Formed in Borås in 2016 by guitarist and composer Kimmo Komulainen, Anbaric have steadily built a catalogue that puts many longer-running bands to shame. The band’s name means electric, and that description fits their sound perfectly: straight-ahead, melodic hard rock with a strong sense of drive and purpose.
Since their debut Illusion of the Holy in 2017, Anbaric have released a remarkable run of albums, including the self-titled Anbaric in 2019, followed by The Year of Anbaric (2020), 360 (2021), Nervous System (2022), Generator (2023) and Energy Flow (2024), with album number eight already in the works.
Classic Hard Rock with Modern Muscle
Few bands can claim such productivity in less than a decade. Anbaric have gone even further by maintaining a relentless release schedule, dropping a new song and video every month for several years.
Their music is firmly rooted in the classic hard rock tradition, yet never feels dated, blending accessible melodies and muscular riffs with frequent guitar solos and modern touches — including Komulainen’s frequent use of a seven-string guitar to extend the band’s lower tonal range.
Bass Takes Centre Stage
Question time: What does Anbaric have in common with Rush, Motörhead, and Die So Fluid? The question may sound completely left field, but like those bands, Anbaric belong to the relatively exclusive club where the bassist also serves as lead vocalist.
In Anbaric’s case, Kim Andrei takes centre stage, grounding the band with his bass work while his soaring vocals rise above it, creating a compelling contrast that carries his confident, charismatic and humorous stage presence throughout the set.
Freak Kitchen Precision and Hardcore Superstar Connections
On drums for this show was Mattias “IA” Eklundh of Freak Kitchen, who also produces the band and is currently filling in while Anbaric are without a permanent drummer.
The band have also collaborated with established names outside their immediate circle, including Hardcore Superstar’s Jocke Berg, who appears as a guest vocalist on Mile After Mile from the album Generator.
Still Under the Radar, But for How Long?
Given seven albums, high-profile collaborations and a consistently strong output, it remains something of a mystery that Anbaric have largely flown under the radar.
Perhaps they are still missing that one defining hit that pushes them into the wider spotlight. Musically, however, the foundations are all there: accessible, classic-minded hard rock that should appeal to a broad audience of rock and metal fans alike.
Breaking the Ice at Sagateatern
Anbaric took to the stage at eight o’clock sharp in Sagateatern’s smaller bar and foyer area, always a challenging slot as the opening act before the crowd has fully arrived or warmed up. This Friday night was no exception. Attendance was still thin early on, and much of the audience initially kept their distance, watching from tables or the bar with cautious interest.
From my spot on a sofa right at the front, stage left, I had the perfect vantage point to both photograph and enjoy the show up close.
Playful Banter and Tight Chemistry
On stage, Anbaric proved a lively, well-balanced act, marked not only by tight musicianship but also by a relaxed chemistry and a strong sense of humour.
Kim Andrei kept the atmosphere light, trading jokes with Komulainen throughout the set. A running gag emerged whenever Andrei switched between his six- and seven-string guitars, prompting the quip, “Swapping guitars again, are you?”, to which Komulainen would promptly reply, “Yeah – want to swap?”, flashing a grin as he leaned his seven-string toward the bassist.
Andrei didn’t stop there – as Komulainen dashed briefly behind the stage to fetch some guitar accessory, he quipped that it must have been time for his usual “nervous wee,” drawing laughs from both the band and the audience. The band’s light-hearted humour kept the show relaxed, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable.
A Strong Closing Statement
Throughout their 45-minute set, Anbaric powered through eleven songs, drawing material from across their catalogue and maintaining a steady momentum throughout. The set concluded with Generator, whose infectious riff surely lingered in the minds of many in the audience long after the show had ended. It was a particularly effective closer that underlined the band’s songwriting strengths.
The evening proved a thoroughly enjoyable introduction – or reintroduction – to a band that deserves far wider recognition. With an eighth album already on the horizon, it will be interesting to see just how far Anbaric can push themselves next.
Full Sagateatern Setlist
See the complete setlist from Anbaric’s live show at Sagateatern below.
- The Alarmist
- Day of Reckoning
- Method of Madness
- Landscape of Discontent
- Illusion of the Holy
- Sucker Punch
- Adrenalize
- Levitate
- Sink or Swim
- Mile After Mile
- Generator
This show was shot with
Camera Bodies
- Sony a7 IIIMidrange shots
- Sony a7R IIWideangle, telephoto shots
Camera Lenses
- Viltrox 20mm f2.8Wideangle Prime
- Tamron 28-75mm f2.8Midrange Zoom
- Tamron 70-180mm f2.8Telephoto Zoom
Concert Photo Gallery
More From Anbaric
Generator – Music Video
Band Links
Special Thanks
A big thanks to Anbaric for a strong performance, and to headliners Liv Sin for arranging photo access. Thanks also to Klubb Hades and Sagateatern for hosting the show.
Be sure to also check out our coverage of Liv Sin and support act Sailor Hunter, who also played this evening. Lastly, follow our social media channels so you don’t miss any of our upcoming galleries and gig coverage!