View source for Kent (band)

{{short description|Swedish alternative rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Kent
| background        = group_or_band
| image             = Kent live in Sundsvall on 3 August 2012.jpg
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = Kent performing in [[Sundsvall]] in 2012. From left to right: Sami Sirviö, Joakim Berg, Markus Mustonen and Martin Sköld
| alt               = 
| origin            = [[Eskilstuna]], Sweden
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Alternative rock]]|[[pop rock]]|[[synthpop]]}}
| years_active      = {{flatlist|
* 1990–2016
* 2025
}}
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]]
* [[RCA Records|RCA]]
* [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]]
* [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]
}}
| website           = {{URL|kent.nu}}
| module            = {{Infobox
| child=yes
| title             = '''Logo'''
| headerstyle     = background:#b0c4de
| image = [[File:Kent band logo.png|200px]]
}}
| past_members      = *[[Joakim Berg]]
*[[Martin Sköld]]
*[[Sami Sirviö]]
*[[Markus Mustonen]]
*[[Harri Mänty]]
*Martin Roos
*Thomas Bergquist
}}

'''Kent''' was a Swedish [[alternative rock]] band formed in [[Eskilstuna]] in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kent.nu/biografi/|title=Biografi|website=Kent.nu - Officiell hemsida för Sveriges största rockband - Kent|date=6 July 2009|language=sv-SE|access-date=11 June 2016}}</ref> With members [[Joakim Berg]], [[Martin Sköld]], [[Sami Sirviö]] and [[Markus Mustonen]], the band had numerous radio hits throughout Sweden and [[Scandinavia]] and consecutive number-one studio albums on the Sweden top list ([[Sverigetopplistan]]) beginning with the release of ''[[Verkligen]]'' (1996) and led by the single "[[Kräm (så nära får ingen gå)]]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://swedishcharts.com/search.asp?cat=a&artist=kent&artist_search=starts&title=&title_search=starts|title=Swedish Charts Portal|last=Hung|first=Steffen|website=Swedishcharts.com|access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> With origins rooted in distorted [[Rock music|rock]], they found mainstream success through their alternative rock albums of the mid-1990s, 2000s and 2010s, the latter decades during which they adopted elements of [[Synth-pop|synthpop]]. 

With eleven number-one albums,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/search.asp?cat=a&artist=kent&artist_search=starts&title=&title_search=starts|title=Swedish Charts Portal|website=Swedishcharts.com|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> five number-one singles,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/search.asp?cat=s&artist=kent&artist_search=starts&title=&title_search=starts|title=Swedish Charts Portal|website=Swedishcharts.com|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> 22 [[Grammis|Swedish Grammy Awards]],<ref>[https://grammis.se/om-grammis/grammisvinnare-genom-aren/ Grammisvinnare genom åren], ''Grammis.se''</ref> and over three million record sales, Kent is considered the most popular rock/pop group within Sweden and throughout Scandinavia. ''[[Vapen & ammunition]]'' (2002) topped the Swedish charts for eight weeks.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Kent&titel=Vapen+%26+ammunition&cat=a|title=Kent – Vapen & ammunition|website=Swedishcharts.com|accessdate=16 April 2023}}</ref> Kent is often compared to bands like [[U2]] and [[Coldplay]].<ref>[https://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/nordens-u2/65823275 Nordens U2] ''Dagbladet''</ref><ref>[https://www.fvn.no/kultur/i/KRn76/kent-gaar-coldplay Kent går Coldplay] ''Fædrelandsvennen''</ref>

As Kent's songs are primarily performed in Swedish, they are unfamiliar to most English-speaking audiences.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://ojs.tsv.fi/index.php/fennia/article/view/7337|title=Kent's Sweden, or what a rock band can tell us about a nation|last=Johansson|first=Ola|journal=Fennia |date=2013|volume=191|issue=1|pages=40–57|doi=10.11143/7337|access-date=24 April 2016|doi-access=free}}</ref> Kent briefly attempted an international career with English versions of the albums ''[[Isola (album)|Isola]]'' (1997) and ''[[Hagnesta Hill]]'' (1999) and an accompanying American tour for the former, but stopped after finding less success than they had in Scandinavia. Joakim Berg, the lead singer and lyricist, says "there are two kinds of lyrics I write. One kind is based in places and the other is based in feelings. You move between those two whether you want to or not."<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://kentfans.com/kent-interviews.php|title = Kent Have Always Wanted to Be Big|date = 26 June 2008|access-date = 1 January 2016|website = Kentfans.com}}</ref>

