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The Hellacopters

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The Hellacopters
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1994
FounderNicke Andersson, Andreas Tyrone "Dregen" Svensson, Kenny Håkansson, Robert Eriksson
Headquarters
Sweden
ProductsGarage rock music, studio albums, live performances

The Hellacopters are a garage rock ensemble from Sweden, established in 1994 by Nicke Andersson (vocals, guitar), Andreas Tyrone "Dregen" Svensson (guitar), Kenny Håkansson (bass), and Robert Eriksson (drums). Andersson, previously the drummer for the death metal group Entombed, teamed up with Dregen, who was on a break from Backyard Babies, to create the band initially as a side venture. Alongside The Hives, The Hellacopters have played a pivotal role in the garage rock revival and stand as one of Sweden’s most significant rock groups.

Their first album, Supershitty to the Max! (1996), earned them a Swedish Grammy award. Before embarking on a tour with Kiss, keyboardist and percussionist Anders Lindström joined part-time and became a permanent member in 1999. After releasing Payin' the Dues in 1998, Dregen departed to dedicate himself to Backyard Babies; Mattias Hellberg and Danne Andersson took over guitar duties for live performances. Following the release of Grande Rock, which featured contributions from Lindström and Hellberg, Robert Dahlqvist was brought in as lead guitarist in 1999. This lineup produced three additional studio albums and a covers record, alongside numerous EPs and special editions.

In 2008, the band amicably split to explore other musical directions but reunited in 2016 for a commemorative show at Sweden Rock Festival, celebrating two decades since their debut. In October 2021, The Hellacopters inked a deal with Nuclear Blast to launch Eyes of Oblivion in spring 2022. Their most recent album, Overdriver, was released on January 31, 2025.

Formation and Supershitty to the Max!

The band's name was inspired by an article Andersson and Dregen encountered while touring with Entombed in San Francisco, which described CIA helicopters surveilling Mexican marijuana fields—referred to as "Hellacopters." Their initial rehearsal took place on November 4, 1994, as an informal jam session. After two additional rehearsals, they independently issued their debut single "Killing Allan" in January 1995 through their own label, Psychout Records.

Following their second single "1995," The Hellacopters signed with White Jazz Records and launched their debut album Supershitty to the Max! in June 1996. The record was captured live within just 26 hours and secured a Swedish Grammy award. Anders "Boba Fett" Lindström from The Diamond Dogs joined on keyboards prior to their support slot for Kiss during Scandinavian dates in June 1997.

Payin' the Dues and Dregen's departure

Their sophomore album, Payin' the Dues, was recorded in February 1997 and achieved top 20 status in Sweden as well as top 30 in Finland. Andersson left Entombed to commit entirely to The Hellacopters. The group toured extensively across Sweden, highlighted by a major appearance at the Hultsfred Festival, including an unannounced backstage performance. In 1998, they toured Europe alongside Gluecifer, releasing the split album Respect the Rock. Shortly thereafter, founding guitarist Dregen exited to focus exclusively on Backyard Babies.

During an extensive post-Dregen tour period, The Hellacopters enlisted guitarists Chuck Pounder and Mattias Hellberg for Scandinavian and North American legs respectively. While touring the United States, they collaborated with Detroit rock legends Scott Morgan of Sonic's Rendezvous Band and Wayne Kramer of MC5, establishing enduring creative partnerships.

Grande Rock and Dahlqvist's Introduction

In September 1998, the group laid down tracks for their third studio album, Grande Rock. With no second guitarist in the lineup, both Lindström and Hellberg shared guitar duties.[1] The record showcased a shift towards a 1970s classic rock vibe,[2] departing from the band’s earlier Detroit punk and garage rock influences. This stylistic evolution was inspired by recording sessions held in a vintage seventies studio nestled in the Swedish forest, overseen by a seasoned engineer proficient in authentic production methods from that era.[3]

Grande Rock marked the band's first entry into the Swedish top ten charts, although it remained there for just one week.[4] For the tour following the album’s release, Robert Dahlqvist was brought on board as a permanent guitarist, replacing Dregen. The band toured alongside artists such as Wayne Kramer, The Nomads, and Powder Monkeys.[5]

