Who is Swedish band Kent

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Ranked #12,887 in Entertainment, #387,676 overall

A great Swedish import that you should not miss

This lens centralizes all information that pertain to Kent, a great little band that hails from Sweden. For a band that only has two albums released in the English language, they have quite a devoted following in the US.

Listen to a foreign band, up your cool factor 

So who is this guy Kent again?

Currently, the band is made up of these guys: Joakim Berg (lead vocals, guitar), Sami Sirviö (lead guitar, keyboards), Martin Sköld (bass, keyboards), and Markus Mustonen (drums, backing vocals, keyboards, piano). The band has been around for over ten years and they consistently put out great rock music. Each album has a different flavor, yet Joakim Berg's melodies and lyrics never fail to sweep us off to a cool wondrous place that is quintessentially Scandinavian and full of heartache.

Kent at a Glance 

Here is a quick history rundown of the band

Kent is a Swedish alternative rock band founded in Eskilstuna in 1990, with the name Coca-Cola Kids, later Jones & Giftet (Jones & the Poison), and Havsänglar (Angel sharks, literally Sea angels). The band's logo is distinctive, using a lowercase "k" and the ITC Avant Garde Gothic Book typeface.

The band has had several big Swedish radio hits since the breakthrough single "Kräm (så nära får ingen gå)", from their second studio album. They are one of the most popular rock groups in Sweden, and describes themselves as "Sweden's biggest rock band", but are more or less unknown outside Scandi...

My first Kent album 

And it is Kent's first English album

It was my freshman year in college. My new friend down the hall was really excited about a new CD she bought.

"This is just awesome! Listen to this." She cranked up her stereo. I had no idea who it was, and frankly I didn't care because I was hungry and I was just trying to get her and the rest of the gang to grab some food.

The next day my friend dropped by my room and lended me her copy of Isola. It was a very nice gesture, because I knew how much she loves it and she was willing to let me have it for a couple of weeks. I popped it into my CD player, and did not really know what to expect. I did my work with Isola playing in the background. When the last track came on, something in me ticked. I thought the ending track was interesting.

The next day I gave my full attention to the whole album. To me they sounded British. The tone is melancholy, the guitar is lush, the vocal is pleading at times. Still, I'm not sure I get it. But by the third day, I had an urge to listen to the album in its entirely, without interruptions. Before I know it, Isola has become my fix.

Isola

Isola is exactly what the name suggests: the state of isolation, being alone with your thoughts. The album paints such a wintry wonderscape; you just can't help but linger and contemplate.

Release Date: 09/15/1998

The latest news on Kent (in English) 

Thanks to Kentjunkie.com

When I started out listening to Kent in 1998, there wasn't much information available online in English. The official site is in Swedish and I used to bumble around with the Swedish translation on the other browser just to find out what was going on. As the English speaking fan population grows, any Kent related information is greatly sought after. Kentjunkie.com is a great Kent site in English that will keep you up to date with all the happenings with the band.

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Listen to Dom Andra, one of Kent's most popular song 

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Quick, what do you think of Kent? 

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If you only get one Kent album 

Just make it this one.

This 2005 release is the essence of Kent music. It has the right blend of melancholy and infectious beats. Rocking standout singles includes Palace & Main and Max 500. Each songs compliments each other so well and there is absolute no fillers at all.

Du & Jag Döden

Despite the gloomy CD cover art, the songs are surprising upbeat. The melodies will grab you by the heart and soul, and when last note fades, you will be wanting more.

