IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

MP3: Mr. Death - To Armageddon

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:41:54 -0700

Considering the recent demise of Dismember, it's good to know there are still bands out there churning out solid no-frills Swedish death (fucking) metal like Mr. Death. I'm all for innovation and and originality and whatever, but there's also something to be said for sticking to a genre and doing it perfectly and Mr. Death do just that. I'd even venture to say that their sophomore record "Descending through ashes" is an improvement on their totally solid debut. Also worth noting: there are few genres where the practitioners seem to improve as they get older and strangely, contrary to all expectations, death metal has proven to be an exception, alongside jazz and country. Yes, there are plenty of youngins who are able to nail that filthy old-school sound and so on, but more often than not, they end up coming off as try-hards or are sorely lacking in actual songwriting abilities. Not so with many of the other old-timers such as Mr. Death; see also US counterparts such as Disma and Immolation who are both 40+ and at the top of their game. Respect your elders!

Dismember comes to an end

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:59:56 -0700

Long-running Swedish death metal masters Dismember have officially called it quits after 23 years of being genre pioneers: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164728

Morbus Chron Sleepers in the rift Pulverised Records

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:06:26 -0700

It's old-school Swedish death metal time again and Stockholm quartet Morbus Chron are dishing out other people's riffs like they're going out of style. This hits me on four levels. All at once they're great, good, mediocre, and awful. You may wonder how that's possible, so allow me to disclose: Firstly, there's a killer, super-heavy and flawless production courtesy of Nicke Andersson. That's the great part. Secondly, they offer (via artist Raul Gonzalez) an oddly colorful piece of cover art that's quite like a fantasy retake on John Carpenter's "The thing". That's the good part. Thirdly, there's the music itself which, as enjoyable as it can be, is nothing more than a rehash of old Swedish riffs from days of yore. There are constant references to stuff that the band have either subconsciously 'borrowed' or blatantly ripped off and I have no idea which is true. Maybe it's neither; maybe it's a bit of both. If you want just one example, however, grab your copy of Dismember's vastly-superior "Massive killing capacity" album, crank up "Hallucigenia" and then have a blast of the main riffs in both Chron's "The hallucinating dead" and "The lidless coffin". That's the mediocre part; the complete lack of originality. And the awful part? Well, I'm never really one to have a pop at image but, guys, seriously. Unless you've had to squeeze the photo shoot in on a quick break from a day's hard graft down a coalmine, there's no excuse. To sweeten what might seem like a harsh review, I must add that Robba's vocals are pretty damn cool. Keep the sound and write something that hasn't been done by every other Swedish death metal band over the last 20 years and Morbus Chron could be onto a winner.

Blood Mortized Bestial Nocturnal Blood Records

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:01:01 -0800

The old-school Swedish sound made famous by Entombed and Dismember back in the day has come back with such force and in so many numbers of late that it's hardly fair to call it a revival. There's part of me that is wholeheartedly delighted to hear fresh songs surface with the HM-2 guitar buzz yet, with the vast amount of bands sporting the sound these days, there's another part of me that concedes the fact that nothing compares to the likes of "Left hand path" or "Like an everflowing stream" when it comes to the allied genius of that sound and song structure. Blood Mortized are one of the few modern bands that pretty much have both aspects nailed down. They have displayed in "Bestial" a thorough knowledge of what drove the scene and drew the masses into the hellish depths of Sweden's death metal darkside back in the late '80s and early '90s. It's a pity that there are only three tracks on offer here but, with this being a vast improvement on 2009's debut full-length, there's a glimmer of hope that their next full length will be a subhuman monster of an album.

In Solitude to Metal Blade

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 11:27:19 -0800

Lambgoat reports that Metal Blade has signed Swedish metal act In Solitude: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=15459
The band recorded their new album at Nicke Andersson (Hellacopters, Death Breath, Imperial State Electric, etc.) at his new Gutterview Studios in Stockholm with Fred Estby (Dismember, Necronaut) producing. Expect a spring 2011 release. And as for those UFO comparisons, I dunno... as far as I'm concerned, the band's 2008 self-titled debut sounds way more like Mercyful Fate/King Diamond worship to me. Not that that's a bad thing.

Interment Into the crypts of blasphemy Pulverised Records

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:09:01 -0700

Ah, the good old days of Swedish death metal. They’ve never really gone away, with the early recordings of likes of Entombed, Dismember, Carnage and Grave still cited as the best, most influential death metal ever to disgust the planet. One band that was around back then -- having formed at the same time as all the aforementioned legends -- was fellow countrymen Interment. Having disbanded after the release of a few demos back in the day, they tested the water back in 2007 with a split with US death crew Funebrarum before going on to record this, their first ever full-length album. I could go on and on describing the sound and the songwriting in great detail but, to keep it short and to the point -- and to let you know exactly what this album sounds like -- one sentence will do the trick: it's the oldschool Stockholm sound and style, done with great authenticity and the aspiration to be the "Left hand path" of the 21st Century. Obviously, nothing can ever top "LHP" but, for those looking for something new in this particular style "Into the crypts of blasphemy" isn't too far away.

Necronaut lineup revealed

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:45:09 -0700

Necronaut, the solo project of ex-Dismember drummer Fred Estby, has posted the complete guest lineup for his upcoming album: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=414772938&blogId=538096458
For those that aren't so good with names, the list includes members from Entombed, Death Breath, Autopsy, At the Gates, Watain, Graveyard and more.

Necronaut - In dark tribute

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:53:42 -0700

Necronaut, the solo project of Fred Estby from Dismember/Carnage, is streaming a new track at myspace featuring guest twin brothers Hellbutcher and Tyrant (both from Nifelheim/Treblinka): http://www.myspace.com/necronaut666
I'm into it.

Sirius playlist week #21

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:41:17 -0700

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Elephant9 - Fugl fønix
02. TALK 1
03. Håkan Lidbo - X-Bot-DXC vs MC-Monstrux - EuroAsian Warzone Cronicle
04. Disco Ensemble - Protector
05. Kausal - Evac
06. TALK 2
07. Smoke Mohawk - Murder attempt
08. Masshysteri - Dom kan inte höre musiken
09. MF/MB/ - The big machine
10. Chicagojazzen - VI
11. TALK 3
12. Monty - Seglaren
13. Sweatmaster - Turnover
14. The Aches - Count slowly to ten
15. Dismember - Misanthropic
16. TALK 4
17. Camouflage - Syster sol
18. EL-SD - SÖSJÖ
19. Darkthrone - Those treasures will never befall you
20. TALK 5
21. Deathbed - Black sky

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Nirvana 2002 Recordings 89-91 Relapse

