Eldkvarn

Eldkvarn are a Swedish rock band whose career spans several decades, beginning in the mid-'70s and initially peaking during the mid- to late '80s. The band's popularity surged again after the turn of the century, resulting in another series of Top Ten album releases. Founded in 1971 in Norrköping, Sweden, Eldkvarn are comprised of Per "Plura" Jonsson (vocals, guitar; born 1951), Carl "Carla" Jonsson (guitar; born 1953), Tony Thorén (bass; born 1952), Werner Modiggård (drums; born 1952), and Claes von Heijne (keyboards; born 1957). Numerous drummers and keyboardists have passed through the band's lineup over the years. Then known as Piska Mig Hårt, the band made its album debut in 1974 with Elisabet. Following a name change to Eldkvarn, the band released the album En Lång Het Weekend (1976) next and began to hit the Swedish charts with regularity in the early '80s. After reaching the Top 20 with the albums Genom Ljuva Livet (1981), Tuff Lust (1983), and Barbariets Eleganter (1984), Eldkvarn broke into the Top Ten in 1986 with Utanför Lagen. The follow-up albums Himmelska Dagar (1987), Kungarna Från Broadway (1988), Karusellkvällar (1989), and Legender Ur Den Svarta Hatten (1991) were also Top Ten hits. The best-of compilation Den Ånga Färden 1971-1991 (1991) was released amid this run of uninterrupted Top Ten success. The popularity of Eldkvarn waned slightly during the 1990s and early 2000s, as did the frequency of the band's album output. The downward slide was reversed by Atlantis (2005), which was a major comeback album for Eldkvarn. Reaching number two on the albums chart, it was Eldkvarn's most successful full-length release to date and set the stage for Svart Blogg (2007), the band's first chart-topper. The follow-up album, Hunger Hotell (2008), was also popular, reaching the Top Ten. ~ Jason Birchmeier, Rovi