Year : 1994 Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + scans Size : 110 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
This debut full-length album was only to be released for the Japanese market through Zero Records, 1994.This album represents melodic rock at its best.Produced by: Peter Andersson, Robert Jakobsson and Tony Niva. Mix and master is made by Tomas Skogsberg.Songs like "I Wish I Never" and You're on my mind" are good fast songs with a melodic rock style.Superb release by Scandi-AOR/hard rock outfit, Niva. Ideal for fans of Treat, Return, Alien, TAlk of the Town, Skagarack, etc. 11 tracks in total.
Line-Up:
Tony Niva - Lead vocals Robert Jacobsson - all guitars Peter Anderson - bass Ian Haugland - drums Anders Biederbeck - Hammond
Tracklist:
01. Love Is a Killer 02. No Capitulation 03. Defender 04. Heart of Stone 05. Flames of War 06. I Wish I Never 07. Free Me 08. Gambler 09. If This Is Love 10. Country of Gold 11. You’re in My Mind
Niva - Gold From The Future (Japan Edition) (2011)
Year : 2011 (Japan Edition) Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 118 mb
Info:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
NIVA's album ”Gold From the Future” was released in Japan in the fall of 2011. (On the European and American market, the album was released under the moniker Oxygen and entitled ”Final Warning”.)Tony Niva started singing as a young boy in the mid-80s, inspired by the likes of Dio, Joe Lynn Turner and Geoff Tate. After cutting his teeth in classic acts like Swedish Erotica and Axia, Tony formed his own outfit NIVA whose debut album ”No Capitulation” arrived in 1994 (featuring Ian Haugland of Europe/Glenn Hughes fame behind the kit). Despite the quality of this melodic affair, NIVA folded shortly afterwards. After graduating from the university, Tony joined Lion's Share long enough to record the aforementioned ”Entrance”– and left the music scene again shortly afterwards. However, in 2011 Tony tried out for the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest with the song ”Janitor of Love”. With limited success, on paper. Creatively the result was so satisfying that Tony extended his collaboration with his new songwriting team...All the material here is based upon great opening riffs, sometimes embedded as main riffs, explosive solos in the vein of George Lynch era of DOKKEN and EUROPE’s John Norum, amazing high end vocal line that reminded me of a mixture of Tony Harnel of TNT and PLACE VENDOME’s Michael Kiske. Most of the rhythm section was more or less ordinary for his kind of music, as well as the keyboards providing a lovely halo over the songs.In general, I can say that nearly every song here, when it comes to commercialism, can be a runner up for the next Eurovision song contest; it will probably represent Sweden with honour just as H.E.A.T. did. On the other hand, when it comes to the real world, which is certainly not that stupid contest that is more politically related than truly for the good of the music, several tunes of this album just weren’t that convincing. The ballads, “I Remember” and “You” were rather weak. How many times can an artist make a reprise after reprise of the same kind of ballads? After listening to so many of the same kind, it’s not amusing anymore. “Bring Back The Joy” was just too much. I know that optimism is something positive, and no us Metalheads don’t always like to talk, sing about the shit running in our lives, however, this track was just above the pink level. I can’t really explain it differently.On the other hand, cool catchy tracks as “Best Days Of Our Lives”, “Anything For You”, “Janitor Of Love” presented great musical skills, especially by the lead guitarist and of course I savored a warmed space for the vocal line that really delivered it just as the great ones in the 80s did.Band provided a release that was well produced with the relevant sound direction of the era they aimed to pay tribute for, yet, some of their songs seemed to lack depth or overly impressive content as the commercialism guide screamed from above to ruin the experience. I would check out this release, it is not aimed only for die harders.
