Abhinanda

Abhinanda is a Swedish hardcore punk band from Umeå, active from 1992 until 1999, with several reunions over the years. The band was a key part of the Umeå hardcore scene and shared close ties with the influential band Refused. Abhinanda’s members were known for their commitment to the straight edge lifestyle, with all members being either vegan or vegetarian. The band released three full-length albums and became known for their powerful live performances and socially conscious lyrics.

History

Formation, Darkness of Ignorance, and Early Lineup Changes

Abhinanda was formed in 1992 by a group of school friends: José Saxlund, Adam Nilsson, Jonas Lyxzén, and Mattias Abrahamson. The band took its name from a lyric in Shelter’s debut album. After about a year of playing local shows, they recorded their debut EP, Darkness of Ignorance, which was released on Saxlund’s own label, Desperate Fight Records. Shortly after the EP’s release, Kristofer Steen joined the band as a second guitarist. In 1993, they embarked on their first tour with Refused, traveling through Norway.

Senseless, Neverending Well of Bliss, and Abhinanda

In 1994, Abhinanda released their debut album, Senseless, on Belgian label Genet Records, followed by a full European tour alongside Refused and Earth Crisis. After the album’s release, Steen left the band to focus on his work with Refused, and Pär Hansson joined as his replacement. The band then released their second EP, Neverending Well of Bliss, in 1995.

Their second full-length album, Abhinanda, was released in 1996, also on Genet Records. This album featured Daniel Berglund on drums, as original drummer Jonas Lyxzén had left to concentrate on his own band, Separation. Shortly after the release, Adam Nilsson left the band, and Nicklas Rudolfsson took over on guitar, contributing to the band’s split 7-inch single with Unbroken. In 1998, keyboardist Jakob Nystrom joined the band during a tour with Randy.

The Rumble, Breakup, and Reunions

In 1999, Abhinanda released their final album, The Rumble, which showcased a shift toward a more alternative rock sound. After extensive touring across Europe, the band decided to disband to focus on other projects. However, the group briefly reunited in 2004 and again from 2009 to 2010, during which time they released a new song on their compilation album, Kizuna, and toured extensively in Asia. Abhinanda reunited once more in December 2012 to perform at the afterparty of Refused’s final reunion show, along with their other project, Final Exit.

Members

Final Lineup

• José Saxlund – vocals (1992–1999, 2004, 2009–2010, 2012, 2022–present)
• Mattias Abrahamson – bass (1992–1999, 2004, 2009–2010, 2012, 2022–present)
• Pär Hansson – guitars (1995–1999, 2004, 2009–2010, 2012, 2022–present)
• Jejo Perković – drums (2022–present)

Former Members

• Adam Nilsson – guitars (1992–1997)
• Kristofer Steen – guitars (1993–1994)
• Jonas Lyxzén – drums (1992–1995)
• Jakob Nystrom – keyboards (1998–1999)
• Daniel Berglund – drums (1996–1999, 2004, 2009–2010, 2012)
• Nicklas Rudolfsson – guitars (1997–1999, 2004, 2009–2010, 2012)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Senseless (1994)
• Abhinanda (1996)
• The Rumble (1999)

EPs

• Darkness of Ignorance (1993)
• Neverending Well of Bliss (1995)

Splits

• Unbroken / Abhinanda (1998)

Demos

• Ever Increasing Bliss (1992)

Singles

• Junior (1999)
• Tsunami / De Música Ligera (2023)

Compilations

• Kizuna (2009)