Asta Kask
| Company type | Punk band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Töreboda , Sweden |
| Products | Melodic punk music, albums, EPs, DVDs |
| Website | www |
Asta Kask is a punk ensemble originating from Töreboda, Sweden, established in 1978. Their style blends melodic punk with lyrics in Swedish, positioning them as a significant contributor to the trallpunk subgenre.
The group has gained recognition worldwide, with artists from three continents covering their material. A noteworthy example is the German punk outfit Rasta Knast, which initially formed as an Asta Kask tribute band.
History
Initially formed in 1978 by Micke Blomqvist, Pelle Karlsson, Uffe Karlsson, and Stefan Svensson under the name "X-tas," the band adopted the name Asta Kask in 1980, inspired by an ancestor of Micke Blomqvist dating back to the 19th century. Their debut EP, För kung och fosterland, was recorded in 1981 before the group disbanded.
Towards the end of 1982, Micke reassembled the lineup with Bonni "Bonta" Pontén (guitar/vocals), Magnus "Ernie" Hörnell (bass), and Magnus "Bjurre" Bjurén (drums). Between 1983 and 1984, they released three additional EPs and began collaborating with Rosa Honung Records. Although they initially refrained from producing full-length albums, they put out Aldrig en LP ("Never an LP") in 1986 before dissolving once more. During this hiatus, members engaged in other ventures: Micke joined Strebers, while Bjurre and Bonni created Cosa Nostra.
In 1989, the band reunited for several performances and issued a live split CD titled Sista dansen. This was followed by another live album, Från andra sidan, in 1993. The 1990s saw their earlier releases reissued on CD format. In 1992, they took part in Rosa Honung's tenth-anniversary event. By 2000, Höhnie Records (Germany) released a greatest hits compilation alongside an EP featuring previously unreleased tracks.
Touring activities resumed in 2003. The following year, they appeared at Germany’s Punk-im-Pott Festival with Phill Hill (from Rasta Knast) filling in for Bjurre, who departed later that year and was succeeded by Dadde (Wolfbrigade). Disputes with Rosa Honung prompted a contract with Burning Heart Records in 2005.
April 2006 marked the release of their first studio album in two decades, En För Alla Ingen För Nån, which reached number 44 on Sweden’s charts. They also launched the DVD Dom får aldrig mig, containing a documentary on the band's history, live performances, and a bonus CD featuring re-recorded tracks.
Their 2013 release, Handen På Hjärtat, issued under a new label, climbed to number 33 on Swedish music charts.
Members
- Micke Blomqvist – vocals and guitar
- Magnus "Ernie" Hörnell – bass
- David "Dadde" Stark – drums (since 2004)
- Bonni "Bonta" Pontén – vocals and guitar
- Magnus "Bjurre" Bjurén – drums (1982–1986, 2003–2005)
Studio albums
- 1985 - Med is i magen (CD re-release 1991, Rosa Honung Records)
- 1986 - Aldrig en LP (CD re-release 1991, Rosa Honung Records)
- 2006 - En för alla ingen för nån (Burning Heart Records)
- 2013 - Handen på hjärtat (Kloakens Alternativa Antiproduktion)
Live Albums
- 1986 - Live
- 1990 - Sista dansen (Live LP; CD reissued in 1995)
- 1993 - Från andra sidan
Compilations
- 2000 - Rock Mot Svinen (Höhnie Records)
- 2003 - Kravallsymfonier 78-86 (Birdnest Records)
- 2006 - Välkommen Hem - Samlade EP's (Burning Heart Records)
- 2016 - Upphittat! 2003-2016 (Kloakens Alternativa AntiProduktion)
EPs
- 1981 - För kung och fosterland
- 1983 - En tyst minut
- 1984 - Plikten framför allt
- 1986 - Än finns det hopp
- 2000 - Till sista droppen
- 2006 - Precis som far / Lilla Frida
DvDs
- 2006 - Dom Får Aldrig Mig - En Film Om Asta Kask Och Punken