Line-Up:
Bengan Andersson drums Marcus Persson keyboards, backing vocals Roger Ljunggren guitars Tony Niva lead vocals Peter Andersson bass Rickard Carlsson acoustic guitars
Tracklist:
01. Janitor of Love 02. Anything for You 03. When Tomorrow Never Comes 04. I Remember 05. Gold from the Future 06. We Must Fight 07. Wanna Know for Sure 08. Final Warning 09. Best Days of Our Lives 10. You 11. Bring Back the Joy (Japan Bonus Track)
Year : 2013 Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 121 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
Once of the band Swedish Erotica, singer Tony Niva has also previously released two Japanese albums under his own Niva band-name. On both he was aided by guitarist Roger Ljunggren and keyboard player Marcus Persson and the trio are back again for album number three Magnitude, which finds a wider release through AOR Heaven.For any of those of you whose mind stretches back to Swedish Erotica, you'll remember them as a punchy Melodic Hard Rock act. Niva on the other hand are straight up AOR, with that certain unmistakable Swedish something that ties together a whole multitude of bands and styles from that country. There are also touches of TNT in places, however vocally it is the high octane delivery of Grand Illusion that springs to mind, while Persson's keyboard work brings a huge slice of Abba in both structure and melody and while, obviously, not up to those standards, I'd suggest that if you stripped back the heavier guitars slightly, then the 70s pop giants could be put forward as the main influence here. Unsurprisingly for AOR there's still room for a touch of USA glamour, which arrives in the shape of hints of Survivor or Journey, however with all of these big name influences and styles, the overriding feeling I have once Magnitude is finished, is that it lacks for two things, individuality and variation.The guitars sing across all of the tracks, the keys match them riff for parp and Niva has, if like me you like high pitched vocals, a wonderfully stretching range, making for a set of songs that bounce along nicely. With the odd heartfelt ballad ("I Feel So Alone"), or slightly grittier number ("Spanish Lullaby"), the sum of the parts really should result in greater rewards and while it would be a lie to suggest that I haven't enjoyed Magnitude from start to finish on every listen, there's no doubting the feeling that I've heard it all a million times before. If however reasonably standard, if shimmeringly presented Scandie AOR is your thing, then doubtless "Never Too Late", "My First And Only One", "Do It Again" and "Never Say Goodbye" will get you all frothy, even if they lack for individuality from each other.Three albums across twenty years is slow output in anyone's book, so hopefully the core trio of Niva reconvene soon to build on what would be best described as a solid, if unremarkable release. With the vocal talents of Niva, guitar skills of Ljunggren and keyboard class of Persson, the talent is definitely there to make it something pretty special, even if this release doesn't quite come up to that standard.
Line-Up:
Tony Niva - lead vocals Roger Ljunggren - guitars Marcus Persson - Keys, backing vocals Jan Stal - bass guitar Tomas Persic - drums
Tracklist:
01. Never Too Late 02. Perfect Life 03. My First And Only One 04. Just Another Heartache 05. In A Misty Light 06. Always Somewhere 07. Let It Shine 08. Spanish Lullaby 09. Do It Again 10. Never Say Goodbye 11. I Feel So Alone
Year : 2013 (Japan Edition) Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 131 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
Japanese release of the album "Magnitude" with a different album name plus the added bonus track "Love Online".Once of the band Swedish Erotica, singer Tony Niva has also previously released two Japanese albums under his own Niva band-name. On both he was aided by guitarist Roger Ljunggren and keyboard player Marcus Persson and the trio are back again for album number three Magnitude, which finds a wider release through AOR Heaven.For any of those of you whose mind stretches back to Swedish Erotica, you'll remember them as a punchy Melodic Hard Rock act. Niva on the other hand are straight up AOR, with that certain unmistakable Swedish something that ties together a whole multitude of bands and styles from that country. There are also touches of TNT in places, however vocally it is the high octane delivery of Grand Illusion that springs to mind, while Persson's keyboard work brings a huge slice of Abba in both structure and melody and while, obviously, not up to those standards, I'd suggest that if you stripped back the heavier guitars slightly, then the 70s pop giants could be put forward as the main influence here. Unsurprisingly for AOR there's still room for a touch of USA glamour, which arrives in the shape of hints of Survivor or Journey, however with all of these big name influences and styles, the overriding feeling I have once Magnitude is finished, is that it lacks for two things, individuality and variation.The guitars sing across all of the tracks, the keys match them riff for parp and Niva has, if like me you like high pitched vocals, a wonderfully stretching range, making for a set of songs that bounce along nicely. With the odd heartfelt ballad ("I Feel So Alone"), or slightly grittier number ("Spanish Lullaby"), the sum of the parts really should result in greater rewards and while it would be a lie to suggest that I haven't enjoyed Magnitude from start to finish on every listen, there's no doubting the feeling that I've heard it all a million times before. If however reasonably standard, if shimmeringly presented Scandie AOR is your thing, then doubtless "Never Too Late", "My First And Only One", "Do It Again" and "Never Say Goodbye" will get you all frothy, even if they lack for individuality from each other.Three albums across twenty years is slow output in anyone's book, so hopefully the core trio of Niva reconvene soon to build on what would be best described as a solid, if unremarkable release. With the vocal talents of Niva, guitar skills of Ljunggren and keyboard class of Persson, the talent is definitely there to make it something pretty special, even if this release doesn't quite come up to that standard.