High Visibility and Collaboration with Chips Kiesbye

The year 2000 saw the band record their initial album featuring Robert Dahlqvist, who earned the nickname "Strängen" due to frequently breaking strings during rehearsals. This project also marked their first collaboration with producer Chips Kiesbye, recognized for his work with notable Swedish rock groups including Sahara Hotnights, Millencolin, and Sator. Kiesbye would go on to become their preferred producer for all future studio releases. High Visibility remained on the Swedish charts for twelve weeks and achieved gold status. The band toured extensively across Scandinavia and Europe to promote the album, with then-emerging act The Hives serving as their opening band. Subsequently, the album was released in the United States, and the tour was captured in the documentary Goodnight Cleveland. The album’s title is derived from a phrase adapted by Andersson from the cult mockumentary This Is Spınal Tap.

By the Grace of God and Individual Endeavors

In early 2002, the band compiled their first collection of non-album material titled Cream Of The Crap Vol. 1, featuring artwork by Andersson that continued into its sequel. For their fifth studio album, they recorded twenty tracks at Polar Studios in Stockholm; thirteen of these were selected for inclusion on By the Grace of God. This release became their most commercially successful effort to date, debuting at number two on Swedish charts and reaching number eight in Finland, while also securing another gold certification in Sweden. The title track enjoyed seven weeks on Sweden’s singles charts and received substantial airplay on radio and television. Additionally, the band had opportunities to open for major acts such as The Rolling Stones and ZZ Top during shows in Stockholm and Helsinki.

Before embarking on their next album, members took time off to explore side projects. Nicke Andersson partnered with Scott Morgan in The Solution, releasing Communicate! in 2004, and provided backing vocals on The Cardigans' album Long Gone Before Daylight. Meanwhile, Dahlqvist started Thunder Express (later renamed Dundertåget) and collaborated with Stefan Sundström on Fula Gubben Hitler, appearing on its cover suspended from a cross. Dahlqvist also toured alongside former Hellacopters member Mattias Hellberg to support that record.

Rock & Roll Is Dead

While The Hellacopters were on hiatus, they released their second compilation of non-album tracks titled Cream Of The Crap Vol. 2. Although the band acknowledged having sufficient material for additional volumes, they had no intentions to extend the series. Prior to regrouping for the recording of Rock & Roll Is Dead in 2005, Eriksson and Lindstrom embarked on a short DJ tour across Italy. The album's title conveyed the band's critical perspective on the contemporary music industry.

Upon release, the album entered the Swedish charts at number three and secured a position within Finland's top twenty. In 2006, The Hellacopters returned to touring the United States after a three-year absence and participated in a Swedish tour alongside groups such as The Hives and Backyard Babies. Their song "Nothing Terribly New" gained acclaim, notably earning praise from Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band.

Head Off and break-up announcement

On 12 October 2007, The Hellacopters declared their decision to disband following the launch of their seventh album, Head Off, which consisted entirely of cover songs. The group emphasized that their choice was motivated by a desire to conclude their career positively rather than due to internal conflicts. Initially presented as a conventional studio release to sustain fan engagement, Head Off introduced audiences to eleven emerging bands. The album debuted at number four in Sweden and also charted in both Finland and Norway. Their farewell performances occurred at Debaser Medis in Stockholm during October 2008, with live streaming available online; these shows featured guest appearances from members of Sahara Hotnights and Entombed. Additionally, a double live album documenting their "Tour Before the Fall" was planned.

Hiatus activities

During the band's break, lead vocalist Nicke Andersson concentrated on other ventures including Death Breath and plans for a solo project. He also expressed an interest in reactivating his soul outfit The Solution but cited time constraints as an obstacle. Andersson formed Cold Ethyl, which has since been inactive regarding new releases. Robert Dahlqvist resumed work with his band Dundertåget; Kenny Håkansson intended to establish a psychedelic rock group alongside Baby Woodrose's drummer; meanwhile, Robert Eriksson collaborated with his unsigned band Tramp while overseeing a youth music center in Solna.

