Exit Stage Left

Exit Stage Left is a Swedish rock band from Borås, formed in 2019 by singer/guitarist Arvid Wilhelmsson and bassist Robin Hellsing, after they met for a jam session. The name was inspired by the legendary Rush live album Exit… Stage Left. Later in 2019, keyboardist/vocalist Daniel Lyngsaa Larsson and drummer Jimmy Svahn joined the group and they all began working on original material, spending long nights developing their sound around Arvid’s songwriting.

Their debut album Appleberry Trees was released in 2023 and was praised by Sweden Rock Magazine as one of the best albums of 2023. Building on that success, in 2026, they released their second album Gentle Otherworld, a sprawling concept release that also received accolades.

The band’s sound draws heavily from British and American progressive rock of the 1970s and 80s, with influences from artists including Deep Purple, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, and, of course, Rush. Their music blends melodic storytelling, catchy hooks, and instrumental flair, often exploring both grand adventures and intimate personal narratives.

Exit Stage Left is known for compelling storytelling, dynamic arrangements, and a live energy that engages audiences, positioning them as a rising force in the modern progressive rock scene.