Takida
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Takida is a Swedish rock band from Ånge formed in 1999. The band's name comes from the character Gohee Takeda in the Japanese anime series Silver Fang. Takeda's name was mispronounced as "Takida" in the Swedish voiceover of the anime series.
Key Information
History
[edit]In 2000, they recorded their first demo, Old, in 2002, deadfrog records released played out 2 incorporating 2 tracks. in 2005 they were signed up by Swedish indie label Ninetone Records. They released their first single, "Losing", in January 2006 and in April 2006 their first album ...Make You Breathe was released. Their second album, Bury the Lies, was released in May 2007. The same year, the single "Curly Sue" topped radio channel P3s "Tracks" list for ten consecutive weeks.[citation needed] "Handlake village"[1] and "The Things We Owe" also reached number one on the Tracks chart.
After the success of Bury the Lies, Takida received a number of offers from large labels but decided to turn them down and record their follow up album The Darker Instinct on their own label Takida AB. The album was released in September 2009.[2]
On 18 August 2009, Takida announced that they had signed a contract with the global Roadrunner Records. The first release outside Scandinavia was Bury The Lies in Germany on 2 October.
During the fall of 2009 Takida supported Theory of a Dead Man for their four German shows and were the supporting act for The Butterfly Effect when they toured Germany during the winter of 2009. During this period they had their first headlining tour in Sweden.
On 28 September 2012, they released a new single, "Swallow (Until You're Gone)", the first single of their greatest hits album A Lesson Learned – The Best Of. The album was released in late 2012.
On 7 January 2014, the first single from their album All Turns Red was released. The song's name is One Lie, the new album was released in March.
Dreamstate
[edit]Band members Tomas Wallin and Chris Rehn also started the project Dreamstate, with Elize Ryd (Amaranthe) and Tommy Levin providing vocals. So far, they've only released 2 singles; "Evolution" and "Washed Away".
Evolution
[edit]The song "Evolution"[3] is the official track for the Rally car driver Ramona Karlsson and her 2012 world rally championship effort, sponsored by Mitsubishi and Höganäs. The music video was released on January 31, 2012. An alternative version, with Chris Rehn's daughter (Zaga Rehn) providing all the vocals, was released as well.[4] It came out on February 23, 2012.
Washed Away
[edit]The song "Washed Away"[5] was released, on August 12, 2022. Aside from Ryd and Levin providing clean vocals, it's the first time that band member Tomas Wallin provides (growled and clean) vocals. Zaga Rehn also appears in the video.
Members
[edit]- Current members
- Robert Pettersson – vocals
- Tomas Wallin – guitars
- Mattias Larsson – guitars
- Kristoffer Söderström – drums
- Chris Rehn – bass, keyboards, cello, violin
- Former members
- Roger Olsson – guitars
- Niklas Källström – drums
- Fredrik Holm – drums
- Fredrik Pålsson – bass
Discography
[edit]- Studio albums
- ...Make You Breathe (2006)
- Bury the Lies (2007)
- The Darker Instinct (2009)
- The Burning Heart (2011)
- A Lesson Learned – The Best Of (2012)
- All Turns Red (2014)
- A Perfect World (2016)
- Sju (2019)
- The Demo Days (2020)
- Falling from Fame (2021)
- The Agony Flame (2024)
References
[edit]- ^ "Sveriges Radio P3 - Tracks". Archived from the original on 29 December 2008. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
- ^ "Takida ger ut nya skivan på eget bolag". Dagbladet. 12 June 2009. Archived from the original on 25 June 2009. Retrieved 3 July 2009.