In March 2016, the group's inaugural biography titled The Hellacopters, du kérosène dans les veines was published in French with contributions from all members; an English translation was anticipated for 2018. Former guitarist Robert Dahlqvist passed away unexpectedly in February 2017 at age 40 while finishing a solo album under his alias Strängen.

Supershitty to the Max! anniversary reunion

In April 2016, The Hellacopters announced a reunion featuring their original lineup to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album Supershitty to the Max!. They performed at the 2016 Sweden Rock Festival and issued a limited edition 12-inch vinyl containing two tracks from the initial sessions re-recorded in 2016. Throughout 2017, the band appeared at several international festivals, with Sami Yaffa stepping in for original bassist Kenny Håkansson during this period.

Eyes of Oblivion

On 17 December 2021, The Hellacopters revealed their album Eyes of Oblivion, which was launched on 1 April 2022. This marked their first complete album of original songs since 2008's Head Off and the first to feature Dregen since 1997's Payin' the Dues. Andersson characterized the sound as a fusion of "The Beatles meeting Judas Priest, or Lynyrd Skynyrd crossing paths with the Ramones, yet ultimately embodying The Hellacopters' contemporary style." The album's promotion included singles such as "Reap a Hurricane," "Eyes of Oblivion," and "So Sorry I Could Die," each accompanied by music videos.

Overdriver

The group's ninth studio release, titled Overdriver, became available on 31 January 2025.

Musical style

Drawing inspiration from early Kiss, seminal punk groups like MC5, Ramones, and Sex Pistols, as well as classic rock legends including Venom and Motörhead, The Hellacopters' debut album Supershitty to the Max! featured rapid tempos and heavily distorted guitar work. Their second album demonstrated enhanced precision in their playing and introduced keyboard elements performed by Anders Lindström. Following Dregen's exit, the band’s sound on Grande Rock shifted toward rock influences reminiscent of the mid-1970s. Over time, they developed while preserving a straightforward approach centered on three-chord structures and catchy choruses. Andersson infused soul elements from his side project The Solution into his vocal style in later works. Throughout their career, they have recorded numerous covers from a wide array of artists, including Radio Birdman, Misfits, and Alice Cooper. Andersson differentiates between the music that personally moves him—such as country musician Guy Clark—and the stylistic influences shaping the band’s overall sound.

Current

  • Nicke Andersson – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards (1994–2008, 2016–present)
  • Robert Eriksson – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1994–2008, 2016–present)
  • Dregen – guitars, backing vocals (1994–1997, 2016–present)
  • Anders Lindström – organ, piano, guitars, backing vocals (1996–2008, 2016–present)
  • Rudolf de Borst – bass, backing vocals (2018–present)

Former

  • Kenny Håkansson – bass, backing vocals (1994–2008, 2016)
  • Danne Andersson – guitar (1997)
  • Mattias Hellberg – guitar (1997–1998)
  • Robert Dahlqvist – guitar, backing vocals (1999–2008; died 2017)
  • Sami Yaffa – bass, backing vocals (2017)

Selected discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

Swedish Grammys

|- | 1996 || Supershitty to the Max! || Best Hard Rock || |- | 2006 || Rock & Roll Is Dead || Best Rock Group of the Year || |- |rowspan="2"| 2009 ||rowspan="2"| Head Off || Best Hard Rock || |- | Best Live Act ||

P3 Guld

|- |rowspan="2"| 2005 ||rowspan="2"| Rock & Roll Is Dead || Best Rock Album of the Year || |- | Live Act of the Year || |- | 2008 || Head Off || Best Live Act ||

Bandit Rock

|- |rowspan="4"| 2009 ||rowspan="4"| Head Off || Best Swedish Group || |- | Best Swedish Album || |- | Best Swedish Live Act || |- | Bandit Special Award ||

Kerrang! Awards

|- | 1999 || Grande Rock || Spirit of Independence ||


External links

  1. ↑ Template:Cite AV media notes
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named top ten
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named kenny robban
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named s charts
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named tour
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