Panama (Swe / Uppsala)

Not the be confused with Panama (Gothenburg) or Panama (Umeå).

Formed in 1986 as Backlash, with vocalist Daniel Reichberg, the band originally played heavy metal. They later changed their name to Panama in an effort to shed the style and image associated with their earlier years. They also felt Panama was a simpler and more effective name. In the spring of 1991, they released a six-track demo tape in a limited run of 200 copies. They also contributed with the song "Future In The Dark" on 1991 compilation 'Swedish Power'.

Formation and Early Days (1986–1987)
On New Year’s Eve 1986, Daniel Reichberg met guitarist Warwick Tucker, who invited him to join a band formed with schoolmates. The band, named Backlash, needed a vocalist after a lineup change. Reichberg joined in January 1987 and quickly rehearsed for their first live show. Their debut performance took place shortly after at a youth center in Uppsala. The set included original songs and covers by Metallica and Iron Maiden. Despite limited material, the band gained attention locally and continued rehearsing intensively, aiming to compete in the *Uppsala Talang* contest.

First Demo and Rising Ambitions (1987)
In April 1987, Backlash recorded their first demo, featuring "Haunted Mind" and "Devil’s Curse". The band advanced in Uppsala Talang and confidently predicted victory in the local press. Despite internal complications such as Reichberg also competing with another band they reached the final. In September 1987, Backlash won the competition, earning studio recording time as a prize. Shortly afterward, guitarist Warwick Tucker left the band, dissolving the classic early lineup.

Lineup Changes and Musical Direction (Late 1987–1988)
Following Tucker’s departure, the band continued as a four-piece and later expanded again with new guitarist Terno Hagert. During this period, their style shifted toward thrash metal, influenced by bands like Metallica and Anthrax. They recorded a second demo in May 1988, featuring "King of Araby" and "Man of the Future". Internal differences in musical direction emerged, particularly between members favoring technical or melodic styles versus heavier thrash influences. Further lineup changes followed, including Hagert leaving and being replaced by guitarist Micke Haraldsson. The band also invested in vocal training and equipment rather than releasing a planned EP.

Later Performances and Recordings (1988–1989)
In November 1988, a new lineup performed live for the first and only time together, showcasing more progressive material. In early 1989, the band finally recorded songs using their prize studio time from 1987, after significant delays.

Reichberg’s Departure and Aftermath (1989)
Shortly before completing the recordings, Reichberg was informed that the band wanted a new vocalist. While not entirely surprised, his voice did not match the band’s evolving direction, he reacted strongly, particularly since he had helped secure the earlier competition win. After his departure, Teddy Möller briefly took over as vocalist, but was later replaced by another singer known as "Stålis". The band then changed its name to Panama and reorganized its lineup to the point where none of the members from the classic Backlash era remained.

Later Years and Reunion (Post-1989)
Reichberg went on to form other bands, including Hot Breeze, and later participated in another project in Gothenburg. In 2009, former Backlash members reconnected via Facebook, sharing old recordings and expressing interest in a possible reunion.