On 14 March 2016, the band announced that they would release their final album, titled ''[[Då som nu för alltid]],'' after 26 years of performing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kent.nu/2016/03/14/kent-gar-i-graven/|title=kent går i graven – startar sista färden med Egoist |website=Kent.nu|date=14 March 2016|access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> The album was released on 20 May 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kent.nu/2016/04/17/da-som-nu-for-alltid-20-maj/|title=Då Som Nu För Alltid – 20 maj |website=Kent.nu|date=17 April 2016|access-date=24 April 2016}}</ref> The band's announcement noted that the dissolution of the band is voluntary and is despite their continued success. In September, Kent began a months-long farewell tour that covered Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The last concert was held at [[Tele2 Arena]] in Stockholm on 17 December 2016.<ref>[https://www.expressen.se/noje/sa-bra-var-kents-sista-spelning-nagonsin/ Så bra var Kents sista spelning någonsin], ''Expressen.se''</ref>

Kent reunited in March 2025 to play six concerts at Stockholm's [[3Arena (Stockholm)|3Arena]].

==History==
===Formation and first years (1990–1994)===
The band ''Jones & Giftet'' (Jones & The Poison) was formed in 1990 with members Joakim "Jocke" Berg, Martin Sköld, Markus Mustonen, Sami Sirviö and Thomas Bergqvist (synthesizers). Berg and Sirviö started the band when Berg went to London and bought two guitars, one for each of them. Sköld, Bergqvist and Mustonen joined soon after. Their first gig was in [[Lindesberg|Lindesberg in Västmanland]], and the second at ''Knegoffs'' in Eskilstuna. In 1991, Jones & Giftet won the contest ''Cult 91'' at the ''Skylight'' in Eskilstuna.<ref>[https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/6587750 Historien om Kent] ''Sveriges Radio''</ref>

In 1992 Martin Roos played with Jones & Giftet for the first time, at ''Cult 92''. Soon thereafter he replaced Thomas Bergqvist. On 30 September 1992 Jones & Giftet changed their name to ''Havsänglar'' ([[Angelshark]], lit. Sea angels). Gigs at the "Spaghetti Companiet", Hannas Krog and the Pet Sounds Bar followed.

In 1993, Martin Roos moved to [[Stockholm]], and soon the rest of the band did the same. Jocke Berg's brother [[Adam Berg (director)|Adam Berg]] came up with ''Kent'' as the band's new name.<ref>[https://www.expressen.se/noje/fansen-som-foljt-kent-i-25-stader--pa-83-dagar/ Fansen som följt Kent i 20 städer – på 83 dagar], ''Expressen.se''</ref> Kent played in Stockholm at Tanto and Hyndans Hörna, and in Uppsala at [[Kalmar nation, Uppsala|Kalmar Nation]].

In March 1994 Kent recorded a 10-track demo under very simple conditions in an 8-track studio at Nytorpsskolan near Blåsut in Stockholm. They gave the demo to Peter Ejheden at Pet Sounds who was working as a booker for a club (Pet Sounds Bar). In the same chain of events where he got the tape, Ejheden quit Pet Sounds and started working at [[Sony BMG|BMG]]. In April Per Lindholm, [[A&R]] at RCA/BMG, heard the band for the first time and was immediately interested. On 26 June Kent's first record contract was signed. They went to Silence Studios in Koppom, Värmland, to record their first album.

===''Kent'' and ''Verkligen'' (1995–1996)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Kent (album)|Verkligen}}
In March 1995, Kent released their first album, ''[[Kent (album)|Kent]]''. The band's style at that time emphasized [[Guitar effects#Distortion-related effects|distortion]], which is in contrast with their later albums. Their first single was "[[När det blåser på månen]]".

One year later, in March 1996, Kent released ''[[Verkligen]]'' (Really). Guitarist Martin Roos had left the band for his career at Kent's record company BMG; he later became the band's [[Talent manager|manager]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.savantmusikmagasin.se/artiklar/det-ar-halva-tiden-av-mitt-liv-som-jag-har-spenderat-med-kent|title="Det är halva tiden av mitt liv, som jag har spenderat med Kent" – SAVANT|website=Savantmusikmagasin.se}}</ref> The pre-release single "[[Kräm (så nära får ingen gå)]]" immediately became a radio hit and gained Kent some serious fame in Sweden. Two more singles were issued, "[[Gravitation (Kent song)|Gravitation]]" and "[[Halka (song)|Halka]]". Musically, the album was slower with less distortion and more emotion. After ''Verkligen'' was released, and before the band went on a long tour that summer, guitarist [[Harri Mänty]] joined as a permanent member.