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:28:11 -0700

Ahhh, the sonic wonder that is old-school Swedish death metal. Remembering the good old days when the likes of Entombed (Nihilist), Dismember, Carnage and the crew were kickstarting a musical style that would not only define a genre, but remain in fond memory for decades to follow. Another band in the fold during those early days of death was Nirvana 2002, also spewing forth the guitar tone from Helvete (you know the one) and blasting out some of the best death metal this side of the "Left hand path". Indeed, the opening track on this, "Mourning", could easily sit on the lauded debut from Entombed and hold its own. In fact, it even kicks the ass of some of the tunes on "LHP" and, since that's probably my all-time favorite death metal record, it's really saying something. The songs here have all the elements of classic Swedish death metal: from the overall, face-ripping sound, to the masterful song construction that offers fast sections, pummelling mid-paced passages, and slow, haunting, melodic runs. Obviously, with this release being a collection of early recordings there's bound to be some variation in production between songs. The quality doesn't really begin to waver though until track seven ("Physical excursion / Truth and beauty"), which is understandable, given the songs from here on comprise the band's very first demos and rehearsal tapes. It's not an issue, however, as they give true insight into the workings of a fledgling genre, essentially serving as a window to the past and offering us the chance to really hear what was going on back in those formative years. On that note, the tracks from 1990's "Disembodied spirits" are presented here in two forms -- the original mix and a fresh 2009 mix. As could probably be expected, while the new mix offers a fuller, beefed out sound, the 1990 mix allows the true power of the original songs to shine through. As a whole, this is an exceptional and very welcome release indeed. An essential album for fans of the genre.

Fred Estby unveils Necronaut

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:09:21 -0700

Necronaut, the solo project of ex-Dismember/Carnage drummer/Sunlight Studios engineer Fred Estby, has signed with Regain Records and will be releasing their self-titled album later this year. The band features music written by Estby with a huge cast of metal all-stars contributing guest vocals and guitar tracks including luminaries such as Tomas Lindberg (Disfear, At the Gates), Nicke Andersson (Death Breath, ex-Entombed, The Hellacopters), Robert Pehrsson (Death Breath, Dundertåget), Robert "Strings" Dahlqvist (Dundertåget) and many more. Hear a sample tune at myspace featuring vocals from Chris Reifert (Abcess, Autopsy) and lead guitar from Uffe Cederlund (Disfear, ex-Entombed): http://www.myspace.com/necronaut666

The Generals Stand up straight Metalcentral Records

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:57:14 -0700

The best way to put a tag on this Swedish quartet is to take Entombed's "To ride, shoot straight and speak the truth" and Dismember's "Massive killing capacity" and fuse the two to create an album that displays the mid-90s death 'n' roll sentiment as expressed by the country's extreme forerunners back then. Both bands have long since left their bop-mosh tendencies to explore different paths (although it was really Entombed's ball, with Dismember lightly toying with the idea amid a more straightforward death metal foundation), essentially leaving a gap in the market for those who fell in love with the style and who strive to make it their own. The Generals manage to pull it off with great conviction, despite not quite achieving the hair-raising impact made by their death metal ancestors. There's one main ingredient here -- the old-school Tomas Skogsberg guitar sound – that elevates this to a status it wouldn't otherwise deserve. It offers what is essentially slightly-above-par songwriting a boost into the realms of acceptance and makes the songs a good deal more enjoyable than if they had some sort of generic death metal tone. That said, the production on here is ever-so-slightly on the wrong side of tinny and it gets a tad annoying after a while. Songwise, it's average with a few shining moments here and there, most notably on their purer death metal moments such as "The offer still stands" and "Consulting with the sinner". Track of the disc must go to "Portal to paradise" though, with its clever use of '80s Sunset Strip hard rock passages that fit so well with the heavier elements that it's a shame The Generals didn't have the foresight to make more use of the amalgam. Overall, "Stand up straight" is a good debut album that shows a wealth of potential, providing the band take the right steps on their next effort.

Blood Mortized s/t Vrykoblast Productions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:30:42 -0800

Blood Mortized are a solid B-grade, 2nd-wave Swedish death metal act, comparable to Dismember's more mediocre moments. Never too exceptionally raw or brutal, fast or ferocious- just good ol' middle-of-the-road groovy death (fucking) metal. I was actually pretty stoked on them at first listen, but digging deeper yielded diminishing returns as too many songs either sound the same, go on too long, or both. On the other hand, they do boast one of the cleanest metal recordings I've heard in recent memory, and that's at least worth some points. It's especially apparent on the drums which are warm, clear, punchy and very natural sounding -- an oddity in this age of trigger abuse and overproduction. Shame the material isn't slightly more interesting to match.

Iron Lamb to record split with Deadmask

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:25:21 -0700

Iron Lamb, the new Swedish all-star "filthrock" act featuring members from Dismember, General Surgery, Repugnant, Tyrant and more, will be releasing a split 12" with Spanish doom act Deadmask via Psychedoomelic Records. No date set yet, but considering that the band aims to record in October/November, I'd say to expect an early 2010 release.

Presenting: Iron Lamb

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:17:39 -0700

The brand new Swedish "filthrock" act Iron Lamb (feat. members from Dismember, General Surgery, Repugnant, Tyrant, more) will be releasing their debut 7" via Greek label Nuclear Winter Records this coming fall. The band is also working on their live debut which will happen on August 22 at Hornstull Strand as part of Stockholm-based tattoo parlor Swahili Bob's 4-year anniversary party with Poison Idea (thee Kings of Punk!) and Henry Fiat's Open Sore, who will apparently be debuting "a new style," whatever that means (speculation is not positive from what I've seen). Listen to demo tracks at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ironlambofficial

Various Artists Swedish Death Metal Index Verlag

Thu, 07 May 2009 17:43:01 -0700

At first I bemoaned the fact that this collection was only coming out as a 3-CD set and not on vinyl, but the truth of the matter is that three 60+ minute CDs would necessitate a massive LP boxset. As if the mountain of licensing paperwork I'm sure this collection entailed wasn't enough, I can only imagine the intimidating pricetag that would add to it. No, the format this collection really should have been released as is cassette tape -- that's how this music was first distributed, that's how it was listened to. Bands aspired to vinyl, but the era of the demo tape defined the early Swedish death metal scene and that's where a lot of this source material originated. The heavyweights are all here: Nihilist, Entombed, At the Gates, Unleashed, Dismember, Grave, etc.; even if Earache and Black Mark would not relinquish rights for landmarks such as Entombed's "Left hand path" or Bathory's "Under the sign of the black mark" without a hefty fee, at least we can still hear many of the demos. Many other less prominent, but by no means less worthy acts are represented as well: Merciless, Liers in Wait, Evocation, Nirvana 2002... all painstakingly collected by the corresponding book's author Daniel Ekeroth, who also provides liner notes for each track. As a single-session listening experience, it's near-overkill, but as a historical document and learning aid it is invaluable. Of course, the tracklist isn't perfect and Daniel's prejudice towards Gothenburg's melodic metal scene is evident, but I see no valid reason to complain. The entire project is a labor of love and we are lucky it exists at all. Daniel's respect and dedication for the genre trumps any benefit deeper pockets (or broader minds) could afford and for that he has my deepest admiration.

