Sweden’s Linköping hardcore scene hits the screen in ÖS – The Story of LKPG Hardcore documentary

A new documentary, ÖS – The Story of LKPG Hardcore, depicts the rise of the hardcore scene in Linköping, Sweden—from its punk-infused beginnings in Östergötland in the late 1970s through the 1990s explosion to today’s energetic underground. What started as grassroots rebellion grew into a community that still pulses around the DIY venue Skylten.

The film traces how Skylten—a derelict factory handed over by the municipality to the city’s youth—became a focal point for hardcore shows, hosting packed nights and global acts while nurturing local talent. It shows how the space’s rough edges and creative freedom helped fuel Linköping’s climb into the ranks of Sweden’s most vital hardcore hubs.

In 2021, Anders Carlborg launched an online archive project to document the city’s scene, collecting stories, flyers, and footage from decades of underground shows. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, the film premiered at Skylten in 2024, bringing together generations of punks, musicians, and fans to celebrate their shared history.

ÖS dives into the gritty energy of the early years with rare 8 mm clips and performances by local legends, while the title itself nods to how early Swedish punks described their fast, furious sound before “hardcore” became the word. The story also highlights how Skylten continues to thrive through Dunderjorden, the music collective behind ongoing gigs and the annual Dunderfest. A portion of every film rental directly supports this community, keeping the DIY spirit alive for the next generation.

You can stream ÖS – The Story of LKPG Hardcore now here, where the film is available for rental. The current price for rental access is 7,99 € (or the equivalent in local currencies), and as promised, a share of each rental goes toward supporting the Dunderjorden collective.