Though guitarist John Norum was a major part of Countdown-era Europe, he left the band -- just before its worldwide success -- as a reaction to its growing commercial sensibilities. He began recording a solo album with vocalist Goran Edman, drummer Peter Hermansson, and bassist Marcel Jacob; the result was 1987's Total Control. He recorded the live album Live in Stockholm the following year; collaborated with Don Dokken; and recorded a second studio album, Face the Truth, in 1992. ~ John Bush