Sirius playlist week #7

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:48:59 -0800

Here's the playlist for this week's radio show Sirius XMU:

01. Saralunden - Les mains d'un autre
02. TALK 1
03. Agent Side Grinder - The screams
04. Victims - Victims in blood #5
05. The Garlands - Freedom
06. Livaventura - Keep on driving
07. TALK 2
08. Anna Ternheim - Better be
09. NEI - City of gold
10. Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - Lost & losing
11. TALK 3
12. A Camp - Golden teeth and silver medals
13. Leif Jordansson - Mellan drömmar och bränder
14. Mechanical Bird - Harbour me
15. Samtidigt Som - Vid min sida
16. TALK 4
17. Wolfbrigade - Deny tomorrow
18. Dismember - Beyond good and evil
19. Marvins Revolt - Deliberate deeds
20. Timo Räisänen - Sweet Marie
21. TALK 5
22. Voices Break the Silence - This awful friend

Reminder: my show airs every week on Sundays and Mondays at 11pm ET on Sirius XMU. That's channel 26 on Sirius, 43 on XM and 831 for DirecTV subscribers.

Manifest nominees are go

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:39:27 -0800

The nominees for the Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative Grammy, have been announced:

Synth:
Thermostatic - Humanizer (Wonderland Records)
Zeigeist - The Jade Motel (Spegel/Imperial Recordings/Playground)
Moonlight Cove - Orphans of the Storm (Kinetophone/Hot Stuff)
Elegant Machinery - A soft exchange (Out of Line/Hot Stuff)
Rhythm:
Movits - Äppelknyckarjazz (BD Pop/Universal)
Erici - Brasilicum (Erici Music/Dead Frog)
Saft Stockholm - Ordet (Saft Productions/Stockholm Electronica)
Kungers - Galaxen (Rätta Visan/Border)
Experimental:
Anders Dahl - Doorbells (Bombaxbombax)
Nina de Heyney, Charlotte Hug & Christian Jormin - Acoustic Electronic (LJ Records)
Pär Thörn - Schöneberg/Stammheim/Gärdet/Rågsved (Treffpunkt)
Anders Hultqvist - Traces (Chamber Sound)
Pop:
Frida Hyvönen - Silence Is Wild (Licking Fingers/Playground)
Hello Saferide - More modern short stories from... (Razzia/Bonnier Amigo)
Joel Alme - A Master Of Ceremonies (Sincerely Yours/Border)
Nordpolen - På Nordpolen (Sincerely Yours/Border)
Rock:
The Hellacopters - Head Off (Wild Kingdom/Sound Pollution)
Pascal - Galgberget (Novoton/Bonnier Amigo)
Fatboy - In My Bones (Fat State Production/Playground)
Manikins - Crocodiles (P.Trash Records)
Dance:
Pär Grindvik - Samlad årsproduktion (Stockholm LTD)
Anders Ilar - Sworn (Level Records 11)
Style of Eye - Duck cover and hold (Pieces of eight records)
Zoo Brazil - No Place Like Home (Gung Ho! Recordings)
Jazz:
Bobo Stenson Trio - Cantando (ECM/Naxos)
Nina Ramsby & Ludwig Berghe Trio - Du har blivit stor nu [En kamp!] (Moserobie/Bonnier Amigo)
e.s.t. - Leucocyte (ACT/Bonnier Amigo)
The Splendor - Sound of Splendor (HOOB/Border)
Punk/Hardcore:
Disco Volante - "We are forever" (Not enough)
Disfear - "Live the storm" (Relapse/Border)
Nitad - "Ibland kan man inte hindra sig själv" (Kranium)
Meanwhile - "Reality or nothing" (Feral Ward)
Hårdrock/Metal:
Burst - Lazarus Bird (Relapse/Border)
Dismember - Dismember (Regain/Sound Pollution)
Grand Magus - Iron Will (Rise above/Border)
Opeth - Watershed (Roadrunner/Bonnier Amigo)
Hip-hop/R'n'B/Soul:
Chords - Things We Do For Things (Juju/Playground)
Afasi & Filthy – Fläcken (P.o.p.e./Playground)
Masse - Gott & Blandat Vol. 2
Allyawan - Blu Duk Mixtape Vol. 2
Folk/Ballad:
Gunnel Mauritzson Band - Det som sker...(Sandkvie Records/CDA)
Maria Hörnelius, Bernt Andersson & Kjell Jansson - En sång för Kent (Eld Records/Border)
Jonas Knutsson & Johan Norberg - Skaren - Norrland III (Act/BAM)
Bjernulf/Björklund/Lindh – Pål Olles väg (Courage)
Singer/Songwriter:
Melpo Mene - Bring the Lions Out (Imperial Recordings/Playground)
Hyacinth House - Black Crows Country (True Music Production/Glitterhouse)
First Aid Kit - Drunken Trees (Rabid Records/Border)
Olle Nyman - Venture (A West Side Fabrication/Border)
Live:
Detektivbyrån (Danarkia)
The Hellacopters (Psychout Records)
Lykke Li (LL Recordings)
Robyn (Konichiwa Records)
Myspace prize for best unsigned act:
Montauk
Hero in action
Miranda Gjerstad
Sci-Fi Hands
John F Karlsson
Dyno
Tim Schmidt
Nottee
The Bellevues
Diskoteket

Go here for more: http://www.manifestgalan.se/

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:49:28 -0700

Dismember will play a 20-year anniversary show on November 22 at Debaser Medis in Stockholm which will feature all present and past members of the band performing songs from throughout their career.

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:22:57 -0800

DigitalMetal recommends Dismember's new self-titled album, calling it a return to form: http://www.eclipsemagazine.ws/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1275

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:57:34 -0800

Dismember will tour the UK in March: http://www.regainrecords.com/viewItem.php?id=206

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:52:05 -0800

Preview a brand new track from Swedish death metal legends Dismember: http://www.myspace.com/dismemberpromo

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 17:40:41 -0800

Dismember's new self-titled album will be out in February via Regain Records.

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for this week's radio show:

01. Timo Räisänen - My valentine
02. TALK 1
03. Torpedo - From Russia with love
04. Desert Planet - Breakout button
05. Ebba Grön - Mamma pappa barn
06. TALK 2
07. The End Will Be Kicks - Don Johnson
08. Skywriter - Where both worlds never meet
09. Skull Defekts - The secret
10. TALK 3
11. Tsukimono - Tokyo OEast
12. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Trying to get home
13. Enemy Alliance - Government subsidized ghetto
14. TALK 4
15. The Indecision Alarm - Where every fucking dream is killed
16. Dismember - Soon to be dead
17. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Moments
18. TALK 5
19. Kristofer Åström - All in
20. Pan Sonic - Virta 1
21. Ulver - Of wolf and fear
22. TALK 6
23. Mainliners - Olivia
24. 120 Days - Let me come down
25. Universal Poplab - 60 is the new 40
26. TALK 7
27. Dag Vag - Popitop
28. The Bombettes - Lust is the new black
29. Breach - Big strong boss
30. TALK 8
31. CS Nielsen - Black spots
32. Tape - Sand dunes
33. The Psyke Project - For us to see for us to help
34. TALK 9
35. Cortex - Shark boys die hard
36. Viola - I don't know how to party
37. Don't Be A Stranger - Lonely together
38. TALK 10
39. Broder Daniel - What clowns are we

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Drummer Fred Estby has decided to leave Dismember after 20 years in order to spend more time with his family. The band is currently hard at work on new material and does think their loss will slow them down.

