Ultima Thule

Ultima Thule formed in Umeå in 1984, a group of musicians drawn to traditional Swedish folk music at a time when it wasn't particularly fashionable. They started releasing albums in the mid-1990s, beginning with their self-titled debut in 1994 and following with records like 'Herr Mannelig' and 'Öppna Landskap'. Their songs, such as 'My Land' and 'Tuulemeelne', are built on older melodies and lyrics, aiming to keep that part of the country's musical past in circulation.

The band's lineup has included Johnny Höglin on vocals and guitar, Anders Eklund on bass, Roger Nilsson on drums, Mattias Wennerberg on keyboards, and Thomas Eriksson on violin and mandolin. Their focus on heritage has sometimes drawn criticism and questions about nationalism, though they've generally kept the conversation on the music itself rather than engaging deeply with the politics.

They've maintained a steady output of albums over the decades, from 'Sånger Från Västergötland' in 2000 to more recent releases like 'Hjärtat Vet' in 2015. For a certain audience in Sweden, their work, including the patriotic song 'Du Gamla Du Fria', has become a regular part of national celebrations and gatherings, connecting listeners to a specific idea of Swedish tradition through music.