Treat: Sweden's Arena Rock Powerhouse
Treat is a Swedish hard rock band that emerged from the vibrant Scandinavian rock scene of the 1980s. The group achieved significant success with their melodic yet powerful sound, particularly with their 1989 album Organized Crime, which charted in several European territories and solidified their reputation as hitmakers.
Early career
Treat was formed in Stockholm in 1981 by guitarist Anders Wikström and vocalist Robert Ernlund. The band's initial lineup solidified quickly, drawing inspiration from the rising glam and arena rock movements. Their self-titled debut album, Treat, was released in 1983, followed by Scratch and Bite in 1984, establishing their signature blend of catchy hooks and guitar-driven energy.
Breakthrough
The band's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1987 with their third album, Dreamhunter, released on the Sonet label. This record spawned the hit single Get You on the Run and garnered strong radio play across Europe. Their follow-up, 1989's Organized Crime, proved to be their peak, featuring the anthemic World of Promises and achieving gold status in Sweden.
Key tracks
Get You on the Run — This driving single from Dreamhunter became Treat's first major international radio hit and a live staple.
World of Promises — The soaring ballad from Organized Crime remains the band's most recognizable song, showcasing their melodic prowess.
Ready for the Taking — A quintessential Treat rocker that exemplifies the energetic, polished sound of their late-80s peak period.
Sole Survivor — This track from the 1992 album of the same name highlighted a heavier, more contemporary edge in their songwriting.
We Own the Night — A standout from their 2010 reunion album Coup de Grace, proving their anthemic style remained potent.
After the 1992 album Sole Survivor, the band went on hiatus, with members pursuing other projects. Treat reunited in 2006, leading to a triumphant return with the 2010 album Coup de Grace, which was praised by fans and critics for capturing their classic spirit. They have continued to record and tour actively, releasing albums like Ghost of Graceland in 2016 and The Road More or Less Traveled in 2023, demonstrating enduring creativity within the melodic hard rock genre.
Fans of Treat's brand of Scandinavian melodic rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. Europe shares the same Stockholm roots and a knack for massive, keyboard-laden rock anthems. H.E.A.T carries the torch for the next generation of Swedish arena rock with a similar emphasis on melody and power. Work of Art follows a closely related blueprint of pristine production and hook-driven songcraft. The Danish band Pretty Maids offers a slightly heavier but equally melodic take on the European hard rock formula.
Treat's catalog is a staple on classic rock FM stations and dedicated hard rock radio streams that celebrate the anthems of the 80s and beyond. Their music frequently appears in rotations on online rock radio stations focusing on melodic and arena rock, ensuring their songs reach both nostalgic listeners and new fans discovering the genre.
The music of Treat can be heard regularly on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or revisit the powerful anthems of this Swedish rock institution through the various classic rock and hard rock radio stations available on onairium.com.
