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 in 1992, Face the Truth.