A great Swedish import that you should not miss
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
"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.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byListen to Dom Andra, one of Kent's most popular song
Quick, what do you think of Kent?
If you only get one Kent album
Just make it this one.
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
- 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
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
2002 album for the Swedish indie rock act. Ten tracks including, 'Sundance Kid', 'Parlor', 'Duett', 'Socker', 'FF' & 'Elite'.1 point
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
Their first English language album. This version of Isola serves as Kent's introduction to their international audience.0 points
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
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
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
2005 Eighth Studio Album from the Swedish Alt-rockers. 11 Tracks in All. In Swedish Language.0 points
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
Album features 10 total tracks including 'Gravitation', 'Avtryck', 'Istallet For Ljud', 'Halka', 'Thinner' and more. BMG. 2005.0 points
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
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
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byIf 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.
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.
















