Eldkvarn was formed in 1971 in Norrköping. Most people are unaware of their debut album, Elisabeth, which was released under their first band name, Piska Mig Hårt (Whip Me Hard). It’s presumed that the band had realized soon after naming themselves that the name was not going to fly with a commercial audience.  So despite their free love & flower power values, they changed it to Eldkvarn in the mid-’70s.

Building an extensive back catalogue to this day, the band has enjoyed many ups and downs in their career. Interestingly enough, even though the band formed in the early ’70s many critics and fans agree that the highlight of the band’s career is right now.

The founder and frontman Per ’Plura’ Jonsson was asked to write a blog called Svart Blogg (Black or Dark Blog), as part of the promotion for their new album with the same name in 2007. It was a completely new approach to advertise an album release, and Svart Blogg is to this day considered as one of the best, if not the best, album ever to come out of the band from Norrköping.

Seeing Eldkvarn perform live is a comfortable experience. They have played together for so many years they could do this with blindfolds on. Every note is struck with a staggering confidence, and even though Plura has known to be habitually having TOO much fun (with things he shouldn’t be), he is still going strong and delivering each time they perform. The show is a perfect remedy for a cold December Friday the 13th.

Words by David Johansson

Eldkvarn will be at Södra Teatern on 13 December.