- ^ "Dreamstate "Evolution", official studio video, featuring Elize Ryd and Tommy Levin" on YouTube
- ^ Zaga Rehn performing the song Evolution by Dreamstate on YouTube
- ^ Dreamstate - Washed Away - Official Video on YouTube
External links
[edit]Takida
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early years
Takida was formed in 1999 in the small town of Ånge in northern Sweden by vocalist Robert Pettersson, drummer Fredrik Holm—previously of the band Sinatra—and guitarist Tomas Wallin, formerly of Blowball.[4] The trio drew inspiration from their shared interest in rock music, initially operating under the name Tender before adopting Takida, a reference to the mispronounced surname of the character Gohei Takeda from the Swedish dub of the Japanese anime series Silver Fang (original title: Ginga: Nagareboshi Gin).[5] This name choice reflected the band's playful yet distinctive identity as they began writing and rehearsing original material in Ånge's local scene.[4] In its formative period, Takida underwent several lineup adjustments to solidify its rhythm section, adding bass players and refining the drum role amid Holm's involvement, which helped shape their post-grunge and alternative rock sound.[6] The band quickly moved into recording, producing their debut demo Old in 2000—a five-track effort limited to 500 copies that sold out rapidly and showcased raw, energetic tracks like "Old" and "Killed by Train."[7] This was followed by a series of independent releases on the Diesel Wing Records label, including the EP T2 (2000), the demo album Takida (2001), the EP Gohei (2003), the single Broken (2004), and the mini-album Thorns (2004), all of which circulated locally and built grassroots momentum through self-managed efforts.[4] Over the 2000–2004 period, Takida honed their live presence with performances across northern Sweden, gradually expanding their audience through word-of-mouth and regional gigs.[6] By 2005, after producing five demos in total without major backing, Takida secured their first significant record deal with the Swedish indie label Ninetone Records, marking the end of their independent phase and paving the way for broader exposure.[6] This signing came after years of persistent local development, positioning the band for their transition into the national music landscape.Breakthrough and early albums
Takida achieved their commercial breakthrough with the release of their debut single "Losing" on January 30, 2006, which entered the Swedish singles chart at number 2 and remained in the top 10 for several weeks.[8][7] The track, co-produced by the band and Patrik Frisk at Sidelake Studios in Sundsvall, Sweden, marked their entry into the mainstream rock scene and helped build anticipation for their full-length debut.[9] The band's first studio album, ...Make You Breathe, followed on May 29, 2006, through the independent label Ninetone Records.[10] Recorded at the same Sundsvall studio between January and May 2006, the album blended alternative rock with melodic hooks and debuted at number 7 on the Swedish albums chart, spending 10 weeks in the top ranks while topping the hard rock charts.[11][12] It became Sweden's best-selling hard rock album of 2006, establishing Takida as a rising force in the domestic scene with its raw energy and accessible choruses.[12] The track listing included:- "Losing" (3:47)
- "Jaded" (3:13)
- "Die Alone" (4:05)
- "D.H.C." (4:02)
- "Alive" (4:29)
- "Broken" (3:09)
- "Reason to Cry" (3:53)
- "Burning Inside" (3:51)
- "Evil Eye" (3:42)
- "Handlake Village" (4:12)
- "See You Again" (3:55)
Mid-career developments
In 2011, Takida released their fourth studio album, The Burning Heart, which debuted at number one on the Swedish albums chart and remained on the chart for 54 weeks.[23] The album, issued through Universal Music in Sweden and Roadrunner Records internationally, featured singles including "Was It I?" and "You Learn," the latter peaking at number 5 on the Swedish singles chart.[24] This release solidified the band's domestic success during a period of growing international interest. The following year, 2012, saw the release of the greatest hits compilation A Lesson Learned – The Best Of, which included previously released tracks alongside the new single "Swallow (Until You're Gone)."[25] Distributed by Universal Music, the collection highlighted the band's early hits and marked a reflective pause before their next full-length effort. Takida's fifth studio album, All Turns Red, arrived in March 2014, preceded by the single "One Lie" in January.[26] The album topped the Swedish chart for one week and charted for 29 weeks overall, demonstrating continued commercial strength under their independent Takida AB label following the end of their Roadrunner deal.[27] Building on this momentum, the band issued their sixth studio album, A Perfect World, in April 2016. It debuted at number one in Sweden and spent 57 weeks on the albums chart, becoming one of their longest-charting releases.[28] For international expansion, Takida partnered with The End Records for the U.S. market, signaling a push beyond Scandinavia.[7] By 2019, Takida released Sju, their seventh studio album, titled in Swedish for "seven" to reflect its position in their discography. Issued through BMG Rights Management Scandinavia, the album emphasized introspective themes through its lyrics and production, maintaining the band's rock foundation while exploring personal reflection.[29][30] During this mid-career phase from 2011 to 2019, Takida expanded their international presence through extensive touring, including multiple European festival appearances and dedicated runs in Germany to enter that market more deeply.[22] These efforts, coupled with label shifts from Roadrunner to independent and then BMG affiliations, supported their evolution toward broader European appeal while sustaining Swedish chart dominance.Recent activities
