IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Sweden United - Open your eyes

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:20:09 -0700

An all-star anti-bullying campaign headed by Scarpoint featuring guest vocals from Jens Kidman (Meshuggah), Jimmie Strimmel (Dead by April), Anette Olzon (Nightwish), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Zak Tell (Clawfinger), Martin Westertrand (Lillasyster), Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Peter Tägtgren (Pain, Hypocrisy). Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fK7V9UBfJ8
More info/background/interviews here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC0h0rZFlxY

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:11:39 -0800

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Kent - Kent box 1991-2008
02. ABBA - The albums (9CD box set)
03. Agnes - Dance love pop
04. Bo Kaspers Orkester - 8
05. Jill Johnson - Bbaby blue paper
06. Thorleifs - Förälskade
07. Frida Hyvönen - Silence is wild
08. Hans Alfredsson/Tage Danielsson/Lasse O'Månsson - Lindemans låda - Fullare än någonsin
09. Sonja Aldén - Under mitt tak
10. In Flames - A sense of purpose
11. Markus Fagervall - Steal my melody
12. Christer Sjögren - Mitt sköna sextiotal
13. Sophie Zelmani - The ocean and me
14. Tiger Lou - A partial print
15. Smurfarna - Smurfparty
16. Takida - Bury the lies
17. Hello Saferide - More modern short stories from Hello Saferide
18. Andreas Johnson - Rediscovered
19. Pain - Cynic paradise
20. Veronica Maggio - Och vinnaren är...

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:37:32 -0700

Pain, the pop-metal crossover act of Hypocrisy frontman Peter Tägtgren, will release their new album "Cynic paradise" on October 31. Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon guests on two tracks.

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:37:42 -0800

Three of the dudes from Pain (including mainman Peter Tägtgren, also in Hypocrisy) were attacked in Leipzig while enjoying a day off on tour: http://www.thelocal.se/10098/

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:46:32 -0800

Pain is keeping a tour diary and if the pictures they've posted are any indication of what to expect, it's gonna be interesting: http://www.pain.cd/ontour/

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:40:11 -0800

Nightwish on tour in Europe with support from Pain:

02/17 - Siemens Arena, Vilnius (LIT)
02/19 - Visla Hall, Krakau (POL)
02/20 - T-Mobile Arena, Prague (CA)
02/21 - Arena, Berlin (GER)
02/23 - Arena, Leipzig (GER)
02/24 - Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart (GER)
02/25 - Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt (GER)
02/27 - Jako Arena, Bamberg (GER)

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:38:40 -0700

Updated Russian tourdates for Pain:

11/24 - Shadow Club, Moscow
11/25 - DK Molodezhi, Perm
11/27 - Fakel, Tomsk
11/28 - Koliseum, Barnaul
11/29 - Rock City, Novosibirsk
11/30 - EC Contnent, Kemrovo
12/02 - Gavana, Krasnoyarsk
12/04 - SC Trud, Irkutsk

Festival report: Arvika

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

I just recently wrote a take on this year's Arvikafestival for another publication, in Swedish, and I reached the conclusion that what seemed like a great line-up at first glance ended up as something less interesting than I had anticipated. Why? Being a great fan of music, in all forms, and an equal fan of festivals in general, I have come to see a great deal of bands each year. This year being no exception. Especially Swedish and Scandinavian bands, since they tour just about anywhere. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that it takes quite a lot to impress me these days. On this year's festival I went to the concerts of twelve Scandinavian bands. Only three of them where bands that I had never seen before. Most of the rest of those bands are bands I've been to recently, at least within the range of a year. But that doesn't necessarily have to be something bad, sure, I'm harder to impress, but I'm also able to compare different occasions with each other, and festivals tend to be something different from a regular gig at some club. Still, something more exclusive would absolutely be preferable. I'm growing quite tired of the likes of The Ark, Mando Diao, Timbuktu, Shout Out Louds and The Tough Alliance (you can't avoid them!).