Release Date: 03/21/2005

I don't know Swedish but I enjoy every word of it 

Helpful links to Kent's lyrics

Even though I started out listening to Kent's English albums, I eventually bought all their other albums in Swedish. Through Joakim Berg's expressive vocal, I feel as if I understand the Swedish language even though I don't know I word of it. Obviously for any obsessive fan it is not enough just listening to it. For English translation, Kent.awardspace.com is kind enough to post both Swedish and English meaning to all Kent's songs, including b-sides.
English translation to Kent's songs
Kent lyrics for all albums and songs. English translations and original Swedish Text.
Kentforumet
Kent forum for English speaking fans. Join in and express your love for all things Kent.
Kent.nu - Officiell hemsida för sveriges största rockband
This is Kent's official website, in Swedish of course. I visit the site every once in an while and eventually learn a few words.
Translated version of the official site Kent.nu
Through Google Translate, now you can enjoy Kent's official site. Not every word is perfect, but for any die hard fan, it is always exciting to read and comprehend at least 50% to 75% of what is posted there.
Kent.nu - Ackord: guitars tabs and chords
Learn how to play Kent's songs. Lyrics, guitar tabs and chords from Kent's official website.

Kent's music videos 

Listen to the latest single from Kent

Kent - Generation ex

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Buying Kent's music is easier than you think 

Vote for your favorite Kent album

I've pulled all of Kent's full length albums (plus one EP) from Amazon into one neat little list for your convenience. There are tons of artists with similar names and searching all of Kent's albums means scouring the bottom of search results. If you are a devoted Kent fan already, vote for your favorite!

Vapen & Ammunition

Vapen & Ammunition

2002 album for the Swedish indie rock act. Ten tracks including, 'Sundance Kid', 'Parlor', 'Duett', 'Socker', 'FF' & 'Elite'.1 point

Tillbaka Till Samtiden

Tillbaka Till Samtiden

2007 Release of the Veteran Swedish Band's Seventh Full Length Album. The Title Translates as "Back to the Contemporary" and is their First Effort Since Guitarist Harri Manty Departed the Lineup. Includes the Single "Ingenting" (Nothing).0 points

Isola

Isola

Their first English language album. This version of Isola serves as Kent's introduction to their international audience.0 points

Hagnesta Hill

Hagnesta Hill

Second English language album from Swedish indie act most often compared to Smashing Pumpkins. Includes the single, 'Kevlar Soul'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.0 points

Hagnesta Hill

Hagnesta Hill

Fourth album from Swedish alternative act most often compared to Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins. 12 tracks sung in their native tongue. 1999 release. Standard jewel case.0 points

B-Sidor 95-00

B-Sidor 95-00

Swedish compilation featuring all the Swedish indie act's B-sides together in one package. 25 tracks (all in Swedish) spread over two CDs. 16 page booklet loaded with photographs. 000 release. Slimline double jewel case.0 points

Du & Jag Döden

Du & Jag Döden

2005 Eighth Studio Album from the Swedish Alt-rockers. 11 Tracks in All. In Swedish Language.0 points

Kent

Kent

Self titled album features 11 total tracks including 'Som Vatten', 'Nar Del Blaser Pa Manen', 'Stenbrott','Vad Tva Oron Klarar' and more. BMG. 2005.0 points

Verkligen

Verkligen

Album features 10 total tracks including 'Gravitation', 'Avtryck', 'Istallet For Ljud', 'Halka', 'Thinner' and more. BMG. 2005.0 points

The Hjarta and Smarta

The Hjarta and Smarta

This EP features 5 tracks including 'Vi Mot Varlden', 'Dom Som Forsvann', 'Ansgar & Evelyne', 'Flen/Paris' & 'Manades Erbjudande'. RCA. 2005.0 points

Isola

Isola

The Swedish language version. 11 tracks includes Livraddaren, Om Du Var Har, Saker Man Ser, Oprofessionell, OWC, Celsius, Bianca, Innan Alltin Tar Slut, Elvis, Glider, 747.0 points

But buying their out of print titles would be tough 

Try your luck on eBay

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If you already love Kent, so how did you hear about them? 

Especially if you are not from Sweden.

Let's hear it. Give them some love.

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Get outta here! 

Listening to Kent certainly has me interested in the Swedish culture. One day, I will visit Sweden and immerse myself in everything great the Swedes has to offer.

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by Fides

Hi, I'm Fides and I'm a big fan of Kent's music. (more)

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