===''Isola'' (1997–1999)===
{{details|topic=the album|Isola (album)}}
In November 1997, Kent released ''[[Isola (album)|Isola]]''. They had toured heavily with ''Verkligen'', which had gained them some reputation. The pre-release single from ''Isola'', "[[Om du var här]]" (If You Were Here), became a radio hit. Musically the album was quite different from ''Verkligen'', going further in the direction of slower, more thoughtful songs with more emotion. The last song on the album, the 7&nbsp;minute, 47&nbsp;second-long "[[747 (song)|747]]", with a characteristic keyboard riff and a long instrumental outro, became the band's closer for every show for the next six years. It was also released as a single, cut down to four minutes and with an added short chorus. The album reached number one in Sweden. Kent went on to tour through Scandinavia from November 1997 to February 1998. 

In April 1998, Kent released an English version of ''Isola'', featuring an extra song only available on the English version, "Velvet". In May, the band started touring again, playing in Europe and Scandinavia. Singles were released in various territories for three of the album's songs, "If You Were Here", "Things She Said" and "747". In 1999, they did two US tours to promote the album. The first was in support of fellow Swedes [[The Cardigans]],<ref>[https://kent.nu/1999/12/01/pressmeddelande-cardigans/ Pressmeddelande Cardigans], ''Kent.nu''</ref> and the second was a double bill with American band [[Papa Vegas]]. The English version of ''Isola'' sold poorly.

===''Hagnesta Hill'' and ''B-sidor 95-00'' (1999–2000)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Hagnesta Hill|B-sidor 95-00}}
In the summer of 1999, the band started working on a new album. In December 1999, Kent released ''[[Hagnesta Hill]]'', named after Hagnestahill, a part of [[Eskilstuna]] where the band had their first rehearsal space. The first single from the album, "[[Musik non stop]]", a disco-rock song, became a huge radio hit. The album was, for the most part, faster and less ballad-focused than Isola, and also mildly experimental with drum-machines and electronics. Two more singles were released, the [[Industrial music|industrial]]-esque "[[En himmelsk drog]]" (A Heavenly Drug) and the power-poppy "[[Kevlarsjäl]]" (Kevlar Soul).

In April 2000, an English version of ''Hagnesta Hill'' was released, in which two songs from the Swedish version were replaced with two new English tracks ("Just Like Money" and "Quiet Heart").  The album was also released in a limited digipack with one of the excluded songs, "A Timekill to Die For", included as a [[Hidden track|hidden bonus track]].  The album was accompanied by the release of the single "Music Non Stop"; the other omitted song, "Insects", was included as its [[A-side and B-side|b-side]]. A planned US release of the album was shelved, resulting in the circulation of "cut-out" promo copies. With no official album to promote, a US tour never materialized. In connection with the release of the English version of ''Hagnesta Hill'', Kent went on a European tour, finishing at the [[Roskilde Festival]].

Since their debut, Kent had recorded a large number of b-sides. Since most of them had long gone out of print, it was very hard to get them legally, so in November 2000, Kent released the two-CD collection ''[[B-sidor 95–00]]'' (B-Sides 95–00). It featured 21 b-sides and two new songs. A documentary was also shot the same year, ''Så nära får ingen gå – ett år med Kent'' ("No One Can Get This Close – a year with Kent"), produced by [[Per Sinding-Larsen]] and Mathias Engstrand.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/P3EQ5R/svt-gor-film-om-kent SVT gör film om Kent], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref>

With heavy touring in Scandinavia and Europe in 2000, the band took a much-needed break.

===''Vapen & ammunition'' and the White Concert (2001–2003)===
{{details|topic=the album|Vapen & ammunition}}
[[File:Kent-på-Stockholm-Stadion-nationaldagen-2003.jpg|thumb|Kent performing at Stockholms stadion on 6 June 2003]]
In an interview in 2001, Joakim Berg was asked if they would tour outside Scandinavia again: "It's not too late yet. But the question is whether you have the energy to do all the marketing and all the crap that's required. I'm more interested in making great music than sitting on a tour bus for a year and a half."<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/qnR4pL/kent-tankte-ta-semester Kent tänkte ta semester], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref>

After a seven-month timeout, Kent started another full-length album during the summer of 2001. Later that year they reported that they had tried to make an album consisting almost entirely of singles. The first of those, "[[Dom andra]]" (The Others), released on 18 March 2002, became a huge hit on Swedish radio. When the album ''[[Vapen & ammunition]]'' (''Weapon(s) & Ammunition'') came out, the next two singles "[[Kärleken väntar]]" (Love Awaits) and "FF" (from the double A-side ''[[FF / VinterNoll2]]''), plus the album track "Pärlor" (Pearls) became huge radio hits, resulting in album sales over 600,000, more than twice as many as any other Kent album to date. The band received seven [[Grammis|Swedish Grammy Awards]] in 2003.

