November (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Christer Stålbrandt, Richard Rolf, Björn Inge |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm , Sweden |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
November was a rock group originating from Stockholm, Sweden, established in 1969 by Christer Stålbrandt, Richard Rolf, and Björn Inge. As reported by svt.se, November is often recognized as "Sweden's pioneering hard rock/heavy metal band."
History
The band gained prominence through their energetic tempo and abundant guitar solos. Their sound, drawing inspiration from American acid rock, combined elements reminiscent of early Uriah Heep tracks such as "Bird of Prey" and "Easy Livin'," alongside influences from Cream and Led Zeppelin, resulting in a heavy blues-infused style. The group’s origins trace back to 1968 at Tegelhögen, a youth center in the Stockholm suburb of Vällingby. Initially performing as The Imps with Christer Stålbrandt and Björn Inge, Stålbrandt departed to establish Train with guitarist Snowy White; after White’s return to England in 1969, Richard Rolf took his place.
On 1 November 1969, following a support show for Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac at Gothenburg’s Que-Club, the band adopted the name November.
Significantly, November was one of the earliest Swedish rock bands to sing in their native language, with lyrics mainly penned by Stålbrandt and influenced by the 1960s flower power ethos. Despite this, they found an enthusiastic audience in England, where fans preferred them to maintain Swedish lyrics even when English versions were available.
November released three albums, all achieving high chart positions within Sweden. After their final performance at club Domino on New Year’s Eve 1972, the band dissolved. They briefly reunited for the launch event of November-Live 1993 (a recording from their 1971 tour) on 30 November 1993.
Following the breakup, Christer Stålbrandt went on to form the band Saga; Björn Inge joined the jazz rock ensemble Energy; Richard Rolf helped establish Bash and later became part of Nature.
On 27 January 2007, November performed during Mellotronen’s 20th anniversary celebration and have since participated in additional shows.
Within Sweden—especially among their contemporaries and within the Greater Stockholm area—November is regarded as legendary musicians.
November and "Progg"
During the early 1970s, many Swedish rock groups were categorized under what became known as "Progg," a label originating from progressive rock influences. This period coincided with widespread anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and spontaneous labor strikes such as those at the Kiruna iron-ore mine (1969) and among Gothenburg harbor workers. Multiple Communist parties vied for political influence in elections held in 1968, 1970, and 1973, with only VPK achieving parliamentary representation. The "Progg" movement was deeply intertwined with left-wing politics and youth counterculture, whereas bands like ABBA stood out as commercial exceptions.
Nevertheless, November did not embrace the political connotations associated with "progg." Their music leaned more toward heavy instrumental rock inspired by groups such as Cream, early Uriah Heep, and Mountain. Media outlets often placed November within the "progg" scene primarily due to timing and shared audiences. Despite occasional classification under this genre, November never crafted politically charged lyrics nor endorsed any political agenda. Their sound was characterized by swift hard rock rhythms, loosely linked to the anti-Vietnam War hippie movement only by association.
Studio albums
- En ny tid är här... LP released by Sonet Records (1970)
- 2:a November LP issued through Sonet Records (1971)
- 6:e November LP from Sonet Records (1972); the title references a painting depicting the Battle of Lützen on 6 November 1632, a significant event in Sweden's military past.
- Live available on CD and LP via Sonet Records / Mellotronen Records (1993)
Singles
- "Mount Everest" / "Cinderella" 7" single issued by Sonet Records (1970)
- "Men mitt hjärta ska vara gjort av sten" / "Môuchkta (Drömmen om Malin)" 7" single released by Sonet Records (1971)
- "Mount Everest" / "Nobody's Hand to Hold" 7" single from Sonet Records (1971)
- "Tillbaks till Stockholm" / "Sista resan" 7" single distributed by Sonet Records (1971)
Compilation tracks
- "Ta ett steg in i sagans land" featured on The Essence of Swedish Progressive Music 1967-1979 - Pregnant Rainbows for Colorblind Dreamers by Premium Records (2007)
Band members
- Björn Inge – drums and vocals
- Christer Stålbrandt – bass guitar and vocals; born 2 July 1949 in Sweden; also affiliated with Clan of Society and Saga
- Richard Rolf – guitar