But on with it, you have my two cents on the Swedish music climate, here's a take on some of the artists. Hellsongs was one of the bands I've never had the pleasure to make an acquaintance with. Transforming classic heavy metal songs into lounge music, what do you get? Lounge metal of course. And really, these songs show a completely new dimension when made into slow ballads. "Run to the Hills", "Seek and destroy", "Breaking the law", you know, the sing-along is great even in the ballad versions. Ballads turned into nifty pop songs with piano and loads of energy is the one of the specialities of Linda Carlsson, aka Miss Li. The woman is crazy, I tell you! Her rough vocals would make any man proud, still she manages to keep her femininity and sensuality intact. There's no way you can leave a Miss Li concert without at least a few dance steps. Along with Weeping Willows, those old geezers still know how to play a show, Linda Carlsson was the highlight of this festival.

You can't mention Strip Music without mentioning Henric de la Cour (Ex-Yvonne). The man may look like a wolf, but he knows how to work at stage. The music can best be described as emo-rock with lots of synthesizers. Perfect in the cold night of Arvika. Do you like leather boots, wearing a black mask and the taste of a whip by the way? Then you should have been at the Kristian Anttila ('cuz he did apparently) concert. How almost pubertal pop music can turn into Sado-BDSM, I'm not sure. The gig was ok, though the "Does anyone want to fuck with me tonight?"-part was a bit unnecessary. Some other people that I don't want to sleep with are the guys from In Flames. Chubby, long-haired men, constantly pissed-off and armed with dozens of brutal metal-wrecking riffs, na, not my kind really. But the show was something for the ears as well as the eyes. Bombs away! Pain, alias super genius Peter Tägtgren, also had the riffs, but only one bomb. He got the rain on the other hand. Too bad, I think most people who like In Flames would find Pain enjoyable as well. Most people decided to stay in their tents.

So, what about the no-so-good-bands? Vapnet, Mixtapes & Cellmates and Ida-Maria were all big disappointments. I really thought Vapnet would be more than a one-hit-wonder ("Kalla mig", anyone?), but sadly I was mistaken. Mixtapes & Cellmates on the other hand, have really good songs but they still have problems applying them to the live format. And Ida-Maria. I wouldn't say she did an all out bad gig, it was just not as incredibly fantastic as it was at Hultsfredsfestivalen. But you shouldn't focus too much on the bad things, all in all, I am still very satisfied with Arvika 2007.
- Christian Stenbacke

Pain Psalms of extinction Roadrunner Records

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Five albums in, you know what you're getting when it comes to Pain (Peter Tägtgren): A well-produced slice of industrial pop-metal, with some stand-out singles (this time called "Zombie slam", "Clouds of ecstasy" and "Nailed to the ground") and albums tracks of varying quality. The previous album was inspired by his collapse, death and following revival and had a real fighting spirit. This one seems mostly inspired by a divorce and is fuelled by equal parts dislike, thinly veiled hurt and a bit of misogyny. That makes for good anger, but not always good songs. The best ones are where Peter doesn't try to hide under furious riffs, but travels the lighter and poppier road. The album feels slightly split; it is like Peter is at a crossroad. He needs to decide what he really wants with Pain. Is it industrial pop-metal, or the heavier songs? Or maybe he should just do the cover album he's been talking about for so long. After all, the "Play dead" (Björk) cover on the album shows a real knack for interpreting others' works, while keeping the emotional core intact.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

This week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. The Ark - Prayer for the weekend
02. Sahara Hotnights - What if leaving is a loving thing
03. Sofia Karlsson - Visor från vinden
04. Vikingarna - Bästa kramgoa låtarna 2
05. Eldkvarn - Svart blogg
06. Jerry Williams - I can jive - Det bästa med Jerry Williams
07. Nanne - Jag måste kyssa dig
08. Dark Tranquility - Fiction
09. Markoolio - Värsta Plattan
10. Salem Al Fakir - This is who I am
11. Marie Lindberg - Trying to recall
12. Timbuktu - Oberoendeframkallande
14. Pain - Psalms of extinction
15. Emilia - Små ord av kärlek
16. Kristofer Åström - RainawayTown
17. Laakso - Mother, am I good looking?
18. Björn Rosenström - Ett Jubileum som är sådär....10 1/2 år
19. Laleh - Prinsessor
20. Andreas Johnson - The collector

