Magtens Korridorer

An alternative rock outfit from Denmark, Magtens Korridorer channel the angst-ridden, soaring melodic grunge of acts like Pearl Jam alongside the more reflective indie rock of the 2000s. After emerging as students from the University of Copenhagen in 1995, they eventually charted in 2005 with their platinum-selling sophomore album, Friværdi, which placed just outside the Danish Top Ten. Thereafter, they became a fixture in the nation's Top Five, reaching number two with 2007's Det Krøllede Håb, 2014's Før Alting Bliver Nat, and their eighth studio album, 2021's Club Promise. It found the rockers injecting their anthemic, guitar-driven sound with occasional electronics and dance-rock attributes.

Formed at the University of Copenhagen in 1995, Magtens Korridorer got a boost when their song "Hestevisen" from a 1996 demo tape was featured on the popular national public radio show Tæskeholdet. The lineup of commanding lead vocalist Johan Olsen, guitarists Rasmus Kern and Jacob Ihlemann, bassist Henrik Dylmer, and drummer Peter Bregnsbo quickly set about recording an official full-length debut, releasing the self-produced Bagsiden af Medaljen in 1998. It wasn't as well-received, and a seven-year recording drought followed its release.

Magtens Korridorer more than made up for the wait with the Rune Westberg-produced Friværdi in 2005. Featuring the alternative hit "Lorteparforhold," it reflected a significant turnover in personnel, with Olsen leading Kern, guitarist Niklas Schneidermann, bassist Terkel Møhl, and drummer Anders Ramhede, a lineup that would remain steady for years to come. Friværdi went to number 11 on Denmark's album chart, and the group opened the next year's Roskilde Festival. A reissue by Universal in 2006 featured four additional tracks.

The band followed their major-label breakout success with the number two-charting Det Krøllede Håb in 2007. It was produced by Marco Manieri (the Confusions, the Ark). Magtens Korridorer had their first Top 20 single in 2009 with "Milan Allé," the title track from their fourth album. The Per Sunding-produced Milan Allé LP peaked at number three. The group got to number five with 2011's Imperiet Falder ("The Empire Falls"). Produced by the band and Søren Mikkelsen, it stayed loyal to their melodic post-grunge sound. The greatest-hits album Spil Noget Vi Kender! ("Play Something We Know!") appeared on Universal in 2012 and also charted in the Top Three. A year later, the live record Smukfest 2012 cracked the Danish Top 20.

Magtens Korridorer's second Top 20 single, "Giv Mig en Dag," was provided by 2014's Før Alting Bliver Nat ("Before Everything Becomes Night"), the group's fifth consecutive Top Five studio album in Denmark (it reached number two). The band, Mikkelsen, and Carsten Heller (Kim Wilde, Frida Gold) all earned producer credits on the release. Arriving in 2018, the band's seventh album, Halvt til Helt, debuted at number four. It was produced with Mikkelsen and veteran metal musician Jacob Hansen (Anubis Gate, Pyramaze, etc.).

Now in existance for over 25 years -- at least 16 with the same lineup -- Magtens Korridorer started off the new decade with 2021's Club Promise. Sanding off just a touch of their hard rock edge, it introduced electronic elements and tinges of dance-rock with contributions from Swedish producer Zed Smon, aka Zmago Simon (Kent, Baby Chaos). Fans weren't turned off by the tweaks, and the album went all the way to number two in Denmark. The EP Nødudgang followed in 2022 and was accompanied by an extensive tour through Denmark. The band returned to the road in 2024. ~ Marcy Donelson, Rovi