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish death-metal legends Dismember will roll through Poland in April:

04/21 - Music Garden, Lodz (PL)
04/22 - Pod Palma, Rzeszów (PL)
04/23 - Loch Ness, Kraków (PL)
04/24 - Mega Club, Katowice (PL)
04/25 - Eskulap, Poznan (PL)
04/26 - Madness, Wroclaw (PL)
04/27 - Od Nowa, Torun (PL)
04/28 - Progresja, Warszawa (PL)
04/29 - Grafitti, Lublin (PL)

MP3: Dismember - Override of the overture

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

I'm kinda bummed out by yesterday's news that the upcoming Entombed/Dismember/Grave tour has been cancelled. Consensus has it that Entombed is very much past their prime, but how can you pass up three of Swedish death-metal's forefathers on one bill? While I know that Entombed will never release another "Left hand path" or "Clandestine", their latest output has still been pretty damn solid, especially considering all the lineup difficulties they've gone through. Anyhow, that's not the band I want to talk about today - this week's Friday mp3 comes from Dismember off their landmark 1991 release "Like an everflowing stream". Entombed may be the band everyone thinks of first when they're talking about Swedish death-metal pioneers, but we cannot forget Dismember. They were just as important when it comes to that famous, instantly recognizable 'Sunlight studios sound.' New bands are still trying to rip it off, but no one can touch the original masters. That guitar tone is so thick, meaty and totally devastating. When I want to hear something heavy, that's what I have in mind.

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The previously announced Swedish death-metal legends US tour set for December featuring the unholy trinity of Entombed, Dismember and Grave has been cancelled.

Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Via Lupatarkastaja, an interesting tribute to classic Swedish death-metal act Dismember: http://www.myspace.com/tonynaima
I was actually just listening to their album "Like an everflowing stream" this morning.

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish death-metal legends Entombed, Dismember and Grave will tour the US together in December:

12/01 - Knitting Factory, Hollywood, CA
12/02 - The Pound, San Francisco, CA
12/03 - tba, Chico, CA
12/04 - Rock N Roll Pizza, Portland, OR
12/05 - tba, Vancouver, BC
12/06 - Studio 7, Seattle, WA
12/07 - tba, Boise, ID
12/08 - tba, Salt Lake City, UT
12/09 - Hubba's, Denver, CO
12/10 - The Launchpad, Albuquerque, NM
12/11 - tba, Tulsa, OK
12/12 - Chics, El Paso, TX
12/13 - Clubhouse, Phoenix, AZ
12/14 - The Forum, Mexicali, MEX
12/15 - Showcase Theater, Corona, CA
12/16 - The Jumping Turtle, San Marcos, CA

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Swedish death-metal legends Dismember, Entombed, Grave and Unleashed will team up for a European tour together in November. Dates and details soon.

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Demilich, Anata, Disfear and Dismember will be representing Scandinavia at next year's Maryland Death Fest at Sonar in Baltimore on May 27-28. Details: http://www.supremebrutality.com/fest

Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Dismember has confirmed that their new album "The god that never was" will be released January 27 via Regain Records.

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Bassist Johan Bergebäck has left long-running Swedish death-metal act Dismember. The band is currently seeking a replacement, so if you think you've got what it takes, send an email to dismemberbooking@hotmail.com.

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Legendary Swedish death-metallers Dismember will enter Sami Studio in Stockholm on August 15 to begin recording their next album. Drummer Fred Estby will produce once again and it should be out some time around mid-January.

Tue, 31 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Souldevourer is the name of a new old-school Swedish death-metal band founded by ex-Dismember/Unleashed guitarist Robert Sennebäck. Joining him on the new project are fellow scene veterans Ola Lindgren (Grave, guitar) and Joakim Sterner (Necrophobic, drums). More info: http://www.souldevourer.se/

Mon, 02 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Dismember's back catalogue of Swedish death-metal classics will be reissued by Regain Records in June in special double-album editions. Here's the schedule:

06/13 - "Pieces" / "Indecent & Obscene"
06/20 - "Massive Killing Capacity" / "Death Metal"
06/27 - "Hate Campaign" / "Complete Demos"

Thu, 06 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Long-running Swedish death-metal act Dismember has signed with Regain Records. The band's last album "Where ironcrosses grow" was released last year on Karmageddon Media.

Mon, 03 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for the 2004 Manifest Awards have been announced. Here are a few of the categories:

Pop/rock:
David Sandström - "The Dominant Need of the Needy Soul Is to be Needed"
Jens Lekman - "When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog"
Stina Nordenstam - "The World Is Saved"
Silverbullit - "Arclight"

Hardrock/punk:
C.Aarmé - "C.Aarmé"
Dismember - "When Iron Crosses Grow"
Haunted - "rEVOLVEr"
Koma - "Tsunami"
Totalt Jävla Mörker - "Människans ringa värde"

Hip-hop/R&B/soul:
Helt Off - "Helt Off"
Ison & Fille - "Ison & Fille"
Promoe - "Long Distance Runner"
Snook - "Vi vet inte vart vi ska men vi ska komma dit"
Rico Wondahman - "Takin' Over"

Post-rock/electronica:
Backlash - "Heliotrop"
Andreas Tilliander - "World Industries"
Sophie Rimheden - "Miss"
Hans Appelqvist - "Bremort"
IC1 - "The Birth of Industrial Cool"

Dance/house/techno:
Quant - "Getting Out"
Andreas Tilliander - "World Industries"
Sophie Rimheden - "Miss"
Hird - "Moving On"
Ernesto's - "Album"

Solo/singer/songwriter:
Stina Nordenstam - "The World Is Saved"
Florence Valentin - "Johnny Drama"
Billie the Vision & The Dancers - "I Was So Unpopular in School"
Tobias Fröberg - "For Elisabeth Wherever She Is"
Nina Ramsby & Martin Hederos - "Visorna"

Best live:
Existensminimum
Mattias Alkberg
Silverbullit
Svenska Akademien
Jens Lekman

Best newcomer:
Tiger Lou - "Is My Head Still On?"
Nanook of the North - "The Täby Tapes"
Fatboy - "Steelhearted"
Jens Lekman - "When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog"
Cirera - "Honestly, I Love You *Cough*"