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The FaceCulture video zine talks to Peter Tägtgren of Pain/Hypocrisy: http://www.faceculture.nl/pain/

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The new album from Pain, the pop-metal project of Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy), will be called "Psalms of extinction" and will be out April 18 in Scandinavia and May 7 throughout Europe. Listen to the track "Zombie slam" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/officialpain

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy) solo pop-metal act Pain will be releasing a new album in April via Roadrunner Records.

Tue, 06 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Pain, the pop solo project of Peter Tägtgren from Hypocrisy, will release the new single "Nothing" on September 28.

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

8thsin's forthcoming album "Angelseed & Demonmilk" is finished and is currently being prepped for release in October. This time around the band used a full five-member live band for the recording as opposed the first album "Sinners Inc" which only featured the core duo of Michael Bohlin and It. The new album also marks the first time that It and Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy/Pain) have worked together since they did the over-the-top kvlt black-metal sideproject War way back when. Yes, Peter lends his vocals to a track on the record. More info and full tracklist: http://www.8thsin.biz/main/news/news01.html

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
04. Anniina - Who's about to cry (FIN)
05. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
06. Nerdee - Ivy (FIN)
07. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
08. Nina Rochelle - Mörkertal (SWE)
09. Infernal - From Paris to Berlin (DK)
10. Pain - Same old song (SWE)

Challengers:
11. Humane - Wish God was a woman (FIN)
12. Gåte - Sjå attende (NOR)
13. Melody Club - Boys in the girls room (SWE)

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. Anniina - Who's about to cry (FIN)
04. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
05. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
06. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
07. Infernal - From Paris to Berlin (DK)
08. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
09. Searching for Nurmes - Pyhätunturi (NOR)
10. Nina Rochelle - Mörkertal (SWE)

Challengers:
11. Nerdee - Ivy (FIN)
12. Anna Ternheim - My secret (SWE)
13. Bertine Zetlitz - Ah-Ah (NOR)

Mon, 21 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the video for "Bye/die", the second single from Pain's most recent album "Dancing with the dead": http://www.pain.cd/byedie.ram

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. Anniina - Who's about to cry (FIN)
04. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
05. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
06. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
07. Hammerfall - Bloodbound (SWE)
08. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
09. The Mo - Howl in the jungle (SWE)
10. Infernal - From Paris to Berlin (DK)

Challengers:
11. Maj Karma - Sodankylä (FIN)
12. Nina Rochelle - Mörkertal (SWE)
13. Searching for Nurmes - Pyhätunturi (NOR)

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Smak - Hallanvaara
02. Moneybrother - They're Building Walls Around Us
03. Christian Walz - Never Be Afraid Again
04. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
05. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
06. Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside The Pants
07. Hammerfall - Bloodbound
08. Annie - My Heartbeat
09. Håkan Hellström - En Midsommarnattsdröm
10. Husky Rescue - City Lights
11. In Flames - Touch Of Red
12. LAB - When Heaven Gets Dirty
13. The 69 Eyes - Lost Boys
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Darin - Money For Nothing
16. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
17. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
18. Pain - Same Old Song
19. Moder Jords Massiva - Fast Attack/ Slow Decay
20. Gubb - Om Änglar Finns

Challengers:
01. Mendez - Is That Ok
02. Deportees - Champagne
03. Sugarplum Fairy - Far Away From Man
04. Jim Stärk - Morning Song
05. Beats And Styles - Two White Monkeys