Kent had not toured for several months when it was announced that they would only do one performance in Sweden in 2003, on 6 June, the Swedish national day, in [[Stockholms Olympiastadion|Stockholm Stadium]] which holds 30,000. As the band told the crowd to dress in white, it was nicknamed "The White Concert".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/musik/kant-om-kent-under-konserten/|title=Känt om Kent under konserten|website=Expressen.se|date=7 June 2003 |accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> The band also played at the less known Parkfestivalen in [[Moss, Norway]] on 14 June 2003.<ref>[http://www.ballade.no/nmi.nsf/doc/beg2003061013163910601510 Parkfestivalen 2003 - MIC Norsk musikkinformasjon] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221155940/http://www.ballade.no/nmi.nsf/doc/beg2003061013163910601510 |date=21 February 2009 }} ''Musikkinformasjonssenteret''</ref>

===''Du & jag döden'' and ''The hjärta & smärta EP'' (2005–2006)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Du & jag döden|The hjärta & smärta EP}}
After taking a one-year timeout, Kent returned to the studio to record their sixth studio album in 2004. Studio reports said it would be "a very dark album".<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/ngQzkd/det-blir-en-sjukt-deppig-platta "Det blir en sjukt deppig platta"]</ref> The first single "[[Max 500]]" was released on 9 February 2005 and reached number one in Sweden and Norway. When the album ''[[Du & jag döden]]'' (You & Me Death) was released in March, it was very well received and was considered by most fans to be one of their best albums. Two more singles were released, "[[Palace & Main]]" and "[[Den döda vinkeln]]" (The Dead Angle) – the last one stirring up some controversy among Kent fans because Kent did not release any b-sides along with it (but still the single has a shorter version of the song). The last track on the album, "Mannen i den vita hatten (16 år senare)" (The Man in the White Hat (16 Years Later)) was very well received and is seen by many fans as Kent's best effort. It also became the song to replace "[[747 (song)|747]]" as the concert closer.
[[File:Kent-Hultsfredsfestivalen-2006.jpg|left|thumb|Kent performing at the Hultsfred Festival in June 2006]]
In May 2005, they embarked on "Turné 19" (Tour 19), doing 12 shows in Sweden, one in Norway and one in Finland. The concerts took place in huge tents with a capacity of up to 18,000.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/BJWOEE/kent-och-doden-pa-taltturne Kent och döden på tältturné], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> This was the only tour that followed the release of ''Du & jag döden''. After "Turné 19", Kent played once more at the Roskilde Festival.

There were rumours about Kent releasing an EP, as they had been spotted in studio and guitarist Sami had said, "We might release an EP, but if we do it will only be digitally released." Just one month before the November 2005 release, ''[[The hjärta & smärta EP]]'' (The Heart & Pain EP) was confirmed, as a CD as well as a digital release. It was well received and contained five tracks, "[[Dom som försvann]]" (Those Who Disappeared) becoming the radio song and having a video recorded. The EP made No.&nbsp;1 in Sweden and remained on the charts for 33 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Kent&titel=The+hj%E4rta+%26+sm%E4rta+EP&cat=s|website=Swedishcharts.com |title=Kent - The hjärta & smärta EP}}</ref>

During 2006, the band played only once in [[Sweden]] on the [[Hultsfred Festival]] and on two festivals in [[Norway]], Rockfest Haugesund and [[Norwegian Wood Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gp.se/hultsfredsfestivalen-2006.19f32228-cb71-42af-9426-ef336694df13|title=Hultsfredsfestivalen 2006|first=Patrik|last=Andersson|date=15 June 2006|website=Göteborgs-Posten}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/kultur/perfekt-punktum-pa-norwegian-wood-1.863484|title=Perfekt punktum på Norwegian Wood|date=19 June 2006|website=Nrk.no}}</ref> They've also released the single "[[Nålens öga]]" for Swedish [[Save the children]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/Mgn005|title=Kent släpper exklusiv singel|date=3 June 2006|website=Aftonbladet.se}}</ref>