The Manifest Awards are considered an alternative to the Swedish Grammy in the same way that the Alarm Prize is regarded in Norway. Winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held February 1 at Nalen in Stockholm. More info: http://www.som.a.se/manifest/index.html

Thu, 16 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for the 2004 Swedish Grammy awards have been announced. Here's most of em:

Best newcomer:
Ana Johnsson - "The Way I Am"
Anna Ternheim - "Somebody Outside""
Deportees - "All Prayed Up"
Jens Lekman - "When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog"
Raymond & Maria - "Vi ska bara leva klart"

Best album:
Christian Walz - "Paint By Numbers"
Marit Bergman - "Baby Dry Your Eye"
Stina Nordenstam - "The World Is Saved"
The Hives - "Tyrannosaurus Hives"
The Soundtrack of our Lives - "Origin Vol. 1"

Best artist:
Gyllene Tider - "Finn 5 Fel!"
Lena Philipsson - "Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan"
Marit Bergman - "Baby Dry Your Eye"
The Hives - "Tyrannosaurus Hives"
The Soundtrack of Our Lives - "Origin Vol. 1"

Best song:
Raymond & Maria - "Ingen vill veta vart du köpt din tröja"
Lena Philipsson - "Det gör ont"
Nic & The Family - "Hej Hej Monika"
Gyllene Tider - "Tuffa tider/Sten vid en sjö i en skog"
Shirley Clamp - "Min kärlek"

Best pop (female):
Anna Ternheim - "Somebody Outside"
Lena Philipsson - "Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan"
Marit Bergman - "Baby Dry Your Eye"
Sophie Zelmani - "Love Affair"
Stina Nordenstam - "The World Is Saved"

Best pop (male):
Christian Walz - "Paint By Numbers"
Di Leva - "Tiden faller"
Jens Lekman - "When I Said I Wanted To Be Your Dog"
Mattias Alkberg BD - "Tunaskolan"
Tomas Andersson Wij - "Stjärnorna i oss"

Best pop group:
Alcazar - "Dancefloor - Deluxe"
Deportees - "All Prayed Up"
Gyllene Tider - "Finn 5 Fel!"
Melody Club - "Face The Music"
Raymond & Maria - "Vi ska bara leva klart"

Best rock album (solo):
Kristofer Åström - "Loupita"
Lars Winnerbäck - "Vatten under broarna"
Nicolai Dunger - "Here's My Song You Can Have It..."
Stefan Sundström - "Hjärtats melodi"
Ulf Lundell - "Ok Baby Ok"

Best rock group:
Sahara Hotnights - "Kiss & Tell"
Silverbullit - "Arclight"
Teddybears Sthlm - "Fresh!"
The Hives - "Tyrannosaurus Hives"
The Soundtrack of Our Lives - "Origin Vol. 1"

Best songwriter:
Anna Ternheim
Christian Walz & Ollie Olson
Marit Bergman
Per Gessle
Stina Nordenstam

Best lyrics:
Anna Ternheim
Jens Lekman
Lars Winnerbäck
Marit Bergman
Tomas Andersson Wij

Best producer:
Christian Walz
Johan Forsman & The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Lars Halapi
Pelle Gunnerfeldt & The Hives
Teddybears Sthlm & Phat Fabe

Best hip-hop/soul:
Damn! - "Youth Style"
Embee - "Tellings From Solitaria"
Infinite Mass - "1991"
Ison & Fille - "Ison & Fille"
Promoe - "The Long Distance Runner"

Best hard-rock/metal:
Dismember - "Where Ironcrosses Grow"
Entombed - "Unreal Estate"
Europe - "Start From The Dark"
In Flames - "Soundtrack To Your Escape"
The Hellacopters - "Strikes Like Lightning"

Best club/dance:
Andreas Tilliander - "World Industries"
Da Buzz - "Dangerous - The Album"
Guidelines - Must Be The Music"
Hird - "Moving On"
Stonebridge - "Can't Get Enough"

Best jazz:
Goran Kajfes - "Headspin"
Kullrusk - "Kullrusk"
Putte Wickman & Jan Lundgren - "We Will Always Be Together"
Rigmor Gustafsson And The Jacky Terrasson Trio - "Close To You"
The Torbjörn Zetterberg Hot Five - "Förtjänar mer uppmärksamhet"

Open category:
Alice Babs & Nisse Linds Hottrio - "Alice Babs & Nisse Linds Hot-Trio"
Anders F Rönnblom - "F-Box"
Blacknuss - "Gold"
Stefan Nilsson - "Så som i himmelen"
Titiyo - "Best of Titiyo"

Check out the full list here: http://www.ifpi.se/02.images/01.top/02.subnav_pdf/08.grammis/pdf/Grammisnomineringar_2004.pdf

Thu, 02 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Dismember has recruited Johan Bergebäck as their new bassplayer. The guy who used to hold down the job, Rickard Cabeza, lives in Texas nowadays, so needless to say, the whole commuter was not working out. Johan has been supporting the band as a session player for some time now, so it's a natural fit.

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The German webzine Sellfish has posted a review of the new Dismember DVD "Live Blasphemies": http://sellfish.inserteffekt.com/_start.php?link=review/08-04.htm%23dism

Mon, 26 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Dismember is heading out on a European tour in November along with Psycroptic, Anata and Sanatorium:

11/03 - Hirsch, Nürnberg (GER)
11/04 - Röhre, Stuttgart (GER)
11/05 - Jokus, Gießen (GER)
11/06 - Titanic City, München (GER)
11/07 - GAG , Codburg (GER)
11/09 - tba (FRA)
11/10 - Westschweiz (FRA)
11/11 - Dynamo, Zürich (SWI)
11/12 - Hafen, Innsbruck (AUS)
11/13 - Explosiv, Graz (GER)
11/14 - Monastery, Wien (AUS)
11/15 - Jugendhaus, Pesc (HUN)
11/16 - Ljubljana (SLO)
11/17 - Ohrakel, Ingolstadt (GER)
11/18 - K17, Berlin (GER)
11/19 - Mensa, Greifswald (GER)
11/20 - Alte Brauerei, Annaburg (GER)
11/21 - Rockclub, Hildesheim (GER)
11/22 - Headbangers, Hamburg (GER)
11/23 - N8, ex Works, Osnabrück (GER)
11/24 - AJZ Bahndamm, Wermelskirchen (GER)
11/25 - Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
11/26 - Underworld, London (UK)
11/27 - The Venue, Edinburgh (UK)
11/28 - Joseph Wells , Leeds (UK)

Mon, 10 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Matti from Swedish death metal act Dismember talks to Concreteweb about their new album "Where Ironcrosses Grow", their deteriorated relationship with old label Nuclear Blast and subsequent signed to Hammerheart nee Karmageddon Media and more: http://www.concreteweb.be/interviews_2004/dismember/dismember2004interview.htm

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The new issue of Aversionline is up featuring interviews with Swedish hardcore band Path of No Return and their usual huge list of reviews including Crowpath, Dismember, Hearse, In Flames, Kaaos in Eccentris, Lamented Souls, Lasse Marhaug, Morifade, Ovro, P-Nissarna, the aforementioned Path of No Return, Skitsystem, Totalt Jävla Mörker, Vintersorg, Winds, Within Y and tons more: http://www.holyterror.com/aversionline/

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

DigitalMetal gives a mixed review to the new Dismember album "Where Ironcrosses Grow": http://www.digitalmetal.com/reviews.asp?cid=4935

Fri, 26 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

It's metal week over at Aftonbladet with previews and reviews of new releases from In Flames and Dismember. Oh, and Teddybears STHLM, too: http://www.aftonbladet.se/ettor/webb/885_normal.html (on the right, in Swedish)
The new Dismember sounds like the band got caught in a time warp back to the early 90s. Don't worry, that's a good thing.