In 2020, Takida released The Demo Days on April 17, a double album featuring 38 tracks drawn from the band's early material, re-recorded and produced with contemporary techniques.[31] The album marked a reflective project amid the global pandemic, allowing the band to revisit their origins while maintaining their signature melodic rock sound.[32] The band's eighth studio album, Falling from Fame, arrived on August 27, 2021, comprising 11 original tracks that continued their evolution in alternative rock with introspective lyrics and anthemic choruses.[33] This release solidified Takida's domestic presence, peaking at number 6 on the Swedish albums chart.[34] Takida's ninth studio album, The Agony Flame, was issued on February 9, 2024, through Napalm Records, representing their debut with the label and emphasizing grand, infectious hooks alongside heavier elements.[35] The record achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Swedish albums chart and number 8 on the German albums chart—the band's highest international positioning to date.[36][37] The lead single, "Third Strike," was released on December 11, 2023, accompanied by an official music video, and preceded announcements for extensive European touring.[38] Following the easing of pandemic restrictions, Takida experienced a touring resurgence, including the semi-acoustic Boxroom Tour in 2024 across Sweden and Europe, which was captured for their live album Boxroom Tour – Live at Tonhallen in Sundsvall.[1] The live recording, featuring 19 tracks with orchestral arrangements of hits like "Curly Sue" and "Master," was released digitally on May 2, 2025, with physical editions following on November 28, 2025. This period also saw planned UK dates in October 2025 supporting Those Damn Crows, alongside a major summer run through 12 German cities, highlighting the band's expanding international footprint.[39] In January 2025, Takida issued the new single "The Game" on January 9, accompanied by a lyric video, signaling continued creative momentum.[40]Musical style and influences
Core elements and evolution
Takida is classified as an alternative rock band with post-grunge and pop rock elements, blending hard rock foundations with catchy, accessible melodies.[41][42] The core of their sound features prominent piano usage alongside driving guitars, as Robert Pettersson contributes both lead vocals and piano, creating a layered texture that distinguishes their arrangements.[18] Signature characteristics include Pettersson's emotional, powerful vocals, which deliver soaring, anthemic choruses designed for broad appeal, often paired with infectious melodic hooks that emphasize earwormy refrains over complex structures.[43][44][45] The band's stylistic evolution began with the raw, demo-era rock of their early 2000s releases, characterized by straightforward hard rock energy and limited production polish, as heard in their 2006 debut album Make You Breathe.[46] By their mid-career, particularly with Bury the Lies (2007), Takida shifted toward radio-friendly refinement, incorporating pop rock hooks and tighter song structures while maintaining post-grunge grit, which propelled hits like "Curly Sue" to chart dominance in Sweden.[46] Later albums reflect further maturation, with The Agony Flame (2024) introducing darker, gothic alternative metal influences and moody piano-driven compositions, as continued in subsequent releases like the 2025 single "The Game" with its subtle rhythmic experiments including disco-infused beats, showcasing a bolder, more eclectic edge without abandoning their melodic core.[35][47][48] Production techniques emphasize multi-layered instrumentation to build dynamic contrasts, with guitars providing crunch and piano adding emotional depth, often enhanced by lush strings or horns in live settings.[1] Takida favors internal collaboration for recording, as demonstrated in The Agony Flame, co-produced by pianist Chris Rehn and Pettersson in Rehn's studio over extended sessions, prioritizing authentic band input and a balance between studio polish and live energy.[43] This approach aligns with their preference for live recording elements, evident in releases like the 2025 semi-acoustic live album Boxroom Tour – Live At Tonhallen In Sundsvall, which strips back layers to highlight raw performance vitality.[1] Their sound carries a distinct Swedish melodic sensibility, influenced by acts like Kent, Roxette, and ABBA, setting them apart from pure post-grunge peers through inherent pop accessibility.[43]Themes and songwriting
