SuperCharger: Denmark’s Hard-Hitting Rock Rebels Making Waves Globally
In today’s rock and metal music scene, Scandinavians undoubtedly have the strongest presence in Europe, if not the world. On our continent, they have long held dominance over former giants like the British and Germans. Furthermore, most bands from this region are quite well-received in other parts of the world, especially in America. Leading the way are groups from Sweden and Finland, which were among the first to break through to the top of the global rock scene and leave an indelible mark. However, other countries in this region, such as Norway and Denmark, also have their own aces up their sleeves.
That said, I believe that the Danish rock-metal scene is not as represented or recognized here. Among the older, more well-known groups, we can definitely highlight the “heavy shock metal” sensation King Diamond and his original band, Mercyful Fate. There are also the “old school” glam rockers D.A.D and White Lion (Danish-American), who fit perfectly into the glam-sleaze rock scene of the ’80s. Of course, we must not forget the most famous Dane in the rock-metal world, Lars Ulrich, the founder, leader, creative mastermind, and drummer of the legendary heavy metal band Metallica. Since the Danish flag proudly hung from Lars’ drum set for much of his long career, we can include Metallica here. Well, one-quarter Danish, but it’s enough!
From newer Danish bands, we must first mention the increasingly popular Volbeat (which I’ll describe on another occasion) and the hard rockers SuperCharger, who will be the main focus here. These two bands definitely “carry the torch” for Denmark on global charts and at major European and world music festivals. SuperCharger emerged in 2007 with the release of the Junkyard Spectacles EP. From the very beginning, the Danish rockers cultivated a distinctive mix of rock music with loud guitars, piano, harmonica, and a raspy “whiskey-soaked” vocal style (as they describe it themselves). High-energy rock ‘n’ roll with devoted live performances and a touch of “sleazy” grit is also one of the band’s main weapons.
The current lineup consists of Mikkel Neperus (vocals), Tomas Buchwald (guitar), Benjamin Funk (drums), Lars Rygaard (piano), and Karsten Dines Johansen (bass). In short, this is a band you should definitely see live to experience the “supercharged” energy their music delivers. So far, they have three very interesting releases to their name.
Debut Album: Handgranade Blues (2009)
The debut album of this Copenhagen-based band features eleven tracks of high-octane rock ‘n’ roll, reminiscent of Aerosmith and Motörhead on steroids (from a production standpoint), with fast piano passages adding an extra layer of excitement. Songs like “Let’s Roll” and “I Wanna Rock” also feature a harmonica, giving them a Hanoi Rocks vibe. The album is devoid of ballads or slower tracks; almost every song is played with brash, loud, and gritty style. Neperus’ vocals are at times unrecognizable and gritty, bordering on a growl. The opening track, “Handgranade Blues,” begins with a siren that perfectly sets the tone for what the listener can expect. Tracks like “Gotta Get It Right” and “Shame Baby,” along with the fan-favorite “Hell Motel,” stand out as highlights. For those who enjoy energetic, supercharged Aerosmith-Motörhead-AC/DC-style rock ‘n’ roll, this album will turn your speakers into a chaotic thrill ride.
Second Album: That’s How We Roll (2011)
On their second album, SuperCharger delivers twelve new tracks, though this time the tempo isn’t pushed to the max as it was on their debut. The production is less aggressive, reflecting a maturing sound, but the band retains their signature “sleazy” touch. The album is also more musically diverse. Fast-paced rockers like “Heart On Overdrive” and “Rise And Fall” open the record with sharp riffs and dynamic piano. A softer track, “Are You Satisfied,” leans towards Britpop, showcasing their versatility. The album also flirts with southern rock, especially in tracks like “Mr. Ferguson” and “Sunrise Over Reeperbahn.” Highlights include the duet “Redemption Song” featuring Mia Coldheart, the gritty “You Disgust Me,” and the energetic “From Another Planet.” If you liked their debut, you’ll likely enjoy this more refined and diverse follow-up.
Third Album: Broken Hearts and Fallaparts (2014)
This album represents the culmination of everything SuperCharger has to offer. With the best production and sound quality yet, the Danish “dynamite” delivers twelve fresh, energy-packed tracks. The opener, “Like A Pit Bull,” sets the tone with punk-rock intensity, followed by “Supercharged,” ensuring no chance for a breather. The album’s biggest hit, “Blood Red Lips,” features guest performances by David Johannesson and Ralf Gyllenhammar from the Swedish band Mustasch. The track embodies everything great about SuperCharger—energetic, sleazy, and catchy. Other highlights include the grungy “Hold On Body,” the anthemic “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” and the swaggering “Suzi The Uzi.” The album also features southern rock influences in tracks like “Hangover In Hamburg” and the ballad “Goodbye Copenhagen.” Overall, this is the band’s most complete and mature album to date.
Final Thoughts
Musically, that’s about everything worth mentioning about this Danish band. However, there is one weak point that stands out—not in a positive way—and that is the band’s name. The name “SuperCharger” is shared by at least ten other bands worldwide, which could hinder their progress due to copyright issues and brand confusion. Even the band members seem aware of this flaw, as noted in interviews. Perhaps a name change will happen in the future, but until then, let’s hope their music continues to attract fans.
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