Line-Up:
Tony Niva - lead vocals Roger Ljunggren - guitars Marcus Persson - Keys, backing vocals Jan Stal - bass guitar Tomas Persic - drums
Tracklist:
01. Never Too Late 02. Perfect Life 03. My First And Only One 04. Just Another Heartache 05. In A Misty Light 06. Always Somewhere 07. Let It Shine 08. Spanish Lullaby 09. Do It Again 10. Never Say Goodbye 11. I Feel So Alone 12. Love Online (Bonus Track)
Year : 2014 (Japan Edition) Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans Size : 144 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
NIVA’s debut album “No Capitulation” was released back in December 1994 by the mighty Japanese label Zero Corporation (RIP), it was recorded with drummer Ian Haugland (EUROPE / exTRILOGY / exBALTIMORE / exBRAZEN ABBOTT) and today it’s a very hard-to-find CD, a real collector item, this disc was back then, a breath of fresh air in this grungy troubled times.But what we could not imagine, is that we should wait for almost seventeen years, until their second album“Gold From The Future" that was released only in 2011, again it was out in Japan exclusively, but surprisingly it was re-released in 2012 for the European market under the OXYGEN moniker and was titled “Final Warning”… I was in a constant high praise mode while talking about this great album, and I remember have argued repeatedly and fighting with words against the paseist AOR ayatollahs & old cynical defeatists :This was a pure “Scandinavian AOR / Melodic Metal jewel a treat for the starving fans of early EUROPE / FATE / STATE OF MIND / BAD HABIT / TNT and cohort” with an almost instant addictivity risk! In 2013, “Magnitude” was released by G.Siegl’s AOR Heaven, once again the Japanese edition was differently titled “Gravitation” (?) anyway it was another superb 9.0 Earth-shaking disc (pun intended), a pure Ultra Melodic Metal pearl, performed by a new gang in his full maturity, regrouped and upgraded with skilled musicians and gifted songwriting partners as Roger Ljunggren (exGRAND ILLUSION/exT’BELL) on guitars and Marcus Persson on keys, this was again a triumph, something like the ultimate experience for the MADISON / YALE BATE / TREAT / CRYSTAL BLUE / MASQUERADE / NATION / DREAMHUNTER nostalgics supporters, a tribute to those bands who paved the way for H.E.A.T. / ECLIPSE and SUNSTRIKE and finally a real delight for the demanding experts of Scandinavian Melodic Metal & the enthusiastic specialists.NIVA is sounding like an incredible time travel capsule with at its helm, a talented Swedish singer, Mr. Tony Niva, who began his musical career in Skövde in mid 80’s, building a solid reputation in fronting many (now) famous and historic bands such as ZANITY / SWEDISH EROTICA or AXIA and and he is probably best known for being the Lead Singer in LION’S SHARE, for their come-back album “Entrance” in 2001…Now it’s summer of 2014 and the new album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready and it will be published at the end of August, and you can copy and paste my previous analysis for “Magnitude”, the genre played by the combo, is still clearly tagged in the Swedish first-class AOR, with a wink to the heritage sound of the golden era, with huge wall of keys, soaring vocals, harmonized backing voices and the spiced uplifting melodies in every songs, a tenet that was also extended to the short but brilliant guitar solo spots (“All By Myself”) Vocalist Tony Niva is performing some high pitched impressive performances (“Don’t You Know”/ “Lost And Found”) with a great confidence and a