Wed, 17 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Dismember vocalist Matti Kärki talks to Metal Reference about the long break between albums and the split with longtime label Nuclear Blast, among other topics: http://www.metal-reference.com/dismember/interview1.html

Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

New artists added to the Umeå Open lineup: Turbonegro, Metric, Chords, Dismember, Tiger Lou, Moonbabies, Monkeystrikes, Swing-A-Ling Movement, DJ Topaz, Sagor & Swing, Indiffernet, Ninja Massacre, Tidy-Ups, Tor Lundmark & Songes and Sofia Gustafsson.

Mon, 09 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Download the title track from the new Dismember album "Where Ironcrosses Grow": http://www.hammerheart.com/mp3/dismember_whereironcrossesgrow.mp3
The CD is set for a March 8 release through Karmageddon Media. Here's the full tracklist:

01. Where Ironcrosses Grow
02. Forged With Hate
03. Me-God
04. Tragedy Of The Faithful
05. Chasing The Serpent
06. Where Angels Fear To Tread
07. Sword Of Light
08. As The Coins Upon Your Eyes
09. Children Of The Cross
10. As I Pull The Trigger

Wed, 07 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Some of the bands confirmed for the Party.San Open Air festival in Bad Berka, Germany on August 12-14: Dismember, Carpathian Forest, Vomitory, Disfear, The Crown, Panzerchrist, The Duskfall, Hatesphere, Zyklon and Incapacity. Full details: http://www.party-san.de/

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Candlelight Records has secured US licensing rights for all releases from Dutch label Karmageddon Media. Beginning in 2004 the label will release new albums from Morifade, Hearse, Within Y, Dismember and more, as well as special enhanced reissues of albums from Aeturnus, Nocturnus and the Dimmu Borgir/Old Man Child split. For those that don't know, Candlelight is the label home of black-metal legends Emperor and has recently put out records by bands such as Zyklon (feat. ex-Emperor guitarist Samoth), Grimfist (feat. ex-Immortal drummer Horgh) and many more.

Thu, 13 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Dismember has set March 8 as the release date for their long-awaited new album "Where Ironcrosses Grow" on Holland's Karmageddon Media (nee Hammerheart Records). The band's upcoming double DVD "Live Blasphemies", featuring their entire show from May 27, 2003 at Klubben in Stockholm plus a 90-minute documentary, comes out January 26 on Escapi.

Wed, 03 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Dismember will release a double DVD set on October 25 through Escapi Records. Disc one will feature an entire live set from a 05/27/03 performance at Klubben in Stockholm, Sweden and disc two will be a 90-minute documentary/home video covering the group's entire career.

Tue, 13 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Trapdoor Fucking Exit's updated tour itinerary:

06/04 - 1000 Fryd, Aalborg (DK)
06/05 - Volxbad, Flensburg (DE)
06/06 - Störtebeker, Hamburg (DE)
06/07 - tba, Cologne (DE)
06/08 - Le Marignan, Athus/Aubagne (BE)
06/09 - tba - Netherlands
06/10 - Alhambra, Oldenburg (DE)
06/11 - Occii, Amsterdam (NL)
06/12 - tba, Caen (F)
06/13 - tba, Rouen (F)
06/14 - P-Werk, Blieskastel (DE)
06/15 - tba - Germany
06/16 - Juz Degerloch, Stuttgart (DE)
06/17 - tba, Germany
06/18 - tba, Austria
06/19 - The Red Hole, Budapest (HU)
06/20 - K4, Nürnberg (DE)
06/21 - Kafé Kult, München (DE)
06/22 - tba, Germany
06/23 - tba, Germany
06/24 - Az Conni, Dresden (DE)
06/25 - Chekov, Cottbus (DE)
06/26 - tba - Berlin (DE)
06/27 - tba
06/28 - tba
06/29 - Baracke, Münster (DE)
06/30 - Frontline, Gent (DE)
07/01 - tba
07/02 - tba
07/03 - tba

They also posted a bunch of new pictures over at their website for those that may be interested.

Pitchforkmedia.com reviews JR Ewing's latest today and actually like it. Will wonders ever cease?

MTV Germany will air a one-hour special on Turbonegro this coming Monday, May 19 at midnight. It will feature interviews, clips, and live footage from the Hamburg performance.

Dub Sweden will release a new single for the track "Ice My Fire" on May 26 featuring a previously unreleased track as the b-side.

The Venue have finished posting their tour diary from their recent trip to the US. Sorry I missed the Oakland show guys, but I was dead tired that night.

Ariel Kill Him has posted three mp3s from their latest album "In the Pyramid" over at mp3.com.

Thearkworld.com has posted a live video of The Ark performing "Echo Chamber" in Stockholm from April 30.

Another episode in the ongoing US media of The Sounds: here's a feature on the band from Teen Vogue Magazine. Really now, how many times do we need to hear a Swedish band compared to Abba or gummi fish?

NME reports that Røyksopp are set to play two shows at Somerset House in London on July 10-11, just one in a series of special summer shows at the venue. The group's new single "Sparks" drops on June 16.

P6's Sounds Nordic (SONO) has announced that the next program will feature "hits from the Swedish singles chart, tap into your spiritual side at a spooky art exhibition , and meet our guest Dilba." Go here to listen after it airs.

Stockholm Records artists Kwan and The Klerks have been confirmed for OKEJ-dagen in Göteborg on May 23.

Miss Universum is going on tour in support of the new album "Selfelected":

05/15 - Linköping, Herrgårn
05/29 - Stockholm, Popaganda
06/6-7 - Skärholmen, Satelit
06/12-14 - Hultsfred, Festivalen
07/18 - Norberg
07/31 - Östersund, Storsjöyran

Swedish death-metal acts Merciless and Dismember will play a special gig on May 27 at Klubben in Fryshuset, Stockholm that will be recorded for a DVD to come out in the future.

Surferosa, Madrugada, El Caco, Thulsa Doom, Ricochets, Ralph Myerz and the Jack Herren Band and DumDum Boys have been confirmed to play the Ekstremsportveko (extreme sport week) in Voss, Norway from June 22-29. Read more.

