Even though it's probably a ploy to raise money to get the thing pressed, I'm excited to report that Duplicate Records is taking preorders for the upcoming gatefold 2xLP Beyond Dawn remix album. It's limited to only 500 copies, so if you're interested, you may want to act fast. Prices are 200 nok in Norway, €23.5 for Europe or $28.50 for the US, not including shipping and handling. Paypal bdremix@duplicate-records.com with your order. Oh, and in case you were wondering, here's the tracklist:

A1. TRNQL – Rune Lindbæk 3:57
A2. Bloody Comeback – Trulz & Robin 6:48
A3. Far From Showbiz – Snuten 5:26

B1. Bloody Comeback – Martin Horntvedt 4:33
B2. Severed Survival – Center Of The Universe 10:15

C1. Increasing the Gravity – Exhale 3:20
C2. Strange Relief – Origami Galaktika 11:34

D1. Among the Sedatives – Verbose 4:52
D2. Far From Showbiz – Bjørn Svin 5:41
D3. Strange Relief – The New Men 7:00

Norway's Duplicate Records has confirmed that the upcoming Two Trains album will be out in September. Featuring members of Beyond Dawn and Lamented Souls, the band is described as "a hypnotic blend of mellow pop, gritty rock, quirky electronica and masterful songwriting." I know I'm looking forward to hearing it.

Duplicate has also announced that they'll be releasing a 7" from Norwegian one-man black metal band Sarath around the end of the year. More details on that later.

Heavymetal.no interviews Einar Sjursø of Beyond Dawn/Virus/Duplicate Records/etc.: http://www.heavymetal.no/show.article.asp?menuid=&artid=1534 (in Norwegian)

Norway's Duplicate Records has confirmed that the upcoming Two Trains debut CD will be out later on this summer or in the early fall. They describe the band as 'weird pop music' and say it should appeal to fans of Beyond Dawn, who are a band I greatly admire. Speaking of BD, the 2xLP remix album is set to be the next release from the label this fall. Ten tracks, ten artists. And lastly, the label will team up with Neseblod Records to corelease a new 7" from Infernö. No date yet, but soon. There's also plans for a full-length from those guys, but again, nothing is set quite yet.

Norway's Duplicate Records reports that the new "Hate" MCD from Bomberos will finally be out at the end of the month. Right after that, they'll be releasing the "Überthrash" 2x7" comp featuring exclusive cuts from Aura Noir, Infernö, Audiopain and Nocturnal Breed. And then there's the upcoming Aura Noir live CD "The Ugliest Band in the World" coming soon, too. Other upcoming projects in the works are the debut CD from the new ex-Wrongside band with no name yet, the Beyond Dawn remix lp, the MCD from up and coming melodic rock band Syracus, and the third full length from thrashers Infernö.

Drum roll please! Here it is at last, the It's a trap! top 10 records of 2003...

10. Junior Senior - D-d-don't Stop the Beat (Crunchy Frog/Atlantic)
This record is 100% mindless entertainment and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially when it's done so well. For some reason, the geniuses behind the American version decided to tack on two bonus tracks and totally kill the way the album ends. I don't get it - it ruins the purpose of the fade out that runs back into the first song. Ridiculous.

09. Opeth - Damnation (Koch)
I've always been a big fan of Opeth's softer moments, so I eagerly anticipated the release of this record and was not let down at all. Besides being one of the better live shows I saw this year, this proves that the band can transcend the boundries of the metal genre into realms of prog and melodicism far beyond their peers. The fact that a number of my non-metal friends also consider this one of 2003's best proves it.

08. Kaizers Orchestra - Evig Pint (Broiler Farm)
Take the music of Tom Waits, add a dash of Sixteen Horsepower, throw in a heathy dose of Nordic/Eastern European folk, add some pump organ and metal percussion and you're just about there. The Kaizers manage to strike a great balance of huge pop hooks with a subtle dark and dangerous edge. Don't let the fact they sing in their native Norweigan tongue scare you off because you'd be missing out. I don't need to know what they're saying to know they're good.

07. The Knife - Deep Cuts (Rabid Records)
This is not your usual electropop. The brother/sister duo of Karin and Olof Dreijer use the same elements of others in the genre, but in the process they manage to craft something far more interesting and multifaceted. It may sound like simple dance music at first, but there is far, far more at work here. Karin's unique vocals may put you off at first, but trust me - they are just another part of what makes The Knife great. Give it time.

06. Isolation Years - It's Golden (MNW)
It took me all year to finally understand the qualities that make this record great. I decided to put this on during a drive through the pine forest while on vacation and suddenly it all made sense when combined with the scenery. Isolation Years is a great example of what I love about the Scandinavian scene, especially the bands from around Umeå. Their sound is so distinctive, yet I can't quite put my finger on it. I just know it when I hear it in their lyrics and melodies. So evocative.

05. José González - Veneer (Imperial Records)
This record was surrounded by so much hype I was ready to pan it just because of my contrary nature. But you know what? Sometimes there's tons of hype for a reason. Maybe not quite the second coming of Nick Drake like you may have been led to believe, but still damn good.