===''Tillbaka till samtiden'' and ''Box 1991–2008'' (2007–2008)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Tillbaka till samtiden|Box 1991–2008}}
[[File:Kent-2008-halmstad1.jpg|thumb|Kent performing in [[Halmstad]] in February 2008]]
In November 2006, the band started recording their seventh studio album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/musik/kent-slapper-ny-skiva/|title=Kent släpper ny skiva|website=Expressen.se|date=1 December 2006 |accessdate=5 September 2025}}</ref> On 10 January 2007, it was announced that [[guitar]]ist Harri Mänty had decided to leave the band after ten years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/harri-lamnar-kent/|title=Harri lämnar Kent|website=Expressen.se|date=10 January 2007 |accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref>
{{listen
|pos=left
| filename     = Ingenting (2007).ogg
| title        = "Ingenting" (2007)
| description  = Sample of "Ingenting" from the album ''[[Tillbaka till samtiden]]''.
| format       = [[Ogg]]
}}
On 18 July 2007, the band announced the title and release date of their new album, ''[[Tillbaka till samtiden]]'' (Swedish for "Back to the Present"). Its official release was on 17 October 2007 but many stores began selling it five days in advance due to an internet leak of the album. The first single of the album was released on 17 September 2007 with the title "[[Ingenting (single)|Ingenting]]" (Swedish for "Nothing"). The band played four songs at a private gig in [[Denmark]] where their new album premiered. The sound of the album has been described as more electro based rock. Due to the speed in which the tour's concerts were sold out, the band added seven extra concerts to their Scandinavian tour. Between November 2007 and March 2008, the band did 48 shows in total. Lead singer Joakim Berg has remarked that ''Tillbaka till samtiden'' contains some of his favourite material he has recorded. They were presented with Best Album and Best Group at the [[Grammis|2008 Swedish Grammy Awards]]. They went on to win a [[Rockbjörnen]] Award for Best Swedish Album and a [[P3 Gold Awards|P3 Guld]] Award for Best Group.

Kent's 2008 summer tour began on 27 June and was a mix of music festivals and their own concerts. At a concert in [[Norrköping]] on 1 August 2008, Berg said: "This is perhaps the best song that has ever been written in Swedish, it's called "Mannen i den vita hatten"."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgJMv1g_LAo Kent - Mannen I Den Vita Hatten (Lejongropen, Norrköping 1/8-2008)], ''YouTube.com''</ref> Kent released the compilation ''[[Box 1991–2008]]'', featuring all their previous studio albums and previously unreleased material, in all [[Nordic countries]] on 29 October 2008.

In October 2008, their 2002 song "[[FF / VinterNoll2|VinterNoll2]]" was included in ''[[Guitar Hero World Tour]]'', becoming the first and to date only Swedish-language song to be included in a ''[[Guitar Hero]]'' game.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/spela/a/3j1g3P/kent-med-i-nya-guitar-hero Kent med i nya ”Guitar hero”], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref>

On 23 December 2008, Kent released a new song, "På drift?". "Kent wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year by offering a brand new song for free," the band writes on their website (kent.nu).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/21VEjx|title=Kents julklapp till fansen|website=Aftonbladet.se|date=23 December 2008 |accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref>

===''Röd'' and ''En plats i solen'' (2009–2010)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Röd|En plats i solen (Kent album)|}}

On 4 October 2009, Kent announced their eighth [[studio album]] ''[[Röd]]'' and the first single "[[Töntarna]]" was released on 5 October as digital download. ''Röd'' was released on 5 November 2009 and has an even greater touch of synthesizers than previous albums. On the release day of ''Röd'', Kent played in front of a hundred specially invited guests at [[The Bowery Hotel]] in [[New York City|New York]].<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/7lPzrv/new-york-faller-for-kent New York faller för Kent], ''Aftonbladet.se'', Retrieved 20 April 2023.</ref> The setlist consisted of 6 tracks from the new album, and the whole thing was shown live on [[Aftonbladet]]'s website.

On 2 November 2009, Kent auctioned off 100 limited physical copies of the song "[[2000 (Kent song)|2000]]" for charity. The song was also released as digital download. "2000" was used as the theme song for the Swedish TV-series ''Hemlösa'', covering the [[homeless]] problem in [[Stockholm]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/3164897|title=Kent engagerar sig för hemlösa|newspaper=Sveriges Radio |date=13 October 2009|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref>

Kent's Röd tour started in Stockholm on 25 February 2010, with four shows in [[Stockholm Globe City|Globe Arena]] [[Annexet]] during that week.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/vm6O15/exploderar-till-slut Exploderar till slut], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> They did 18 shows in total around the [[Nordic countries]] (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland) for this tour. In May 2010, [[Sony Computer Entertainment Europe]], in collaboration with [[Sony Music|Sony Music Sweden AB]], released ''SingStar Kent'' on both the [[PlayStation 2]] and [[PlayStation 3]] games consoles, as part of the [[SingStar]] music video games.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/spela/a/rLzMol/nu-satsar-kent-pa-tv-spel Nu satsar Kent på tv-spel], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref><ref>[https://kent.nu/2010/05/18/vinn-biljetter-till-releasefesten-for-singstar-kent/ Vinn biljetter till releasefesten för SingStar Kent], ''Kent.nu''</ref>

