In the days before grunge, when hard rock and metal stood proud. When self-pity wasn’t a factor in rock music. When a tear could be openly shed for an awesomely heavy riff, just because it’s awesome. When a band called Nirvana existed in Sweden but not yet in Seattle. When this Swedish Nirvana played death metal and not grunge. These were the days when men were men and pansy was the name of a flower.

Nirvana 2002 (not from Seattle)

Entombed. One of the primary bands involved in the creation of the Swedish Death Metal scene hadn’t even formed yet. Orvar Säfström, Eric Qvick and Lars Henriksson got together to develop a band that fused punks energy into metal much more cohesively than those of the thrash crossover genre. It worked.

However, the name was proving to be something of a nuisance. Starting off as Prophet 2002, the band decided to make an adjustment to Nirvana. It sounded sooo much cooler. Soon after, word reached the band of a 7 inch single was released called Love Buzz by a band of the same name. To avoid any confusion with this underground band from Seattle, another small amendment was made and the band was re-christened Nirvana 2002. Nice switch.

By the time Nevermind was spreading to all corners of the globe, Nirvana 2002 had already shelved the project in favor of forming Entombed.

This collection of rehearsal and live recordings is indeed for the Swedish Death Metal completist, although this album hold its own ground quite well. A precursor to the many releases that followed, there’s a clear Discharge influence from a punk perspective, but also a glimpse into the future for what Carnage and Unleashed were going to release.

A very enjoyable listen indeed, and not one single reference to teenage angst.

Nirvana 2002