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Moneybrother - To die alone
02. Christer Sjögren - Love Me Tender
03. Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken
04. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
05. Darin - The anthem
06. Håkan Hellström - Ett kölikbarns bekännelser
07. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
08. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
09. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
10. Caesars - Paper Tigers
11. Arash - Arash Arash
12. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
13. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
14. Stefan Nilsson - Så som i himmelen (filmmusik)
15. Ted Gärdestad - Sol vind & vatten - Det bästa
16. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
17. Soilwork - Stabbing the Drama
18. Pain - Dancing with the Dead
19. The Ark - State of the Ark
20. The Real Group - In the Middle of Life

Go here to download some demo tracks from Consequences, a Swedish band consisting primarily of members from Marit Bergman's backing band: http://www.consequences.se/musik.php

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
02. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
03. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
04. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
05. Padington - Hey now (NOR)
06. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
07. The Mo - Howl in the jungle (SWE)
08. PMMP - Päiväkoti (FIN)
09. Moneybrother - They're building walls around us (SWE)
10. Pain - Same old song (SWE)

Challengers:
11. Anniina - Who's about to cry (FIN)
12. Hammerfall - Bloodbound (SWE)
13. Infernal - From Paris to Berlin (DK)

Mon, 07 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Smak - Hallanvaara
02. Moneybrother - They're Building Walls Around Us
03. The 69 Eyes - Devils
04. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
05. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
06. In Flames - Touch Of Red
07. Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside The Pants
08. Hammerfall - Bloodbound
09. Christian Walz - Never Be Afraid Again
10. Annie - My Heartbeat
11. Håkan Hellström - En Midsommarnattsdröm
12. Husky Rescue - City Lights
13. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Various Danish Artists - Hvor Små Vi Er
16. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
17. Pain - Same Old Song
18. Gubb - Om Änglar Finns
19. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
20. LAB - When Heaven Gets Dirty

Challengers:
01. K-Laz - The Reason
02. Moder Jords Massiva - Fast Attack/ Slow Decay
03. Darin - Money For Nothing
04. Nathalie Nordnes - Cars And Boys
05. The 69 Eyes - Lost Boys

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
03. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
04. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
05. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
06. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
07. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
08. Apollo - Peli (FIN)
09. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
10. Moneybrother - They're building walls around us (SWE)

Challengers:
11. PMMP - Päiväkoti (FIN)
12. The Mo - Howl in the jungle (SWE)
13. Padington - Hey now (NOR)

Mon, 28 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. In Flames - Touch Of Red
02. Smak - Hallanvaara
03. The 69 Eyes - Devils
04. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
05. Pain - Same Old Song
06. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
07. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
08. Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside The Pants
09. Annie - My Heartbeat
10. Husky Rescue - City Lights
11. Embee / Vanessa Liftig - Not Tonite
12. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
13. Kapasiteettiyksikkö - Usko Parempaan
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
16. Kevin - Theme From Forever
17. Various Danish Artists - Hvor Små Vi Er
18. Hammerfall - Bloodbound
19. Moneybrother - They're Building Walls Around Us
20. Christian Walz - Never Be Afraid Again

Challengers:
01. Håkan Hellström - En Midsommarnattsdröm
02. Mando Diao - Down In The Past
03. Gubb - Om Änglar Finns
04. LAB - When Heaven Gets Dirty
05. Karen - Onsket

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 24 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. LAB - When heaven gets dirty (FIN)
04. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
05. Christian Walz - Never be afraid again (SWE)
06. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
07. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
08. The 69 eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
09. Apollo - Peli (FIN)
10. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)

Challengers:
11. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
12. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
12. Moneybrother - They're building walls around us (SWE)

Thu, 24 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Darin - The anthem
02. Håkan Hellström - Ett kölikbarns bekännelser
03. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
04. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
05. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
06. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
07. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
08. Wilmer X - 13 Våningar Upp
09. Elin Sigvardsson - Smithereens
10. Kina Jaarnek & Elvis Presleys Band - En hyllning till Elvis
11. Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
12. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
13. Pain - Dancing with the dead
14. E.S.T. - Viaticum
15. The Ark - State of the Ark
16. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
17. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
18. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
19. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
20. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet

Pop idol Darin has also usurped the once mighty Kent on the Swedish singles chart. Could their star be fading?