Takida's lyrics predominantly explore themes of personal relationships, loss, redemption, and introspection, often drawing from the emotional complexities of human connections. For instance, the song "Curly Sue" delves into heartbreak and the restorative power of love, portraying a deep admiration and dependency on a partner who serves as a guiding light during difficult times.[49] Similarly, "Swallow (Until You're Gone)" addresses resilience in the face of inner turmoil, urging the listener to confront fears and swallow pride rather than fleeing from emotional challenges.[50] These motifs resonate through much of the band's catalog, emphasizing vulnerability and personal growth amid adversity. The songwriting process is primarily led by vocalist Robert Pettersson, who crafts the lyrics based on autobiographical experiences and observations of those around him, infusing the material with raw authenticity.[51] Guitarist Tomas Wallin contributes significantly to the melodic structures, collaborating with Pettersson and the rest of the band to shape riffs and hooks that complement the narrative depth. This partnership ensures that the introspective themes are supported by accessible, anthemic arrangements, blending personal storytelling with broader emotional appeal. In later works, Takida's songwriting shifts toward broader social commentary, particularly the toll of fame and its isolating effects, as evident in the album Falling from Fame, where tracks reflect on the uncertainties and desperation of public life.[52] The 2019 album Sju, titled in Swedish to honor the band's cultural roots as their seventh release, further underscores this evolution by incorporating Swedish elements that evoke national identity and seasonal introspection, such as summer's fleeting freedom and authenticity.[29] Critics and fans have praised Takida's lyrics for their emotional depth and universality, capturing melancholy and hope in ways that mirror contemporary struggles while remaining relatable across cultures.[52] This reception highlights how Pettersson's personal narratives transcend individual stories, fostering a sense of shared resilience and redemption among listeners.Band members
Current members
The current lineup of Takida, as of 2025, consists of six core members who contribute to the band's signature melodic rock sound, with a focus on powerful vocals, layered guitars, and dynamic rhythms. This stable configuration has supported their recent releases, including the 2024 studio album The Agony Flame and the live album Boxroom Tour – Live At Tonhallen In Sundsvall.[1] Robert Pettersson serves as the lead vocalist and pianist, having founded the band in 1999 in Ånge, Sweden, and remaining the primary songwriter throughout its history. His emotive delivery and piano arrangements are central to Takida's anthemic style, as evidenced by his lead vocal and compositional credits on tracks from The Agony Flame, such as "Third Strike" and "Sickening."[7][53] Tomas Wallin plays guitar and provides backing vocals, acting as a co-founder alongside Pettersson since 1999 and playing a pivotal role in crafting the band's melodic arrangements. His guitar work features prominently in the harmonic structures of recent material, including co-writing and performing on The Agony Flame songs like "The Other Side."[7][53] Mattias Larsson handles guitar duties, having joined in the early 2000s and specializing in lead riffs that add intensity to Takida's live and recorded performances. On The Agony Flame, his contributions include guitar solos and riffs on tracks such as "Sacred Spell," enhancing the album's rock edge.[53] Anders Lundström plays bass, having joined as the touring and recording bassist in early 2025 to provide a solid rhythmic foundation. His bass lines underpin the groove on the 2025 live album Boxroom Tour – Live At Tonhallen In Sundsvall, including performances of hits like "Jaded" and "You Learn."[54][55] Kristoffer Söderström is the drummer, having been with the band since the mid-2000s and known for his energetic, dynamic style that drives Takida's high-energy live shows. He delivers the propulsive beats on The Agony Flame tracks like "In Time," contributing to the album's urgent tempo variations.[53] Chris Rehn contributes on piano, keyboards, and additional instrumentation, having become a full member in the late 2010s after earlier collaborations; he also handles production elements and artwork. Beyond his keyboard layers on The Agony Flame—such as the atmospheric intros on "Your Blood Awaits You"—Rehn co-founded the side project Dreamstate with Wallin, blending pop and rock influences.[56][53][57] This lineup's cohesion has been key to Takida's ongoing success, enabling polished productions and engaging tours in 2025.[1]Former members
