previous single ‘Disaster’ brief symphonic keyboard layers give way to razor-sharp guitars thrusting through a turbo-charged rhythm on new single ‘Disaster’. Vocalist Kenny Leckremo roars and screams in a vintage Dio come Coverdale manner espousing intensive rage, while Dave Dalone delineates classy rock lines straight out of the Blackmore school book. While there’s a certain 80s melodic metal feel here, that the video celebrates, its birthed in the music of a decade earlier, with a need to be played loud today.

The single’s video merges 80s arcade aesthetics with metal madness, and was also directed by Patric Ullaeus – You can watch it here at RAMzine.

One of the biggest Swedish rock bands who are bringing 80s-inspired hard rock back to the forefront. H.E.A.T  will continue to build on their momentum in 2025. Known for an electrifying sound that blends classic melodic rock with modern energy, the band remains at the top of their game, releasing new music and touring internationally.

Their 2022 album, Force Majeure, marked a major milestone as it saw the return of original frontman Kenny Leckremo after a decade-long hiatus. This seventh studio album, released via earMUSIC, captured the essence of H.E.A.T’s sound, merging the youthful exuberance of their early work with the harder-edged sound developed during Erik Grönwall’s tenure. Force Majeure received widespread acclaim, showcasing 11 tracks that exemplify the pure joy of melodic hard rock. Leckremo’s powerful vocals being praised as a triumphant return, and the album’s tight production signalled their laser-focused direction.

Following the departure of Erik Grönwall, who led the band through four albums after winning Swedish Idol, H.E.A.T made it clear that Leckremo was the only choice to take back the mic. The band’s fan base remains fiercely loyal, and the release of Extra Force in 2023 only deepened their connection. This limited-edition collection, released in both CD Digipak and 1LP Black Vinyl formats, featured new studio tracks, unreleased live performances, and rerecorded H.E.A.T classics originally sung by Grönwall, now given new life with Leckremo on vocals. Extra Force was a celebration of the band’s history and a testament to their continued evolution, becoming an essential collector’s item for fans.

As the group gears up for more touring, H.E.A.T’s global presence continues to grow, supported by their strengthened partnership with earMUSIC. With Leckremo back at the helm and their sound more refined than ever, H.E.A.T is poised to continue their journey of revitalising and modernizing 80s-influenced hard rock for a new generation of fans with the release of Welcome To The Future.

The post H.E.A.T… Call My Name! appeared first on RAMzine.

The Frontiers Label Group has big plans for 2025, and will be holding an event at the Gold Tower Hotel in Naples, Italy on 3^rd and 4^th March  where distributors, media, and artists alike will be gathering,

This event is not only focused on marketing but it also celebrates the growth and vision of Frontiers, a rock label that has played a key role in reigniting interest in classic rock and metal music over the past few decades. 

Now, with the launch of two new brands (FLG and BlkIIBlk), Frontiers is expanding its reach into alternative and contemporary sounds, as well as the more extreme realms of metal and punk music.

The summit will feature an exclusive acoustic performance by four highly regarded Frontiers Music Srl artists: The Big Deal, Art Nation, Ronnie Romero, Russ Ballard and Bonfire.

A select group of up to 60 fans have the chance to also attend this intimate and unique event, set in a luxurious location. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, label executives, and prominent international rock and metal journalists during an exclusive meet & greet – You are advised to visit the record company’s website for more details.

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