Mustasch

Mustasch formed as a Swedish heavy metal outfit in 1998 when Ralf Gyllenhammar (lead guitar, vocals), Hannes Hansson (rhythm guitar), Mats "Stam" Johansson (bass), and Mats "Dojan" Hansson (drums, percussion) convened for a demo session on a farm situated on the island of Orust. Based in Gothenburg, the quartet soon translated those recordings into live shows that attracted EMI Music Sweden, which signed them and issued their major-label introduction, the six-track EP The True Sound of the New West, in 2001. Their first full-length effort, Above All (2002), remained on the Swedish albums chart for 19 weeks and reached number 22, earning a nomination for Best Heavy Metal Album at the Swedish Grammy Awards that same year. Follow-up Ratsafari (2003) climbed one spot higher to number 20 and secured another nomination in the same category. Powerhouse (2005) improved further by entering the Top Ten, after which the EMI relationship ended. The band then issued the independent six-track EP Parasite! in 2006 while seeking a fresh deal; they ultimately aligned with Regain Records for Latest Version of the Truth. That release opened at number three, spawned the number-two single "Double Nature," and delivered the Top 30 track "Bring Me Everyone," while also delivering the group’s inaugural Swedish Grammy victory. Their career overview, Lowlife Highlights (2008), subsequently arrived and featured earlier singles such as "I Hunt Alone" and "Black City."