Takida's lineup underwent several changes during its formative years and beyond, particularly on drums, guitar, and bass, as the band transitioned from a trio to a fuller ensemble. Fredrik Holm served as the original drummer and co-founder, joining Robert Pettersson and Tomas Wallin in 1999 to form the initial core of the group.[58] Holm contributed to early demos but departed in the early 2000s prior to the band's debut album.[4] Niklas Källström took over on drums for an interim period in the early 2000s, appearing on credits for the band's 2001 demo album Takida as a co-writer and performer. His involvement helped bridge the gap during recordings like the 2004 EP Thorns, before Kristoffer Söderström assumed the role by the 2006 debut studio album ...Make You Breathe.[59] Roger Olsson joined briefly as guitarist in the mid-2000s, contributing to songwriting on tracks such as "Se7en" from early releases and "Settle Down" later in the band's catalog.[60] Olsson left to pursue other musical endeavors.[4] Fredrik Pålsson played bass from 2002 until early 2025, joining alongside Mattias Larsson to shape the band's evolving rock sound in initial demos and EPs, and providing the foundation for albums through the 2010s and 2020s. He departed in early 2025, with Anders Lundström taking over.[4] These departures and additions occurred amid the band's expansion from its founding trio, with the core lineup remaining relatively stable after the mid-2000s until the recent bass change in 2025.[4]Side projects
Dreamstate
Dreamstate is a side project formed in November 2011 by Takida members Tomas Wallin and Chris Rehn, serving as a melodic rock and electronic venture distinct from the band's primary rock output.[57] Wallin, Takida's guitarist and vocalist, and Rehn, the band's longtime synthesizers and cello player, initiated the project to explore genre-blending music inspired by metal and pop elements.[61][57] This collaboration allowed them to experiment with various instruments and styles without genre restrictions, resulting in a more synth-driven and experimental sound compared to Takida's established alternative rock framework.[57] The project features guest vocalists, including Elize Ryd of Amaranthe and Tommy Levin, who contributed to early tracks such as the 2011 debut single "Evolution."[57] These collaborations highlight Dreamstate's focus on melodic hooks and electronic production, providing Wallin and Rehn an outlet to channel creative energies outside Takida's touring and recording commitments.[57] By operating as a flexible side endeavor, Dreamstate enabled the duo to pursue innovative songwriting without disrupting Takida's schedule, ultimately enriching their contributions to the main band through diversified musical influences.[56]Other endeavors
Robert Pettersson, Takida's lead vocalist, has pursued additional musical ventures outside the band, including fronting the pop rock group Stiftelsen since 2012, which features Swedish-language songs emphasizing emotional themes distinct from Takida's style. In September 2025, Pettersson announced his solo debut album Deabolo Hypomania, slated for release in 2026, produced in collaboration with Takida keyboardist Chris Rehn and drawing on 1980s synth influences; the lead single "All These Years" was released concurrently, followed by the single "You" on November 14, 2025, marking a shift toward melodic pop.[62][63] Takida has incorporated international elements through guest appearances, notably featuring Swedish singer Elize Ryd of Amaranthe on the track "Ending Is Love" from their 2011 album The Burning Heart, blending Ryd's soaring vocals with the band's rock sound.[64] These endeavors, including Pettersson's parallel projects, have allowed band members to explore diverse creative outlets while sustaining Takida's core activities.Discography
Studio albums
Takida's studio albums showcase the band's evolution from post-grunge roots to a more mature, anthemic rock sound, with consistent commercial success in Sweden and growing international recognition. Since their debut in 2006, they have released ten studio albums, five of which topped the Swedish Albums Chart (Sverigetopplistan). Several have achieved platinum status in Sweden, reflecting sales exceeding 40,000 units each according to industry standards set by the Swedish Recording Industry Association (GLF). Their discography is marked by strong chart performance, with later releases incorporating Swedish-language tracks and reinterpreted early material.| Album | Release date | Label | Peak position (SWE) | Other charts and certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ...Make You Breathe | May 29, 2006 | Ninetone Records | 7 | — |
| Bury the Lies | May 16, 2007 | Ninetone Records | 1 | Platinum (Sweden) |
| The Darker Instinct | September 2, 2009 | Se7en Records/Universal | 1 | Platinum (Sweden) |
| The Burning Heart | July 27, 2011 | Se7en Records/Universal | 1 | Platinum (Sweden) |
| All Turns Red | March 12, 2014 | Se7en Records/Universal | 1 | — |
| A Perfect World | April 22, 2016 | Universal Music | 1 | — |
| Sju | June 7, 2019 | BMG | 5 | Swedish-language album |
| The Demo Days | April 17, 2020 | Se7en Records | 37 | Reimaginings of early demos |
| Falling from Fame | August 27, 2021 | BMG | 6 | — |
| The Agony Flame | February 9, 2024 | Napalm Records | 12 | #8 (Germany) [1] |
