Drain STH
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm , Sweden |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Drain, recognized in the North American market as Drain STH (with S.T.H. representing Stockholm), was a hard rock ensemble originating from Stockholm, Sweden.
Career (1993–2000)
The Stockholm-based quartet Drain STH underwent notable transformations in both their musical direction and visual presentation. Guitarist Flavia Canel and drummer Martina Axén initially collaborated in the punk outfit Livin' Sacrifice (not to be confused with the thrash metal band Living Sacrifice), which gradually shifted toward a hard rock sound.
Following this evolution, Livin' Sacrifice rebranded as Aphrodite, comprising Axén, Canel, vocalist Malin Ekholm, guitarist Maria "Mia" Landberg, and bassist Marianne Hall. The group dissolved after Ekholm's departure in 1990.
In 1991, Axén, Canel, and Anna K established Ragdoll alongside singer Annie Gutå. After Gutå left, they welcomed Maria Sjöholm—formerly guitarist with Necro Nancy who had transitioned to vocals (later marrying Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi)—and adopted the name Drain. In 1994, they secured a contract with MVG Records; for American audiences, the band was marketed as Drain STH.
Drain STH undertook extensive promotion across North America, including performances on Ozzfest’s second stage in both 1997 and 1999. They also toured with prominent acts such as Type O Negative, Corrosion of Conformity, Machine Head, Megadeth, Godsmack, and Black Sabbath. Their 1999 release Freaks Of Nature included the track "Black," co-written by Iommi, alongside "Simon Says" and "Right Through You," co-written by producer Max Martin. In the 1999 Readers' Choice Awards by Metal Edge magazine, they received accolades for "Female Performers of the Year" and "Most Underrated Band." The single "Simon Says" gained additional recognition as entrance music for Extreme Championship Wrestling's Simon Diamond. Despite considerable exposure and acclaim, the band ceased activities in 2000.
After Drain
Following Drain’s disbandment, Axén transitioned to lead vocals and joined Anna K to form Superfix with guitarist China and drummer Sid from Sinisstar; however, limited progress led to the project's conclusion after releasing a demo in 2002 and performing a showcase in Los Angeles.
In 2001, Canel initiated Anotherday based in Brooklyn. Early in 2002, Axén launched Dr. Fungus with Coal Chamber bassist Nadja Peulen, Adema drummer Kris Kohls, and Unida guitarist Arthur Seay.
By 2003, Canel was fronting Blowsight out of Stockholm alongside vocalist/guitarist Niklas Fagerström, former SELPH guitarist Serban Carapancea, and drummer Fabien Perreau. That summer marked Anna K’s entry into New York’s industrial band Hanzel und Gretyl for their Fukken Über tour through 2005. She subsequently collaborated with Al Jourgensen during the Revolting Cocks reunion tour in 2006 and joined Los Angeles-based Opiate for the Masses in 2007. Axén replaced Tobey Torres as vocalist for Snake River Conspiracy in June 2004 but departed in early 2006 to pursue solo endeavors.
Current projects
- Maria Sjöholm retired from her musical career following her marriage to Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.
- Martina Axén contributed vocals to Snake River Conspiracy and has recorded an unreleased solo album.
- Flavia Canel currently serves as Manager for Sonic Syndicate and no longer performs professionally as a guitarist.
- Anna K has performed with Hanzel Und Gretyl, Revolting Cocks, and Opiate for the Masses, recently collaborating on a Stockholm-based initiative involving members from Clawfinger and Skintrade.
Members
- Maria Sjöholm – lead singer
- Flavia Canel – guitarist
- Anna Kjellberg – bassist
- Martina Axén – drummer and backing vocalist
Discography
- 1995 Serve The Shame [EP]
Features songs that were later included on the Horror Wrestling album: "Serve The Shame," "Unreal," "Klotera," "So I Will Burn (Alone)," along with the brief a cappella track "To Be Continued..." lasting seven seconds.
- 1996 Horror Wrestling [reissued 1998]
The reissued version gathers most of the non-album tracks from the era, omitting certain remixes and acoustic renditions.
- 1999 Freaks Of Nature
Contains the single "Enter My Mind" with its B-side "Down," both appearing on the compilation disc Ozzfest Rock Pile Sampler.
- A rendition of "20th Century Boy" featured on the soundtrack for Detroit Rock City (Music From The Motion Picture)
Chart positions
Albums
| Album details | Highest chart rankings | |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | US Heatseekers | |
| Horror Wrestling
(1996) |
59 | – |
| Freaks of Nature
(1999) |
26 | 25 |
Singles – Billboard (United States)
| Year | Single | Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "I Don't Mind" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 33 |
| 1998 | "Crack the Liar's Smile" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 25 |
| 1999 | "Enter My Mind" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 34 |
| "Simon Says" | Mainstream Rock Tracks | 24 |