Biography
Hoven Droven fuses folk melody with the raw force and rebellious edge of heavy metal. The group formed in the modest northern Swedish town of Ostersund and has sustained its explosive drive ever since. FolkRoots characterized their sound as one of “ringing strings, power pop, E2 brass, and one bell-for-leather tune with acid guitar feedback.” The band’s name derives from a local dialect expression signifying either “hullabaloo” or simply “whatever.” Multiple members maintain parallel careers in Swedish rock, punk, and heavy-metal outfits. Frontman and violinist Kjell-Erik Eriksson (b. 1971) and the most recent addition, Hammond organist Janne Stromstedt, both belong to Triakel as well. The group’s hybrid style mirrors the varied tastes of its musicians. Eriksson leans toward traditional folk repertoire, whereas bassist Pedro Blom (b. 1967) draws inspiration from Motörhead and AC/DC. Saxophonist Jens Comen (b. 1968) has performed across rock, pop, be-bop, and big-band jazz. Guitarist Bo Lindberg (b. 1960), a respected educator, previously played in the rock band Myrbein. A decisive shift occurred in November 1997 when founding multi-instrumentalist Gustav Hylen, whose credits included trumpet, French horn, accordion, and percussion, departed and Stromstedt took his place.
Albums
Singles
