Sweden

Swedish punk band Fireside formed in the early '90s and, in some ways, personified the bleak landscapes of their homeland. Pelle Gunnerfeldt (a former pro-skateboarder changed full-time guitarist), Kristofer Astrom (guitar and vocals), Per Nordmark (drums), and Frans Johansson (bass) helped to influence a generation of Swedish hardcore bands like Refused, International Noise, Conspiracy, and Cobalt. The band's association with Crank! Records began in 1997 when their track "Headacher" was used as the opening song on their Don't Forget to Breathe compilation, and the label picked them up as soon as their contract with American expired. ~ Zac Johnson