Explore Stockholm’s metal and rock scene with Ika Johannesson and Anders Lundquist
Step into the heart of Stockholm’s metal and hard rock scene on October 25th – a day dedicated to the raw power and history of some of Sweden’s most legendary bands.
Meet the musicians and visionaries behind the music. Explore legendary places connected to giants like Candlemass, Entobed, Europe, Heavy Load, H.E.A.T, Yngwie Malmsteen and more.
Mark your calendar for Saturday October 25!
From hidden bunkers and iconic studios to streets and venues that forged the sound of heavy metal and hard rock, this exclusive journey takes you deep into a world where riffs roar and stories live loud.
Hear firsthand from heavy metal icons such as Styrbjörn Wahlquist (Heavy Load), Johan Längqvist (Candlemass) and Fredrik “Kulle” Åkesson (Opeth and Ghost), as they share their stories and sounds that have defined a genre.
We’ll travel through Stockholm’s vibrant metal hotspots – from underground studios to historical sites – each step echoing the spirit and power of heavy riffs and powerful vocals. The day ends on Södermalm, with a chance to unwind among fellow fans and celebrate the culture that binds us.
For anyone who lives and breathes metal and hard rock, this is your chance to experience Stockholm’s legendary scene like never before.
The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM and afterward, for those who want, we’ll meet at at legendary metal bar, Bröderna Olsson’s Garlic & Shots, and eat burgers and drink beers. Food and drinks at Bröderna Olsson’s Garlic & Shots are not included in the price below.
The price covers all part of the tour, including the cost of music studio visit, comfortable bus transportation, the guides, lunch and Swedish “fika”.
The price for this tour is SEK 3,800 (approx. EUR 345, USD 400 or GBP 295)
Photo: Terhi Ylimäinen
Tickets
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
What’s included in
Swedish Metal Tour
- Johan Längqvist (Candlemass) and Styrbjörn Wahlquist (Heavy Load) tell stories at the subway station where Thunderload Studios originally resided.
- A bus ride to Upplands Väsby, the suburb where Europe, Candlemass, H.E.A.T, Universe, Yngwie Malmsteen and all started their careers.
- A visit to the graveyard where the Entombed cross, one of the most famous icons of Swedish death metal, can be found, and a chance to pay your respects at Quorthon’s grave.
- A look at the original House of Kicks building in Stockholm’s Old Town, and some vinyl browsing at Sweden’s heaviest record store, Sound Pollution.
- A visit to Studio Gröndal where Opeth guitarist Fredrik “Kulle” Åkesson demonstrates some of the riffs and solos he played on albums by Opeth and Ghost.
- Enjoy lunch and “fika” (coffe/snacks breaks) during the day.
What’s not included in Swedish Metal Tour
- Travel to Stockholm and accommondation.
- Burgers and beer at legendary metal bar, Bröderna Olsson’s Garlic and Shots, owned by members of Candlemass, Europe and Fatal Smile, and one of Ghost frontman Tobias Forge’s favourite hangouts. A few rock star sightings will be unavoidable (and don’t be too surprised if they sit down and have a chat with you!).
Your Guides
Ika Johannesson
With her roots firmly planted in the Gothenburg death metal scene, culture journalist Ika Johannesson has chronicled the Swedish extreme metal history in many forms. In 2011, the book Blood Fire Death, co-written with Jon Jefferson Klingberg, was released, and has since been translated into several languages.
In 2023 she curated a major exhibition on the Nordic metal scene at the Nordic Embassies in Berlin. Currently she has filled 1 000 square meters of Stockholm’s Culture House with stage clothes, demo cassettes, fanzines, stage props and paraphernalia in the seminal exhibition on the Swedish extreme metal scene – Total Metal.
When not covering the more aggressive parts of culture, Ika is the anchor for the culture news on Swedish national television, SVT.
Anders Lundquist
One of Sweden’s most experienced rock journalists, Anders Lundquist’s first article was published in a fanzine back in 1980. Since then he has travelled the world, conducting more than 3 000 interviews for various music trade magazines, and rock magazines, as well as Billboard and Playboy.
Anders currently works for Sweden Rock Magazine, where he’s written the latest cover stories on Opeth and Ghost. He has also authored or contributed to four books, worked for Swedish national radio, SR. He contributed all written content for the websites of Stockholm based recording studios, Polar and Decibel.
A musician in his own right, Anders has co-written songs with the likes of Bruce Kulick, Randy Piper, Nick Royale, Martin Thomander and Chris Laney.
FAQ Tours For Fans
How do I get in touch with Tours For Fans?
Email us at info@toursforfans.com.
Where can I buy tickets for your events?
Tickets for our events are sold via tickster.com
What language is spoken during your events?
English. If all participants are Swedish, we speak Swedish.
How big is the group?
Usually a maximum of 20 people, excluding the guide, assistant, driver, and photographer.
Are there any age restrictions for the events?
Usually, everyone is welcome; otherwise, we specify the age limit in the event description.
Are your events accessible?
Yes, we mainly travel by tourist buses between locations, but there will be some boarding and alighting, as well as short walks around the sites. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance.
What about transportation?
It’s a mix of walking and transfer by bus depending of location and event.
Do you share participants’ information with third parties?
No, we do not disclose any information about our participants.
Can I take photos during the event?
You can use a mobile or compact camera, but not a professional system camera or recording equipment. Some locations may have photography restrictions. We usually have a photographer, and you’ll receive free pictures from the event.