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
02. In Flames - Touch Of Red
03. Smak - Hallanvaara
04. Pain - Same Old Song
05. The 69 Eyes - Devils
06. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
07. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
08. Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside The Pants
09. Annie - My Heartbeat
10. Husky Rescue - City Lights
11. Embee / Vanessa Liftig - Not Tonite
12. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
13. Kapasiteettiyksikkö - Usko Parempaan
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
16. Fibes Oh Fibes - One Hour Baby
17. Titiyo - Loving out of nothing
18. Kevin - Theme From Forever
19. Maria Arredondo - Burning
20. Various Danish Artists - Hvor Små Vi Er

Challengers:
01. Hammerfall - Bloodbound
02. Moneybrother - They're Building Walls Around Us
03. Lake Placid - This Air
04. Christian Walz - Never Be Afraid Again
05. Fountainheads - Perfect

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. LAB - When heaven gets dirty (FIN)
04. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
05. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
06. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
07. The 69 eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
08. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
09. Silver - Angels calling (NOR)
10. Sahara Hotnights - Who do you dance for? (SWE)

Challengers:
11. Apollo - Peli (FIN)
12. Christian Walz - Never be afraid again (SWE)
13. Kasper Winding - Need love (DK)

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
02. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
03. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
04. Elin Sigvardsson - Smithereens
05. Wilmer X - 13 Våningar Upp
06. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
07. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
08. Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
09. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
10. The Ark - State of the Ark
11. E.S.T. - Viaticum
12. Kina Jaarnek & Elvis Presleys Band - En hyllning till Elvis
13. Pain - Dancing with the dead
14. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
15. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
16. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
17. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
18. Melody Club - Face the Music
19. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet
20. Shirley Clamp - Den långsamma blomman

Check out an e-card for the new Hammerfall album "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken" right here: http://www.nuclearblast.de/events/hammerfall/ecard/index.htm
As mentioned before, it comes out March 7 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt will be filling on vocal duties with his old classic death-metal sideproject Bloodbath when they make their live debut at Wacken Open Air this year. The group will perform material from all of their albums including "Nightmares made flesh" which featured Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) on vox. In other Opeth-related news, the band will enter Fascination Street Studios with engineer Jens Bogren on March 15 to begin recording their next album. There's no confirmed label yet, but the group is said to be courting offers from numerous labels. And lastly, the band has confirmed a US tour this summer and will be revealing details soon.

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
02. The 69 Eyes - Devils
03. In Flames - Touch Of Red
04. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
05. Embee / Vanessa Liftig - Not Tonite
06. Smak - Hallanvaara
07. Annie - My Heartbeat
08. Pain - Same Old Song
09. Husky Rescue - City Lights
10. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
11. Titiyo - Loving out of nothing
12. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
13. Kapasiteettiyksikkö - Usko Parempaan
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
16. Fibes Oh Fibes - One Hour Baby
17. Kurt Nilsen - My Street
18. Kevin - Theme From Forever
19. The Similou - All This Love
20. Maria Arredondo - Burning

Challengers:
01. Morten Abel - Our Love Is Deep
02. Laleh - Invisible
03. Jennie Löfgren - I Walk Alone
04. Lazyboy - Underwear Goes Inside The Pants
05. Various Danish Artists - Hvor Små Vi Er

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 10 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
02. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
03. The 69 eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
04. Mnemic - Door 2.12 (DK)
05. LAB - When heaven gets dirty (FIN)
06. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
07. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
08. Silver - Angels calling (NOR)
09. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
10. Mortiis - The Grudge (NOR)

Challengers:
11. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
12. Sahara Hotnights - Who do you dance for? (SWE)
13. Margaret Berger - Lifetime guarantee (NOR)

