Biography

Andreas ”Andy” Carlsson is a proud keeper of a flame that represents the most historically significant scene in Swedish heavy metal: that of Upplands Väsby, the Stockholm suburb that in the early 80s produced acts like Europe, Candlemass, Cheiron and Universe. Come the new millennium, and the Upplands Väsby heritage is being upheld by the likes of H.e.a.t – and Denied. Carlsson, as guitarist and driving force of the latter band, has pushed Denied from their humble 2002 beginnings to a prominent position on the ever-thriving Swedish metal scene. Expertly combining anthemic hooks with an ever-present metallic edge, impeccable musicianship and soaring vocal performances, Denied have so far unleashed six albums on an increasingly enthusiastic metal community, and the stellar ”Humanarchy” (2022), though unquestionably the band’s career highlight so far, in no way signals the end of their musical journey. Nonetheless, Carlsson, never one to let himself be pigeon-holed or restricted creatively, is feeling the need to branch out to new and different musical endeavors. As a result, we are now being introduced to his latest project: Andreas Carlsson’s NAAKEN. ”All the Denied albums have been positively received, but at present I just have this desire to seek out new hunting-grounds”, the guitarist explains. ”I will be writing all the music myself, as well as the lyrics – and they will be in Swedish. That will enable me to express myself more freely, and get my message across more easily. ”As the name implies, NAAKEN (or ”NUUDE”, in translation) will be displaying its creator at his most sensitive and grounded, providing an insight to more intimate and vulnerable territories of Carlsson’s mind, as well as drawing inspiration from his cherished Upplands Väsby, to whom he has been faithful and devoted all his life. It is undoubtedly a fascinating voyage we are about to begin, ripe with telling revelations and insights about one truly admirable contributor to present-day Swedish heavy metal.