perfect set of pipe working at its peak (“Magnitude”), like a convincing mix between Peter Sundell (exPROMOTION / exGRAND ILLUSION / exDECOY) & Mikael Erlandsson (exCRASH / exL.A.D. / exSALUTE / LOVER UNDER COVER).The music is filled with hooks and highly infectious melodies with that typical special flavor: an obvious serenity and an attractive AOR / Melodic Rock character with classic overtones, this particular Scandinavian catchiness mania in the silky chorus method (“Crush”) and a convincing anthemic attitude in the strongest 80's fashion.This new disc, still contains the same exciting mix of heavenly temperament mixed with a real focus on melodic density before anything else, and with a true obsession for the killer hooks of the greatest quality, an awesome revival/trip back to the age of commercial Hard Rock heydays , very comparable to THE POODLES / LOVER UNDER COVER / BAM BAM BOYS / SHA-BOOM but most of all the majesty of GRAND ILLUSION (“Better Just Forgotten”/”The Reason Why”/”Coming Back To You”), with some omnipresent swirling keys with this special Scandinavian smoothness and even a few ABBA cheesy over-the-top moments (“Only You”/”Travel Back In Time”).Only negative points are the shortness of the disc and the perfect linear similarity with his predecessor, indeed the suprise effect formula isn’t working anymore but the huge vocal performance, the enchanting harmonies and the irresistible anthemic refrains exposed in a crystal clear production are still functioning more than ever "
Line-Up:
Tony Niva – Vocals Roger Ljunggren – Guitars Marcus Persson – Keyboards Jan Stal – Bass Bengan Andersson – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Don’t You Know (3:36) 02. Crush (3:14) 03. Better Just Forgotten (3:31) 04. Magnitude (3:18) 05. The Reason Why (3:21) 06. Travel Back In Time (3:36) 07. Play The Game (3:37) 08. Only You (3:38) 09. Lost And Found (3:27) 10. All By Myself (3:31) 11. Coming Back To You (4:22) 12. In The Ray Of Light (3:26) (Japan Bonus Track) 13. Leading Me On Again (3:09) (Japan Bonus Track)
Year : 2015 Style : Melodic Hard Rock Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 115 mb
Info:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
This is the unreleased album which was recorded 1995-1996 by NIVA meant to be a follower to the bands debut in 1994. The album is titled RELIEVIN’ RAIN and is NOW available for digital pre-order. Official release is March 31st, 2015.RELIEVIN’ RAIN was the album with the start of a musical journey from the melodic rock genre to break the boundaries into the melodic metal which NIVA, for this production had a wish to fulfill.Songs for this album was composed by: Tony Niva, Peter Andersson and Robert Jakobsson. They also made the arrangements. This album was produced by Jan Strandh and mixed by Jan Strandh and Peter Andersson.The album was recorded 20 years ago, so this is worth celebrating by releasing the album for the public masses. You expect something different from NIVA? Then you don’t have to wait anymore!
Line-Up:
Tony Niva (Vocals) Peter Andersson (Bass Guitar) Robert Jakobsson (Guitars) Dan Götensten (Drums) Anders Biederbeck (Hammon)
Tracklist:
01. Relievin' Rain 02. Save My Soul 03. Lying To Get Your Trust 04. Freakshow 05. Rainbow Man 06. No mans Land 07. Wings of Freedom 08. Eternal Flame 09. Burn the Bridge 10. Falling Down 11. Middle of Nowhere
Year : 2015 Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video Size : 178 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
Great bootleg compilation.