[[File:Kent-sthlm2010.jpg|left|thumb|Kent performing in July 2010]]
On 14 June 2010, Kent announced their ninth studio album, ''[[En plats i solen (Kent album)|En plats i solen]]'' (Swedish for "A Place in the Sun") due for release on 30 June, only seven months after the release of their previous studio album, ''Röd''. Berg has said about the recording of ''En plats i solen'': "We had a kind of idea that we were going to record an album very quickly this time, we had already some demos ready. We wanted to go into the studio, record and mix the album and then distribute it directly." Unlike the two previous albums, which were produced with Danish producer Joshua, ''En plats i solen'' is produced with Swedish producer Stefan Boman who worked with the band on ''[[Du & jag döden]]'' (2005). The band also released the first single from the forthcoming album, featuring the two A-sides "[[Gamla Ullevi / Skisser för sommaren|Gamla Ullevi]]" and "[[Gamla Ullevi / Skisser för sommaren|Skisser för sommaren]]".

Kent embarked on a summer tour in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark, starting at the [[Peace & Love (festival)|Peace & Love Festival]] in Sweden and finishing on 8 August at the [[Skanderborg Festival]] in Denmark.<ref>[https://www.expressen.se/noje/musik/kent-klara-for-sex-festivaler-2010/ Kent klara för sex festivaler 2010], ''Expressen.se''</ref> On 1 September 2010, the band won a [[Rockbjörnen]] Award for Best Live Band.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/rockbjornen/a/yvgM3E/alla-vinnarna-i-rockbjornen-live-2010 Alla vinnarna i Rockbjörnen Live 2010], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref>

===''Jag är inte rädd för mörkret'' and ''Tigerdrottningen'' (2012–2015)===
{{details|topic=the albums|Jag är inte rädd för mörkret|Tigerdrottningen}}
[[File:Kent-after-the-press-conference-at-Berns-in-Stockholm-in-2012.jpg|thumb|Kent after the press conference at [[Berns salonger|Berns]] in Stockholm on 24 April 2012 (from left to right): Sirviö, Berg, Mustonen, and Sköld]]
On 22 June 2011, Kent signed a recording contract with [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]] in Sweden, after sixteen years with [[Bertelsmann Music Group|BMG]] and later [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kent.nu/2011/06/22/kent-skriver-avtal-med-universal-music/|title=Kent skriver avtal med Universal Music|date=22 June 2011|website=Kent.nu|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> The band's manager, Martin Roos, said in a press release: "After sixteen years with BMG/Sony Music it feels great with a new beginning, and Universal Music gave us the best offer." In April 2012, Kent released their tenth studio album, ''[[Jag är inte rädd för mörkret]]'' (Swedish for "I Am Not Afraid of the Dark"). It was recorded in [[France]]. Three singles were released from the album, "[[999 (Kent song)|999]]", "[[Jag ser dig]]" and "[[Tänd på]]". ''Jag är inte rädd för mörkret'' is piano-based.

During the summer, Kent toured Scandinavia, first with a short spring tour at the end of May (24 May–2 June) and then at festivals and own concerts in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark during June, July and August. During this summer tour they started their concerts with an old unreleased song named "Ögon" from the early 1990s, with a new version of the song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/0EoeOM|title=Glödhett, Kent|date=20 August 2012|website=Aftonbladet.se}}</ref> The song was included in the 2008 compilation ''[[Box 1991–2008]]'', but only as a demo.

In December 2012, Kent announced on their Twitter account that they were to release a track on New Year's Day called "Ingen kunde röra oss".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/kamK3L|title=Kents julklapp: Vi släpper en ny sång|website=Aftonbladet.se|date=25 December 2012 |accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref>

On 29 November 2013, Kent went to [[Los Angeles]] and recorded their eleventh studio album, Berg said in an interview: "We wanted to do this kind of Fleetwood Mac thing and go to LA and dream under the sun. Now the dollar is so low, in addition – all the big studios are empty, no one uses them anymore."<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.expressen.se/noje/jocke-berg-sjukt-nojd-med-alla-latarna/|title = Jocke Berg: Sjukt nöjd med alla låtarna|website=Expressen.se|date = 30 April 2014|access-date = 8 February 2016 }}</ref> The first single "[[La Belle Epoque (Kent song)|La Belle Epoque]]" was released on 12 March 2014 and the album ''[[Tigerdrottningen]]'' was released on 30 April. The album features a lot of female backing vocals and duets. During the month of May Kent went on a small club tour in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In the summer of 2014 Kent held their own festival called Kentfest in Gothenburg and Stockholm. They also played at festivals in Denmark and Norway.

