After the break-up of The Hellacopters in 2008, Andersson started to work on a solo album, recording all instruments of eight songs by himself, however Andersson changed his mind and decided that it would be better to form a band. Andersson recruited Dolf de Borst, Tobias Egge and Thomas Eriksson, all of which he had worked previouly with in Cold Ethyl, a cover band he formed shortly after the break-up of The Hellacopters. During the recording of the bands self titled album Andersson also enlisted help from several old friends, including Dregen, Anders Lindström, Robert Pehrsson, Neil Leyton and others. While Andersson insists that Imperial State Electric is a band and not a solo career or a side project he also acknowledges the fact that the band might have a revolving line-up of members including himself on drums instead of guitar.

Personnel:
Nicke Andersson: vocals, guitar
Dolf de Borst: backing vocals, bass
Tobias Egge: backing vocals, guitar
Thomas Eriksson: drums, percussion