PASSENGER is a 2003 project fronted by IN FLAMES vocalist Anders Friden alongside GARDENIAN guitarist Niclas Engelin (formerly of IN FLAMES), HEADPLATE bassist Håkan Skoger and ex-TRANSPORT LEAGUE drummer Patrik J. Sten. The band signed to the Century Media label for an eponymous album release.

European gigs in December saw the band sharing a bill comprising MOONSPELL, LACUNA COIL and POISONBLACK. The band entered the recording studio in March 2004 to cut a new album. With Friden active on the touring front with IN FLAMES Engelin and Sten forged a fresh band venture entitled KEROZENE a collaboration with bassist Robert Hakemo, ex-GARDENIAN and GOOSEFLESH, along with vocalist Mikael Skager. The band cut recordings for their debut album early in the year, mixing it at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg during April. Sten also acted as co-producer for the 2004 album of THE HAUNTED and shortly afterward re-entered the same studios to lay down session drums for Minnesota based melodic Death Metal band THE FIFTH SUN's album 'The Moment Of Truth'.

In March of 2005 a new Metal formation was announced with ENGEL, a Gothenburg based quintet featuring Niclas Engelin in union with guitarist Marcus Sunesson, ex-THE CROWN, drummer Morbid Mojjo (a.k.a. Daniel Moilanen), a veteran of MINDSNARE, SANDALINAS, RUNEMAGICK, DRACENA, RELEVANT FEW and LORD BELIAL, bassist Robert Hakemo, ex-GARDENIAN and GOOSEFLESH together with vocalist Mangan Klavborn.

In November 2006 Niklas Engelin filled in for his old act IN FLAMES, subbing for Jesper Strömblad, who was "sitting out the group's current tour in order to deal with some personal issues'.