In 2015, Kent played at three festivals in Scandinavia, Joakim Berg announced at the [[Bråvalla festival]] that they were going to record a new album that fall.<ref>[https://www.expressen.se/noje/kent-spelar-in-ny-skiva-till-hosten/ Kent spelar in ny skiva till hösten], ''Expressen.se'', Retrieved 20 April 2023.</ref> That year, Kent celebrated the 20th anniversary of their debut album, ''[[Kent (album)|Kent]]'', by releasing the band's first 10 albums on vinyl.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kent.nu/2015/09/14/kents-10-forsta-album-pa-vinyl/|title=Kents 10 första album på vinyl – release 20 november|website=Kent.nu}}</ref>

===''Då som nu för alltid'' and the final tour (2016)===
{{details|topic=the album|Då som nu för alltid}}

In February 2016, Kent was elected to Swedish Music Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/musik/nu-ar-kent-och-leila-k-ododliga/|title=Nu är Kent och Leila K odödliga|newspaper=Dagens Nyheter |date=11 February 2016|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> On 13 March 2016, the band posted a cryptic video titled "Då Som Nu För Alltid" on their [[YouTube]] channel where the video ends with the text "Last album, last tour".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/8wjB3w/kent-lagger-ner-efter-kryptiska-videon|title=Kent lägger ner efter kryptiska videon?|website=Aftonbladet.se|date=13 March 2016 |accessdate=22 August 2025}}</ref> On 14 March, it was announced that ''[[Då som nu för alltid]]'' (Swedish for "Then as Now Forever") would be their last album, and that they would make a final tour in the Nordic countries, with the last concert in [[Stockholm]] in December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kent.nu/2016/03/14/kent-gar-i-graven/|title=kent går i graven – startar sista färden med Egoist|date=14 March 2016|website=Kent.nu|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> "[[Egoist (Kent song)|Egoist]]" was announced as the album's first single, and it was released on 14 March. However, on 17 April 2016, Kent announced the track listing which omitted "Egoist". Instead, "Vi är inte längre där" was released as the album's first single on 3 May. The album ''Då som nu för alltid'' was released on 20 May 2016. On 24 August, it was announced the compilation album ''[[Best of (Kent album)|Best of]]'' would be released on 16 September 2016, containing 20 previously released tracks and four new studio recordings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/blogg/andersnunstedt/2016/09/16/recension-kents-omfattande-samlingalbum-rymmer-en-kanon-ep/|title=Kents första hitsamling rymmer en sista kanon-ep|website=Expressen.se}}</ref> For ''Då som nu för alltid'' the band won two [[Grammis|Swedish Grammy Awards]], Best Album and Best Rock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/ooMXW|title=Grammisgalan 2017 – alla vinnare|date=28 February 2017|website=Aftonbladet.se}}</ref>

From the spring of 2015 until the band's very last concert, [[Per Sinding-Larsen]] followed Kent's last time together to record a documentary called ''Vi är inte längre där (Sista åren med Kent)'', which was shown on [[Sveriges Television|SVT]] in two parts on the 26 and 27 December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ekuriren.se/kulturnoje/1.4627226-sinding-larsen-om-sista-aret-med-kent|title=Sinding-Larsen om sista året med Kent – Ekuriren|first=Eva|last=Axelsson|date=23 December 2016|website=ekuriren.se|accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref> The documentary revealed, among other things, that [[Harri Mänty]] was fired from the band due to excessive partying and not that he left off his own accord as has been previously stated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/n2qqo|title=Pressades att lämna Kent – på grund av festandet: "En sorg"|website=Aftonbladet.se|date=27 December 2016 |accessdate=11 August 2022}}</ref>

===Post-Kent activities (2017–present)===
[[File:Kent live in Stockholm on 21 March 2025.jpg|thumb|Kent performing in Stockholm on 21 March 2025]]
After 2016, Joakim Berg has written and produced songs with a number of different artists, such as [[Veronica Maggio]], [[Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost]], [[Smith & Thell]] and [[Lars Winnerbäck]].<ref>[https://omni.se/jocke-berg-medverkar-pa-nya-ghostalbumet/a/BjnBkl Jocke Berg medverkar på nya Ghost-albumet]</ref><ref>[https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/ost/winnerback-gor-platta-med-kent-profilerna Lars Winnerbäck gör platta med Kent-profilerna Joakim Berg och Martin Sköld]</ref><ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/GG64wl/veronica-maggio-ar-klyschig-och-klockren Veronica Maggio är klyschig och klockren], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> In May 2022, Berg released a solo album, ''[[Jag fortsätter glömma]]''.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/musik/a/V977j3/joakim-berg-jag-fortsatter-glomma-recension Joakim Berg gör stark och uppriktig solodebut], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> He has also worked with his former bandmate Martin Sköld after the dissolution of the band.

