Anti-Cimex
Anti Cimex was a Swedish crust punk band, originally formed in 1981. Hailing from different cities such as Skövde, Gothenburg, Linköping, and Malmö, the band became one of the pioneering forces behind Scandinavian hardcore punk. They were heavily influential within the D-beat subgenre, and their second 7-inch EP is often regarded as a defining work of the style. Band historian Peter Jandreus even described Anti Cimex as the most famous Swedish punk band from 1977 to 1987. The band’s name, Anti Cimex, was inspired by the Swedish pest control company of the same name, which references a Latin term for bed bugs, ‘Cimex’.
History
Early Years and First Releases (1981–1986)
Formed in 1981, Anti Cimex’s initial lineup included Jonsson on bass, Nillen on vocals, Charlie on drums, and Jocke on guitar. Jonsson had also briefly played with the Shitlickers, another early D-beat band in Sweden. After some rehearsals, the band released their debut EP, Anarkist Attack, in 1982. Soon after, Nillen was kicked out of the band, with Jonsson taking over vocals and Conrad stepping in as the new bassist. Their 1983 release, Raped Ass, is now regarded as one of the heaviest and most intense records in the history of hardcore punk.
Their momentum continued with the release of Victims of a Bomb Raid in 1984, followed by the 1986 mini-LP Criminal Trap. By this point, internal tensions had taken their toll, and after guitarist Jocke left, the band briefly disbanded in 1986.
Reformation and Later Releases (1990–1993)
In 1990, Anti Cimex reformed, this time with Cliff Lundberg joining the band as the guitarist. Their return was marked by the release of their comeback album, Absolut Country of Sweden. In 1993, the band released a live album, Made in Sweden, which showcased their raw energy on stage. The same year, they followed it up with a new live 7-inch single, Fucked in Finland, and their final studio album, Scandinavian Jawbreaker. After this album, Anti Cimex disbanded once again, with members going on to form other notable bands such as Driller Killer and Wolfpack.
Tribute and Legacy
In 2005, Dead City Records released A Tribute to Anti-Cimex, which featured covers of Anti Cimex songs by various crust and D-beat bands from around the world. Bands like Disclose (Japan), Wolfbrigade (Sweden), and Doom (UK) participated in the tribute, solidifying Anti Cimex’s lasting influence on the global punk and hardcore community.
Members
- Tomas “Freke” Jonsson – vocals (1982–1993), bass (1981) (ex-Wolfpack, Moment Maniacs, ex-Shitlickers)
- Cliff Lundberg – guitar (1990–1993) (Driller Killer, Perukers, Moderat Likvidation, Black Uniforms)
- Robert “Lefty” Jörgensen – bass (1991–1993; died) (Driller Killer, Perukers, Black Uniforms)
- Charlie Claeson – drums (1981–1993), bass (1985) (Troublemakers, Driller Killer, Not Enough Hate, Psychotic Youth)
Former Members
- Nils “Nillen” Andersson – vocals (1981–1982)
- Joakim “Jocke” Pettersson – guitar (1981–1986)
- Bonni “Bonta” Pontén – guitar, vocals (1981)
- Christian “Cutting” – bass (1982; died)
- Sixten Andersson – bass (1984–1985)
- Conrad – bass (1983, 1985–1991)
- Jean-Louis Huhta – drums (1984–1987)
- Patrik Granath – drums (1985)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Absolut Country of Sweden (1990, reissued 2000 with bonus tracks)
- Scandinavian Jawbreaker (1993)
EPs
- Anarkist Attack (1982)
- Raped Ass (1983)
- Victims of a Bomb Raid (1984)
- Anti-Cimex (1986)
- Fucked in Finland (1993)
- Demos 81-85 (2007)
12″ Releases
- Criminal Trap (1986)
Live Albums
- Made In Sweden (1993)
- Fucked in Finland (1993)
Compilation Appearances
- Really Fast; Vol. 1 (1983)
- Vägra För Helvete (1983)
- Birkagarden (1985)
- I Thrash Therefore I Am (1985)
- Afflicted Cries in the Darkness of War (1986)
- What Are You Doing About That Hole in Your Head (1986)
- Eat My Brain, Go Insane (1995)
- Varning För Punk 3 (1997)