Line-Up:
Tony Niva (vocals) Robert Jacobsson (guitar) Peter Anderson (bass) Ian Haugland (drums) Anders Biederbeck (Hammond)
Tracklist:
01. Gold From The Future 02. Coming Back To You 03. Anything For You 04. Just Another Heartache 05. Defender 06. Magnitude 07. Play The Game 08. Love Is A Killer 09. Best Days Of Our Lives 10. Do It Again 11. Bring Back The Joy 12. In The Ray Of Light
Year : 2016 (Japan Edition) (2016) Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + all scans + Video Size : 154 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
In the realms of melodic metal, Sweden's Lion's Share has been synonymous with class and quality for over two decades. Not least thanks to a succession of great vocalists: Andy Engberg (220 Volt, Sorcerer, Section A), Nils Patrik Johansson (Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights, Civil War et al)... and who else? Oh yes Tony Niva, the vocal powerhouse from Lion's Share's seminal fourth album Entrance (2001). What's his story? Tony Niva started singing as a young boy in the mid-80s, inspired by the likes of Dio, Joe Lynn Turner and Geoff Tate. After cutting his teeth in classic acts like Swedish Erotica and Axia, Tony formed his own outfit NIVA whose debut album No Capitulation arrived in 1994 (featuring Ian Haugland of Europe/Glenn Hughes fame behind the kit). Despite the quality of this melodic affair, NIVA folded shortly afterwards. After graduating from the university, Tony joined Lion's Share long enough to record the aforementioned Entrance and left the music scene again shortly afterwards. However, in 2011 Tony tried out for the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest with the song Janitor of Love . With limited success, on paper. Creatively the result was so satisfying that Tony extended his collaboration with his new songwriting team. NIVA's comeback album Gold From the Future was released in Japan in the fall of 2011. (On the European and American market, the album was released under the moniker Oxygen and entitled Final Warning .) I've been focusing on my career in the IT business, so I didn't make much music between 1994 and 2011, says Tony. But after that second NIVA album, I made two more: Magnitude in 2013 and Incremental IV in 2014. And after that, I thought I might as well release what I recorded in 1995 as the intended follow-up to No Capitulation : Relievin' Rain (2015). Now, however, I'm back with a whole new incarnation of NIVA. On this new album, I wanted to broaden my horizons. Different production, a heavier sound. So I've been working with Lars Chriss, my old pal from the Lion's Share days Lars Chriss, now a highly renowned producer with the likes of Overland, Chris Ousey, Radioactive, Seven and Lugnet on his resumé, has lent his producing, song-writing and guitar-playing skills to NIVA's sixth outing, Atmospherical . Don't let the title fool you NIVA has definitely moved away from the AOR-ish, comparative softness on previous works. This is more of a melodic metal sound, Tony agrees. It rocks harder, it's more riff-based and the keyboards are less prominent. Obviously. Besides Lars and Tony himself, former Lion's Share luminaries Kay Backlund (keyboards) and monster bassist Andy Loos (also of Glory, Seven, Covered Call fame to name but a few) have also lent their considerable skills to the creation of Atmospherical . The album even includes a stellar remake of Lion's Share 1988 debut single, I'm on a roll . So the Lion's Share reminiscence is very much intentional. And quite welcome. Among the plethora of great songs on Atmospherical , Tony's personal favorites include the emotional The Mountain , suggestive rock gem Forbidden Lover , and most certainly the opening track Dressed to kill . That's the one that started it all. When I told Lars I was making an album he said, you know, I've got this great track... . A true, no frills rock anthem. We're making a video for it, directed by Patric Ullaeus (Europe, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Amaranthe... you name it). Atmospherical will be released on October 28th, through the new label NIVA Music Group. This formidable outing sees Tony Niva returning to the melodic metal scene who still remembers him so fondly, without compromising his melodic roots. Talk about going in with a bang. Produced & Mixed by: Lars Chriss
Line-Up:
Tony Niva - Lead vocals Lars Chriss - Lead and rhythm guitars, Drums Andy Loos - Bass Kay Backlund - Keyboards (Dressed To Kill, Wall Of Bricks, Spirit Of The Night, Déj- Vu, I’m On A Roll, Evil Rose, Raise Your Voice) Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards (The Mountain, Play Our Songs, Forbidden Lover) Nigel Bailey - Backing vocals (appears courtesy of Frontiers Records Srl) Mick Devine - Additional backing vocals (Evil Rose, Wall Of Bricks) George Bailey - Additional backing vocals (Dressed To Kill)
Tracklist:
01. Dressed to Kill 02. Déjà Vu 03. Spirit of the Night 04. Forbidden Lover 05. I'm on a Roll 06. Evil Rose 07. Raise Your Voice 08. The Mountain 09. Play Our Songs 10. Wall of Bricks 11. Long Road To Hell & Back (Japan Bonus Track)
Year : 2026 Style : Melodic Hard Rock , AOR Country : Sweden Audio : 320 kbps + front Size : 101 mb
Bio:
The history of NIVA began in Skövde in the mid 80’s and the place was the TBV Music House – this was an inspiring environment for many youths to discover their creativity in a lot of ways, especially regarding the chance to discover their musical abilities.It was also here where a young Tony Niva set his path to be able to sing and write music, and also for the first time to sing through a microphone! It didn’t take long before an offer occurred. The band Zanity got Tony as their singer and their first demo ”Time Out Of Mind” got a lot of attention.After appearing in a lot of bands around in Sweden – for example Vanessa, Swedish Erotica, Malibu Band and Tracy Goes Crazy, Tony got the opportunity to sing for Axia – a band situated and rehearsing in Skövde.It was an ideal situation both musically and socially for the band and it didn’t take long before a Swedish tour started – both with Axia and later on with a cover band called ”Under Cover”. After some touring, the band drifted apart, and up from the ashes of Axia, NIVA was formed. The band recorded their debut album ”No Capitulation” and got a record deal with Zero Records in Japan in 1994. After recording an up to this date not released follow up album, NIVA was disbanded (1995). For a brief period in 2001, Tony was a member of the metal-act Lion’s Share and who released the album “Entrance” in the same year.Moving forward to 2011 and a song called ”Janitor Of Love” written for the Swedish Eurovision song contest. This time collaboration partners are Roger Ljunggren and Marcus Persson and even if the song did not make it through, the musical work goes so smoothly, they decide to make another three songs for a demo, just to see if there is any interest for a band in the vein of AOR/Melodic Rock. And it sure is – Marquee Avalon signs with NIVA and after 16 years the band lives up and releasing the album ”Gold From The Future” in Japan, September 2011.Tony did not settle down because of this, so after some negotiations a British based label released the album in Europe – now under the moniker Oxygen – Final Warning. The album gets a lot of attention in both Europe and in the United States.In 2013 NIVA released the CD Magnitude through AOR Heaven for the European market and now 2014 the sophomore album entitled “Incremental IV” is ready.“Incremental IV” was produced and mixed by Marcus Persson at CM Music Skara, Sweden with executive producer Tony Niva and mastered by Börjesson, Ear Hear Studio Stockholm. Artwork design by Matthias Norén.
Album:
In the realm of Swedish melodic rock from Skövde, few bands command the attention and admiration quite like NIVA. With their signature blend of soaring melodies, powerhouse vocals, and infectious hooks, the band has established themselves as a force to be reckoned. Now, with the release of their highly anticipated 7th full-length album „Stratospheric,“ NIVA once again proves why they are considered among the elite in the genre.From the opening chords of the title track, it’s clear that „Stratospheric“ is an album that aims for the stars and reaches new heights of sonic excellence. Led by the Swedish powerhouse vocals of frontman Tony Niva, the album is a tour de force of melodic rock anthems that resonate with passion, energy, and raw emotion.Throughout „Stratospheric“ NIVA demonstrates their mastery of the melodic rock genre, effortlessly blending elements of classic rock, melodic rock, and AOR to create a Nordic sound that is uniquely their own. With its larger-than-life production and infectious energy, the album is a testament to the band’s evolution and growth as artists, while also paying homage to the rich legacy of melodic rock and AOR that has inspired them along the way.For fans of NIVA and lovers of melodic rock alike, „Stratospheric“ is a must-listen experience that promises to transport listeners to new heights of musical ecstasy. With its unforgettable hooks, powerhouse vocals, and electrifying performances, the album is a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring legacy and a testament to their status as one of Sweden’s most beloved rock acts. So, strap in, turn up the volume, and get ready to embark on a journey to the stars with NIVA’s new upcoming release „Stratospheric“.Date of relaese 13 November 2026.
Line-Up:
Tony Niva – vocals Lars Chriss – guitars Jan Stål – bass Johan Kullberg – drums Kay Backlund – keyboards
Tracklist:
01. Rock The World 3:29 02. Fatal Crash 4:00 03. Stay With Me 4:15 04. Stratospheric 4:11 05. Heaven Strikes Again 4:59 06. Rhythm Of The Heart 4:19 07. Rise Up Again 5:24 08. Razor Tounge 3:21 09. Time To Say Goodbye 4:41 10. Endlessly In Love