In April 2024, Berg said on a podcast that the band had discussed the possibility for a live reunion.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/RzbXgA/kent-kan-aterforenas-joakim-berg-berattar-i-podd Skrällen: Kent kan göra comeback], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> On 18 October 2024, Kent announced three concerts in Stockholm's [[3Arena (Stockholm)|3Arena]] in March 2025. Due to the tickets quickly selling out, three additional concerts were announced, which also all sold out.<ref>[https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/a/vgnBw5/kent-aterforenas Kent återförenas – ger tre konserter 2025], ''Aftonbladet.se''</ref> The six concerts took place on 21-23 March and 25-27 March 2025. A total of  239,953 people attended the concerts, giving Kent the audience record for a single artist in 3Arena.<ref>[https://www.gp.se/kultur-noje/noje-kultur/kent-tog-avsked-satte-rekord.51b60e6d-32bd-55a2-a15e-0f52561cf4cf Kent tog avsked – satte rekord], ''GP.se''</ref> Berg emphasised onstage that Kent would not reunite again following these concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kent's Farewell Concerts Set New Attendance Record in Stockholm {{!}} Sweden Herald |url=https://swedenherald.com/article/kent-bids-farewell-again-after-six-stockholm-concerts |access-date=2025-04-24 |website=swedenherald.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Musical style==
Kent have been grouped with various genres, including [[alternative rock]], [[indie rock]], [[pop rock]], [[synth-pop]], [[Pop music|pop]], and [[arena rock]].

Kent has been referred to as Sweden's biggest rock band,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/vm6O15|title=Exploderar till slut|date=26 February 2010|website=Aftonbladet.se}}</ref> but has always put pop melodies in focus. Kent's biggest change in musical style came with the band's seventh studio album ''[[Tillbaka till samtiden]]'', which marked a clear shift from alternative rock to synthpop/rock.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/recensioner/musik/kent-tillbaka-till-samtiden-9/|title=Kent - Tillbaka till samtiden|first=Anders|last=Nunstedt|date=13 October 2007|website=Expressen.se}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/a/L04Kkp|title=Mäktigt kent|date=12 October 2007|website=Aftonbladet.se}}</ref>

==Band members==
'''Members'''
* [[Joakim Berg]] – lead vocals, guitars <small>(1990–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Martin Sköld]] – bass, keyboards <small>(1990–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Sami Sirviö]] – guitars <small>(1990–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Markus Mustonen]] – drums, backing vocals <small>(1990–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Harri Mänty]] – guitars <small>(1996–2006)</small>
* Martin Roos – guitars <small>(1992–1995)</small>
* Thomas Bergquist – keyboards <small>(1990–1992)</small>

'''Touring musicians'''
* Andreas Bovin – keyboards, piano, guitars <small>(1996–2016, 2025)</small>
* Max Brandt – guitars <small>(2007–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Ida Redig]] – backing vocals <small>(2014–2015)</small>
* [[Miriam Bryant]] – backing vocals <small>(2014–2015)</small>
* Naomi Pilgrim – backing vocals <small>(2014–2015)</small>
* [[Carolina Wallin Pérez]] – backing vocals <small>(2015–2016, 2025)</small>
* [[Daniela Rathana]] – backing vocals <small>(2016)</small>
* Malin Brudell – backing vocals <small>(2016, 2025)</small>
* Maria Jane Smith – backing vocals <small>(2025)</small>

==Discography==
{{Main|Kent discography|List of songs recorded by Kent|l2=songs}}

'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Kent (album)|Kent]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Verkligen]]'' (1996)
* ''[[Isola (album)|Isola]]'' (1997)
* ''[[Hagnesta Hill]]'' (1999)
* ''[[Vapen & ammunition]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Du & jag döden]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Tillbaka till samtiden]]'' (2007)
* ''[[Röd]]'' (2009)
* ''[[En plats i solen (Kent album)|En plats i solen]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Jag är inte rädd för mörkret]]'' (2012)
* ''[[Tigerdrottningen]]'' (2014)
* ''[[Då som nu för alltid]]'' (2016)

==Awards and nominations==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Kent}}

Kent have won 22 [[Grammis]] awards (the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and 12 [[Rockbjörnen]] awards.

==See also==
* [[Music of Sweden]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sisterlinks|d=Q648786|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|species=no|mw=no|m=no|wikt=no|n=no}}
* {{official website}}
* {{allmusic}}
* {{discogs artist}}

{{Kent (band)}}
{{MTV Europe Music Award for Best Nordic Act}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kent}}
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1990]]
[[Category:Swedish alternative rock groups]]
[[Category:Culture in Eskilstuna]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in Sweden]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Sweden]]
[[Category:Swedish pop music groups]]
[[Category:Swedish musical quartets]]
[[Category:Swedish-language musical groups]]
[[Category:MTV Europe Music Award winners]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Södermanland County]]
[[Category:20th-century establishments in Södermanland County]]