NonExist
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Johan Liiva, Johan Reinholdz, Matte Modin |
| Headquarters | Sweden |
| Products | Melodic death metal and thrash metal music |
Nonexist is a melodic death and thrash metal group originating from Sweden, established in 2000 by ex-Arch Enemy frontman Johan Liiva, alongside guitarist and bassist Johan Reinholdz (known for his work with Andromeda and Skyfire), and drummer Matte Modin (associated with Defleshed and Dark Funeral). Their initial release, Deus Deceptor, came out in May 2002 through New Hawen Records in Europe and Century Media in North America. Plans to tour during 2002 were unsuccessful due to conflicting obligations among band members. In 2003, both Liiva and Modin exited the band, leaving Reinholdz as the only remaining member; by 2004, Liiva officially announced the group's disbandment.
The band experienced a resurgence in 2011 when Reinholdz started composing material for their sophomore album, From My Cold Dead Hands, which featured Liiva returning as vocalist during recording sessions. This album was released in November 2012 via Pivotal Rockordings and later in May 2013 through Japan’s Trooper Entertainment. It also marked Reinholdz’s first role as producer, overseeing mixing and mastering processes. Nonexist's live debut occurred at Gothenburg's Scorched Tundra Festival in December 2012.
In 2014, Nonexist completed their third studio effort, Throne of Scars, comprising nine tracks produced and mixed by Reinholdz at Multipass Studios with support from Markus Nilsson. The record preserved the intense and dark atmosphere of its predecessor while integrating fresh stylistic elements. After securing a deal with Danish label Mighty Music in April 2015, the album saw its Japanese release via Trooper Entertainment in August followed by a global launch on October 10, 2015.
Following Johan Liiva’s departure in November 2015, Reinholdz took over lead vocal responsibilities along with his guitar work both in recordings and live performances. The current ensemble features Johan Aldgård and Joakim Strandberg Nilsson from Faithful Darkness, as well as bassist Linus Abrahamson from Andromeda. Nonexist issued the EP The New Flesh, which includes tracks from Throne of Scars alongside selections from earlier albums now featuring Reinholdz on vocals.
Current members
- Johan Reinholdz – lead guitar, vocals, bass, keyboards, drum programming (2000–2004, 2011–present)
- Johan Aldgård – rhythm guitar (2015–present)
- Linus Abrahamson – bass (2015–present)
- Joakim Strandberg Nilsson – drums (2015–present)
Former members
- Johan Liiva – lead vocals (2000–2003, 2011–2015)
- Matte Modin – drums (2000–2003)
Discography
- Deus Deceptor (2002, Century Media/Toy's Factory)
- From My Cold Dead Hands (2012, Pivotal/Trooper Entertainment)
- Throne of Scars (2015, Mighty Music/Trooper Entertainment)
- The New Flesh EP (2016, Mighty Music)
- Like the Fearless Hunter (2020, Mighty Music)