Asta Kask

Asta Kask is a Swedish punk band from Töreboda, founded in 1978. Renowned for their melodic punk music with Swedish lyrics, Asta Kask is a foundational band in the trallpunk subgenre. They have garnered an international reputation, with their songs being covered by acts across three continents.

Formation and Early Years (1978–1985)

The band was originally formed in 1978 by Micke Blomqvist, Pelle Karlsson, Uffe Karlsson, and Stefan Svensson under the name “X-tas.” In 1980, they changed their name to Asta Kask, inspired by a 19th-century ancestor of Micke Blomqvist. In 1981, Asta Kask recorded their first EP, För kung och fosterland, before initially disbanding.

At the end of 1982, Micke re-founded the band with Bonni “Bonta” Pontén as the second guitar player and singer, Magnus “Ernie” Hörnell on bass, and Magnus “Bjurre” Bjurén as drummer. Between 1983 and 1984, Asta Kask released three more EPs and began working with Rosa Honung Records in 1983. In 1986, they released their first LP, Aldrig en LP (“Never an LP”), after which they split up. During the hiatus, band members pursued other projects, including Micke joining the Strebers and Bjurre and Bonni founding the band Cosa Nostra.

Reunions and Continued Activity (1989–present)

Asta Kask reunited in 1989, playing a few gigs and releasing live albums such as Sista dansen and Från andra sidan. In the 1990s, their earlier records were re-released on CD, and they continued to perform at festivals like Rosa Honung’s tenth anniversary. In 2000, Höhnie Records in Germany released a best-of compilation album along with an EP containing unreleased material.

In 2003, Asta Kask resumed touring, performing at events like the Punk-im-Pott Festival in Germany. After lineup changes, including the departure of drummer Magnus “Bjurre” Bjurén and the addition of David “Dadde” Stark, the band signed with Burning Heart Records. In April 2006, they released En för alla ingen för nån, their first album in 20 years, which peaked at number 44 on the Swedish music charts. They also released the DVD “Dom får aldrig mig,” featuring a history of the band, live tracks, and re-recordings of older songs.

In 2013, Asta Kask released the album Handen på hjärtat on their new record label, which peaked at number 33 on the Swedish music charts. The band has continued to perform and release music, maintaining their influence in the punk scene.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Med is i magen (1985, re-released on CD 1991, Rosa Honung Records)
• Aldrig en LP (1986, Rosa Honung Records)
• En för alla ingen för nån (2006, Burning Heart Records)
• Handen på hjärtat (2013, Kloakens Alternativa Anti Produktion)

Live Albums

• Live (1986)
• Sista dansen (1989, Live LP, re-released on CD 1995)
• Från andra sidan (1993)

Compilations

• Rock Mot Svinen (2000, Höhnie Records)
• Kravallsymfonier 78-86 (2003, Birdnest Records)
• Välkommen Hem – Samlade EP’s (2006, Burning Heart Records)
• Upphittat! 2003-2016 (2016, Kloakens Alternativa AntiProduktion)

EPs

• För kung och fosterland (1981)
• En tyst minut (1983)
• Plikten framför allt (1984)
• Än finns det hopp (1986)
• Till sista droppen (2000)
• Precis som far / Lilla Frida (2006)

Band Members

Current Members

• Bonni “Bonta” Pontén – vocals and guitar
• Micke Blomqvist – vocals and guitar
• Magnus “Ernie” Hörnell – bass
• David “Dadde” Stark – drums (since 2004)

Past Members

• Magnus “Bjurre” Bjurén – drums (1982–1986, 2003–2005)
• Ulf Karlsson
• Per Karlsson
• Stefan Hovbjer
• Steve Aktiv

Musical Style and Themes

Asta Kask is known for their melodic punk music with Swedish lyrics, playing a significant role in the trallpunk subgenre. Their music combines traditional punk rock with catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, addressing themes such as personal freedom, societal issues, and everyday struggles. Over the years, their musical style has evolved to incorporate elements of hardcore punk while maintaining their signature melodic edge.

Legacy and Influence

Asta Kask has achieved international recognition, with their songs being covered by acts from three continents. The German punk rock band Rasta Knast started as a tribute band to Asta Kask, highlighting their influence in the global punk scene. As a foundational band for trallpunk, Asta Kask has inspired numerous bands within the genre and remains a respected name in punk music.

Trivia

• Asta Kask was originally named “X-tas” before changing to “Asta Kask” in 1980, inspired by Micke Blomqvist’s 19th-century ancestor.
• John Kastner was never a member of Asta Kask; he is associated with The Asexuals.
• Asta Kask released a string of 26 singles in the A-Z Series in 2009, one every two weeks.
• The band’s 2006 album En för alla ingen för nån peaked at number 44 on the Swedish music charts.
• Asta Kask’s DVD “Dom får aldrig mig” includes a history of the band, 16 live tracks, and a bonus CD with 17 re-recordings of older songs.
• The album Handen på hjärtat released in 2013 peaked at number 33 on the Swedish music charts.
• Asta Kask has maintained an active presence in the punk scene through multiple reunions and ongoing performances since their formation.