Hoven Droven

Hoven Droven combines the melodic sense of folk music with the intensity and attitude of a heavy metal band. Since coming together in the small town of Ostersund, the band has continued to roar with unleashed potency. According to FolkRoots, the musical approach of Hoven Droven is reminiscent of "...ringing strings, power pop, E2 brass, and one bell-for-leather tune with acid guitar feedback." Hoven Droven took their name from a provincial slang term meaning "hullabaloo" or "whatever." Several members also perform with Swedish rock, punk and heavy metal groups. The band's frontman and violin player Kjell-Erik Eriksson (b. 1971) and their newest member, Janne Stromstedt (who plays Hammond organ) are also members of Triakel. The folk-meets-metal sound of Hoven Droven reflects the musicians' diverse backgrounds. While Eriksson favors traditional folk music, bass player Pedro Blom (b. 1967) is a fan of Motörhead and AC/DC. Saxophonist Jens Comen (b. 1968) has played rock, pop, be-bop, and big-band jazz. Guitarist Bo Lindberg (b. 1960) is an influential music teacher and formerly worked with the rock band Myrbein. The group underwent a change in direction when original member Gustav Hylen (trumpet, French horn, accordion, and percussion) was replaced by Stromstedt in November 1997.