The Norweigan Wood 'Underwood' fest winners have been announced. Check out the list of acts that will be playing. (in Norweigan)

P3 Musikjournalen reports that User is getting ready to release their debut album in September. The new single "Do You" comes out in June and they expect to tour this summer.

Moneybrother is the band of the week over at MTVE.com. Head on over for an interview and video. He also has a couple dates coming up in the near future:

05/14 - Göteborg, Bengans
05/15 - Örebro, Najz Prajz
05/16 - Stockholm, Mega

Though not really of much note, Backyard Babies have checked in via their maillist to say that they are still hard at work writing songs for the new record. They hope to put pictures up from the session on their website and will be making an announcement concerning a producer very soon.
UPDATE: They have reportedly selected Joe Barresi for the job. His previous credits include bands such as Pennywise, Buckcherry, QOTSA and Kyuss.

Bad Taste Records has put up the video for "The Contractor and the Assassin" from Logh. Check it: high / mid / low (Real Player)
The label also has a bunch of new stuff in their webshop like new Logh and Last Days of April shirts for those that may be interested.

C.Aarmé report that they will begin recording their full length debut for Car Crash Records in July. In the meantime, check 'em out on the road:

05/17 - Viva dLTD, Restaurang Minus, GBG w/The New Mess, Cut City
05/21 - Café MIC, Vänersborg w/Alarma man
05/23 - Ungdomens kulturhus, Gislaved w/Alarma man
05/24 - Le Club Suburbia, STHLM w/Alarma man
05/25 - Distro GBG, Meeths unga salonger, GBG

Tue, 25 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

As stated here before, Sahara Hotnights are coming back to the US for a full tour and this time with a full media blitz. We're talking TV appearances, new singles ("Keep Up the Speed"), a US release of the first (and better) album "C'mon Let's Pretend" on April 8... pretty much the works. Here's those tv dates:

2/17 - Last Call with Carson Daly
2/28 - IMX on Much Music USA
3/2 - 120 Minutes on MTV
4/10 - Late Night with Conan O'Brien

And those tour dates again, all except SXSW with Ikara Colt and Washdown:

2/27 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
2/28 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
3/01 - Philadelphia, PA - North Star
3/02 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
3/03 - Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
3/04 - Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle
3/05 - Atlanta, GA - Echo Lounge
3/06 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
3/07 - Orlando, FL - The Social w/Andrew WK
3/08 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
3/10 - New Orleans, LA - Shim Sham Club
3/11 - Los Angeles, CA - Cinespace (Down & Out with the Dolls movie premier party)
3/13 - Austin, TX - The Ritz SXSW w/Stratford 4, Flaming Sideburns
3/14 - Austin, TX - Stubbs SXSW: SPIN party w/Hot Hot Heat, Black Keys, D4
3/15 - Dallas, TX - Trees
3/16 - Oklahoma City, OK - The Green Door
3/17 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
3/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Mason Jar
3/19 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
3/20 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
3/21 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
3/22 - Portland, OR - Dante's
3/23 - Vancouver, BC - The Royal
3/24 - Seattle, WA - Graceland
3/26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Liquid Joes
3/27 - Denver, CO - Climax Lounge
3/28 - Kansas City, MO - El Torreon
3/29 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
3/30 - Chicago, IL - The Metro w/Rocket from the Crypt
3/31 - Detroit, MI - The Shelter
4/01 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
4/02 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
4/03 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
4/04 - Montreal, QC - Petit Campus
4/05 - Boston, MA - TT the Bears

Dismember has confirmed that Dan Seagrve will doing the artwork for the new album "Where Ironcrosses Grow", due out in September on Hammerheart. The artist's previous credits include covers for Entombed, Morbid Angel, Suffocation and the first Dismember album.

The Klerks will doing some acoustic in-store appearances at the beginning of March:

3/1 - Mega Hertz Jönköping
3/5 - Folk & Rock Malmö
3/5 - Folk & Rock Lund
3/6 - Folk & Rock Helsingborg
3/7 - Bengans Göteborg
3/8 - Music Store Linköping

Starting in March, Promopop will begin doing a monthly CD-R feature. Find out more. (in Swedish)

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. The Cardigans - For What It´s Worth
03. The Raveonettes - Attack Of The Ghostriders
04. User - You Belong
05. St. Thomas -Long, Long Time
06. Blues - Gamla Tider
07. Caesars Palace - Candy Kane
08. Paperboys - Find My Way
09. Winta - Emotions

Challengers:
01. Grant - Just The Thing
02. C21 - You Are The One
03. Darcy - False Alarm
04. Firevision - Stars
05. Sahara Hotnights - Alright, Alright

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Labrador Records reports they've just signed the band Wan Light. The band's name comes from the first Orange Juice album, but they say the comparison ends there. Rather, they say they sound a bit more like Neil Young, Pet Shop Boys, Momus or Mercury Rev. Look for a single in May, an album to follow in the autumn. Otherwise, you can listen to samples here. (see the bottom of the page)

Download an mp3 for the track "The Sadist Nation" from the upcoming Darkest Hour album, due out in May on Victory Records. The song features a guest appearance from ex-At The Gates/The Crown and current Great Deceiver/Skitsystem frontman Tomas Lindberg. Also making guest contributions to the album are Anders Björler (At the Gates, The Haunted), Peter Wichers (Soilwork) and Marcus Sunesson (The Crown). So you know, Darkest Hour themselves are from Virginia, not Sweden.

Paragon's new single for the track "Försök Förstå" comes out soon. It's the first single from the upcoming debut album "Stadsbarn" and was produced by Collén & Webb. The b-side is "D Så Vi Gör" which features a guest appearance by Sabo from Highwon.

The new Ison & Fille single "Vår Värld" comes out March 10. It's the third single from the album "Vår Sida Av Stan". The CD also will include four tracks from the vinyl-only "Tillbaka Till Gatan" EP which came out last November

Christian Kjellvander has been added to the bill for Emmaboda fest along with Her Majesty, The Essex Green (US), Florence Valentin, Hank, Niccokick and Magyar Posse (SF).

Marit Bergman to hold a rock summer camp at Hultsfred fest? Yep, for girls between 10 and 14 years old she says. And why not? I think that's a pretty darn cool idea myself. Read more here. (in Swedish)

Mon, 17 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Dismember and Entombed side-project Murder Squad will release their new album "Ravenous, Murderous" in the spring on Entombed's own Threeman Recordings. The band plans to follow up with touring across Europe, including the Fuck the Commerce fest in May.