04. Moonbabies - The Orange Billboard (Chalksounds/Hidden Agenda)
I've said it before and I'll say it again - this is the pop record of the year. It's almost too flawless, it's so meticulously put together. If it doesn't grab you immediately, I'd check your pulse.

03. Beyond Dawn - Frysh (Peaceville)
Probably the only record this year from a band who followed up a previously great release (the amazingly titled "Electric Sulking Machine") with something even better, other than Logh (see #1). Beyond Dawn never ceases to amaze me as they grow and innovate. You can still hear traces of their doom metal past in their refined, modern sound, but they have moved into a realm beyond genres. Listen to their cover of Autopsy's "Severed Survival" and maybe you'll understand. It really is a crime how underappreciated this band is.

02. Carpet People - More Bad Weather Coming Out of the Rain (Chalksounds)
The perfect companion soundtrack for a long northern winter. The utterly fearless way they let the songs expose themselves by stripping down the instrumentation is stunning. So sparse, somber, striking and dark, but yet so starkly beautiful at the same time.

01. Logh - The Raging Sun (Bad Taste Records)
I can barely think of where to begin here, this album is just too good. Logh never ceases to amaze me with everything they do. Every release of theirs in another gem in their crown and I'm thoroughly convinced at this point that they can do no wrong. Another band who epitomizes what I love about Scandinavian music and whose sound conjures up images of cold Swedish landscapes.

Top ten: 2003

Vendlus Records is putting out the US DVD release of the film "Lyckantropen", directed by Steve Ericsson and featuring an excellent soundtrack by Norway's Ulver. The disc features deleted scenes, a slideshow, "the sound of wolves" and a 20-minute interview with the band. View the trailer here and go to the label's newly redesigned website to order.

Also coming up from Vendlus in the near future is the US releases of the Lamented Souls album "Origins of Misery" (feat. members of Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar, Beyond Dawn, and Arcturus) and the Bomberos "Hate" CD/10" (members of Mayhem, Virus, Beyond Dawn, Aura Noir, Cadaver Inc.). Both of those releases are on license from Norway's Duplicate Records, the label run by Einar of Beyond Dawn (hence his involvement with both projects).

Evil Tordivel - "A Fine Young Man" (Éllet Records)
Quirky is definitely the word to describe this Bergen, Norway based group/solo project. It's taken me quite a few listens to try and wrap my head around this thing, but I still don't quite have it figured out yet. Evil Tordivel combine elements of rock, pop and electronica in a way similar to fellow countrymen Beyond Dawn, but they are nowhere near as dark or moody. Yeah, singing songs like "Let's Go Beach" seals it. Far, far more on the sunnier side of the rock spectrum. The label describes 'em as "Frank Black meets The Residents meets Kings of Convenience" which I suppose is kinda accurate. It's definitely not as experimental as The Residents or as abrasive as some Frank Black material, but I do hear the influences cited. Even though I wouldn't quite call myself a bonified fan at this point, I still think this album is well worth noting. Fans of the aforementioned Beyond Dawn or their labelmates When who are curious about hearing something a bit mellower and happier might dig this. Despite the name, I don't think it's quite evil enough for my tastes.

Duplicate Records, the label of Einar from Beyond Dawn and Virus, will be putting out an as-yet-untitled release from Norway's Syracus come mid-November. The band is described as melodic rock along the lines of Radiohead, Smashing Pumpikins and Anekdoten. Vendlus will handle the release for the US.

There's a new streaming radio mix for you to enjoy. The focus is on some of the more noisy and less pop-oriented stuff I listen to, so check it out. Some of the artists featured include Jazzkammer, Beyond Dawn, When and Switchblade.

The latest Aquarius Records new release list has the great new Beyond Dawn album "Frysh" as a featured highlight, along with reviews and samples of various new Jester Records-related releases from Virus, Ulver and When - all stuff worth checking out IMO. Oh, and the usual selection of indie-rock and other stuff, too.

Beyond Dawn has finally come through and updated their website with a new design and news. The new album "Frysh" just came out on Peaceville and I think it's great. I hesitate to label them as such, but "dark electronic-influenced pop" really is the only thing I can think of to describe them. "Post metal" perhaps? That's what they call Jester Records. Download some mp3s from here and listen for yourself. Anyhow, in related news, side-project Wrongside has finished work on their full length album and hope to get it out shortly. Oslo Athletico is working on new material, too. More news when I get it.

Duplicate Records, the label of Einar from the excellent band Beyond Dawn (whose new album "Frysh" is highly recommended), sends word that they'll be putting out a new 7" from Bomberos (feat. Maniac from Mayhem on vox) shortly along with a Beyond Dawn remix album featuring artists such as Bjørn Svin, Eva Casal, Origami Galaktika and Trulz&Robin. The label also plan to team up with US-based Vendlus Records on some future releases such as the debut CD from Especially Like Sloth. Look for a new site soon, too: www.duplicate-records.com

Beyond Dawn will reportedly tour Europe this coming fall under the banner "We Are Building A Music Machine", or what can be described as something of a Nordic 'concept' tour. Trulz & Robin and Centre Of The Universe will support. More details soon.