Ac4

AC4 was a Swedish hardcore punk band from Umeå, formed in 2008. The band was founded by Refused members Dennis Lyxzén and David Sandström, who had long discussed starting a new project. With songs written by Karl Backman, the band began rehearsing in the spring of 2008. The lineup was rounded out by Jens Nordén, who had previously played with Lyxzén in the straight edge hardcore band Step Forward and with Backman in The Vectors. The “AC” in the band’s name refers to the regional code for Västerbotten province, where Umeå is located.

History

Formation and Early Performances (2008)

AC4 played their first show on May 5, 2008, at a squat on Parkgatan in Umeå. Shortly thereafter, a live song from one of their performances was posted on YouTube, quickly gaining attention, including a spot on Kerrang’s playlist where it amassed over 14,000 views in its first week. The band performed at several notable events that year, including Storsjöyran and Umeå Punkfest.

Debut Album and Tours (2009–2011)

In 2009, AC4 released their self-titled debut album on Dennis Lyxzén’s label Ny Våg. The band also performed at the Way Out West Festival and embarked on a European tour in 2010, playing in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France, Italy, England, and Wales. During this period, they released the Umeå Hardcore 7-inch EP in Europe and a special 7-inch for Australia. Their debut album was also released in America.

AC4 initially avoided mainstream media, choosing instead to conduct interviews exclusively with fanzines run by writers under the age of 18. However, in 2011, they made an exception during their Australian tour, with Dennis Lyxzén conducting several interviews with local press outlets, including a radio show in Melbourne. During this tour, a short documentary titled A Few Minutes with AC4 was filmed, as well as a promotional video for the song “Won’t Bow Down.”

Lineup Changes and Burn the World (2012–2013)

In May 2012, AC4 announced that David Sandström had left the band and was replaced by Christoffer Röstlund Jonsson of DS-13. The band began recording their second album, Burn the World, which was released in March 2013 on Ny Våg Records and Deathwish Inc. Prior to their spring 2013 tour, drummer Jens Nordén left the band and was replaced by their producer, Fredrik Lyxzén.

Despite the release of Burn the World and ongoing performances, AC4 disbanded later in 2013.

Members

Final Lineup

• Dennis Lyxzén – lead vocals (2008–2013)
• Karl Backman – guitar, backing vocals (2008–2013)
• Christoffer Röstlund Jonsson – bass, backing vocals (2012–2013)
• Fredrik Lyxzén – drums (2013)

Former Members

• David Sandström – bass, backing vocals (2008–2012)
• Jens Nordén – drums (2008–2013)

Discography

Albums

• AC4 (2009) – CD/LP Ny Våg, Sweden; LP Deranged Records, Canada (2010); CD Shock Entertainment, Australia (2011)
• Burn the World (2013) – CD/LP Ny Våg, Sweden; LP Deathwish Inc., USA (2013)

EPs

• Split 7-inch with Surprise Sex Attack (2010) – Aniseed Records
• Umeå Hardcore 7-inch (2010) – P-Trash Records

Compilations

• Umeå Vråljazz Giganter (2010) – CD/LP Ny Våg Records