In Flames will be supporting Ministry and Mudvayne on an upcoming US tour. I may not be a fan of the headliners, but that's a great opportunity for the guys and I wish 'em best of luck as they attempt to reach a wider audience. The dates so far (more to come):

3/8 Metropol – Pittsburgh , PA
3/10 Webster Theater – Hartford , CT
3/11 Northern Lights – Clifton Park , NY
3/12 Staircase – Pittson , PA
3/14 Norva Theater – Norfolk , VA
3/15 House Of Blues – Orlando , FL

Hammerfall has announced they will be heading over to Japan in March with fellow Swedes Nocturnal Rites. The dates:

3/12 - Club Quattro, Osaka
3/14 - Bottom Line, Nagoya
3/15 - Club Quattro, Tokyo
3/16 - Club Quattro, Tokyo

Future Farmer Recordings will be putting out Magnus from The Cardigans solo project Righteous Boy in the US. The album "I Sing Because of You" came out about a year ago in Sweden and is mellow singer/songwriter stuff, akin to Leonard Cohen and the like.

In other Cardigans news, the band will be performing on TV in the UK for the show RE:COVERED on February 28 and there are free tickets available for fans. Simply call 020 7240 2828 or email your name and phone to phillipa@powerhousetv.co.uk to get in. Oh, it takes place at the Hammersmith from 5 to 9:30pm and you must be 18 or older.

And finally, in yet more Cardigans news, the band recently performed a couple songs live and acoustic on the TV program Nyhetsmorgon in Sweden and you can see the performance for "03.45 No Sleep" here.

Bad Taste Records finally put up Logh's video for "Yellow Lights..." here: high / low. The music was recorded right along with the filming, so it's a little different than the album version, but I think that's a good thing.

69-Hard has parted ways with drummer Bert Lundgren and his last show will be on March 20. With a new album coming out very soon, a replacement is needed immediately, so if you're interested they ask you email info@69-hard.com ASAP.

Martin Westerstrand of LOK has announced a new music project he's working on called Oral Sumo. A record is apparently already under production.

Marduk has posted an mp3 for the new track "Night of the Long Knives" from the forthcoming album "World Funeral". Look for it in Europe on February 24. The band also did an interview with Metal-Reference recently where guitarist Morgan Håkansson discussed their future plans, including work on a DVD. Read the whole thing here.

Fri, 24 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

I updated yesterday's post with new info about Nicolai Dunger's backing band and their other music experience. Thanks again Niklas!

Dates are currently being booked for KVLR's West Coast/Southwest tour in early March. If you can help, please let me know.

Stickman Records reports that Motorpsycho has US and Japan tour plans in the works. No dates yet, but I'll keep you posted. The label also has revealed the title for the forthcoming Isolation Years record: "It's Golden". Again, no date yet, but I'll let you know.

Amorphis is working on mixing their new album with producer Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, Moonspell, Sentenced) at Finnvox Studios. They expect to finished by the end of the month. No word yet on a new label for the band.

Keep your eyes on Norweigen electronic act Röyksopp as they're touring seven US cities in March. European sales are already climbing and accolades are accumulating, but they've yet to catch on fully over here. Will they break? Hype sure is building.

In a sign of potentially bigger things to come, booking agency Luger has now taken on the band Paris. Is the return of new-wave nigh?

DJ Embee (Loop Troop) is currently finishing up work on his new EP with Organism 12 and PSTQ. Four tracks and instruments, two produced by Embee, two by Breakmecanix. Look for it around late February or early March on JuJu Records.

Also from JuJu is the new Timbuk/Promoe (also Loop Troop) "Blind Justice" 12". It comes out on the 27th.

Here's an interesting short interview with Galder of Old Man's Child and Dimmu Borgir. Now resigned to just being a studio-only project, OMC's new album "In Defiance of Existence" just came out in Europe and will be out in the US on March 25 from Century Media.

Darkthrone will be adding exclusive new film footage to the Peaceville CDrom reissues of four of their old albums. As for what the footage will contain, here's what they had to say:

Fenriz and Nocturno Culto will film many hours at their stronghold somewhere in the wilderness in Norway. Like a reality-Darkthrone documentary. Every of the four album will contain at least 5 minutes of this rare piece of filming. They will drink, drink, listen to music, drink etc.....many things will be revealed. They will also interview eachother about all the Peaceville-albums. They will film that much, so it can edited to be a 30 min. documentary

NorthSide Records has new preview mp3s up on their website for upcoming releases from Värttinä and Mari Boine. Check 'em out. (scroll about 2/3rds of the way down the page)

Classic Swedish deathmetal band Dismember is currently working on their next album. The title is "Where Ironcrosses Grow" and it's due out around September on Hammerheart Records. Produced once again by drummer Fred Estby with help from engineer Olle Sandqvist, the new material is described as "darker, a little less melodic and more aggressive than ever" and lyrically "headed even more in the direction of describing war at its ugliest, stories about sick minds creating sick situations and loads of religious criticism." In other words, business as usual.

Tue, 07 Jan 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Dismember bassist Richard Cabeza recently got married in Las Vegas to a woman he met while on tour with Dark Funeral. The name of the lucky bride and the time of the wedding are unknown, but you can view the proceedings for yourself in its full, Vegas-style glory.

Jean-Pierre De Sade has decided to leave Notre Dame right in the middle of recording their new album. Some of his tracks will remain, but the rest of the guitars will be covered by ND's multitalented mainman Snowy Shaw. Of course, this also means the band now has an opening. If you feel like you've got what it takes, send your pic, bio and demo to:

S.O.S management
gamla tuvevägen 16
417 05 gothenburg
Sweden

The Soundtrack of Our Lives are nominated for a U.S. Grammy! The album "Behind the Music" got the nod in the 'Best Alternative Music Album' category. See the rest of the list here.

Here's some of the nominees for the Spellemannsprisen, the Norweigan version of the Grammies. Read the full list here. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on February 22.

Rock
AI Phoenix - "Lean That Way Forever"
Gluecifer - "Basement Apes"
JR Ewing - "Ride Paranoia"
Madrugada - "Grit"
Vidar Vang - "Rodeo"

Metal
Immortal - "Sons Of Northern Darkness"
Red Harvest - "Sick Transit Gloria Mundi"
Satyricon - "Volcano"

Pop
Dadafon - "Visitor"
Ephemera - "Balloons And Champagne"
Minor Majority - "If I Told You, You Were Beautiful"
Popium - "Permanently High"
The Margarets - "What Kept You?"

Electronica
Biosphere - "Shenzhou"
Kim Hiorthøy - "Melke"
Salvatore - "Tempo"

Open Class
Mari Boine - "Eight Seasons"
Sidsel Endresen and Bugge Wesseltoft - "Out Here, In There"
Jaga Jazzist - "The Stix"
Nils Petter Molvær - "nP3"
Ulver - "Lyckantropen Themes"

Song:
"Forever Not Yours" - a-ha
"Mysteriet Deg" - Bjørn Eidsvåg
"My Lullaby" - Maria Mena
"Barcelona" - Paperboys
"Remind Me" - Röyksopp

Black metal-turned goth-electronica act Kovenant has their new album "S.E.T.I" (The Search For Extraterestial Intelligence) coming out in Europe March 31 on Nuclear Blast Records.

Northside Records reports that Mari Boine and Frifot will both have new records coming out soon in the new year.