After more than two decades as one of Sweden’s most iconic rock voices, fronting the hugely successful bands Takida and Stiftelsen, Robert Pettersson is now taking an unexpected and exciting new step. He is launching his solo career and reveals that his debut solo album, Deabolo Hypomania, is on the way.

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In close collaboration with longtime producer and Takida bandmate Chris Rehn, Pettersson has crafted a sound that leans into pop and electronic elements, with clear influences from the 1980s.

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Since 1999, Robert Pettersson has been synonymous with Takida, a band that has reached multi-platinum status with tracks like “Curly Sue,” “Master,” and “You Learn,” and built a loyal following both in Sweden and internationally. In 2012, he revealed a new side of his songwriting with Stiftelsen, whose Swedish-language, emotionally driven songs like the hit single “Vart jag än går” quickly made them one of the country’s most beloved acts.

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Now it’s time for the next chapter. Together with Chris Rehn, keyboardist and guitarist in Takida and also a well-established producer, Pettersson has been secretly developing an entirely new sound. The result is a musical journey into the synth-driven, melodic pop landscape of the 80s, filtered through Pettersson’s powerful and unmistakable voice.

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“I’ve always loved music from the 80s. That’s where a lot of my musical foundation was formed,” says Robert Pettersson. “Being able to fully explore those influences and create something new and different has been incredibly inspiring. This is the sound I’ve wanted to make for a long time.”

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The collaboration with Chris Rehn has been key to the process. Their long shared history and deep musical understanding created a safe and creative space for Pettersson to push his boundaries.

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“Robban has one of the strongest voices in Sweden. Framing it in a new sonic world has been both an exciting and humbling challenge,” says Chris Rehn. “We’ve been experimenting with classic synths, drum machines and a sound that’s both a tribute to our heroes and something that feels fresh and modern.”

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The new music offers a compelling contrast to Takida’s heavy, melancholic rock and the earthy pop-rock of Stiftelsen. Fans can expect infectious choruses, atmospheric synthscapes and a new energy that reveals an entirely different side of one of Sweden’s most established artists.

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The first single, “All These Years,” was released on September 12, 2025 via Playground Music and will be available on all digital platforms. The full album, Deabolo Hypomania, is expected in 2026.