Thu, 10 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Elin Sigvardsson - Smithereens
02. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
03. Wilmer X - 13 Våningar Upp
04. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
05. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
06. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
07. E.S.T. - Viaticum
08. Pain - Dancing with the dead
09. The Ark - State of the Ark
10. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
11. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
12. Kina Jaarnek & Elvis Presleys Band - En hyllning till Elvis
13. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
14. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
15. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin vol. 1
16. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
17. Melody Club - Face the Music
18. Backyard Babies - Live in paris
19. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
20. Shirley Clamp - Den långsamma blomman

Hypocrisy reports that they should have a new album ready for release in September.

Mon, 07 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. The 69 Eyes - Devils
02. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
03. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
04. In Flames - Touch Of Red
05. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory
06. Embee / Vanessa Liftig - Not Tonite
07. Maria Solheim - The Snow Has Killed
08. Pain - Same Old Song
09. Tim Christensen - Lost and found
10. Kurt Nilsen - My Street
11. Titiyo - Loving out of nothing
12. The Similou - All This Love
13. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
14. Kapasiteettiyksikkö - Usko Parempaan
15. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
16. Smak - Hallanvaara
17. Fibes Oh Fibes - One Hour Baby
18. Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Believe I've found
19. Kevin - Theme From Forever
20. Maria Arredondo - Burning

Challengers:
01. Amerika - Early Night
02. Annie - My Heartbeat
03. Stonebridge - Take Me Away
04. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö
05. Husky Rescue - City Lights

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
02. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
03. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
04. Isolation Years - Nurse hands (SWE)
05. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
06. Silver - Angels calling (NOR)
07. Neon - Liez (NOR)
08. LAB - When heaven gets dirty (FIN)
09. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
10. Elin Lanto - I won't cry (SWE)

Challengers:
11. The 69 eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
12. Mnemic - Door 2.12 (DK)
13. Mortiis - The Grudge (NOR)

Thu, 03 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Wilmer X - 13 Våningar Upp
02. Pain - Dancing with the dead
03. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
04. E.S.T. - Viaticum
05. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
06. The Ark - State of the Ark
07. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
08. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
09. Daniel Lindström - Daniel Lindström
10. Fernandoz - Minnenas allé
11. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
12. Backyard Babies - Live in paris
13. Dark Tranquility - Character
14. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origin vol. 1
15. Lasse Stefanz - Röd Chevrolet
16. Melody Club - Face the Music
17. Benny Anderssons Orkester - Bao!
18. Uno Svenningsson - Ett andetag från dig
19. Barbados - Best of Barbados 1994-2004
20. Totta Näslund - Totta 7: Soul!/På drift

Niccokick, Existensminimum, Convoj and Band of Joy are among the first list of bands confirmed for this year's Emmabodafestivalen.

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's MTVe UpNorth video chart:

01. The Ark - One Of Us Is Gonna Die Young
02. The 69 Eyes - Devils
03. Johnny Deluxe - Vi Vil Ha Mer
04. Maria Solheim - The Snow Has Killed
05. Soundtrack Of Our Lives - Believe I've found
06. The Similou - All This Love
07. Tim Christensen - Lost and found
08. Kurt Nilsen - My Street
09. Titiyo - Loving out of nothing
10. Dreamboy - Uncalled For
11. In Flames - Touch Of Red
12. Ephemera - On The Surface
13. Kapasiteettiyksikkö - Usko Parempaan
14. The Confusions - Don't Let the World Catch You Crying
15. Bobby - Come Crashing In
16. Kevin - Theme From Forever
17. Fibes Oh Fibes - One Hour Baby
18. Embee / Vanessa Liftig - Not Tonite
19. The Tough Alliance - Holiday
20. Ison & Fille - Vill Va Highwon?

Challengers:
01. Maria Arredondo - Burning
02. Smak - Hallanvaara
03. Pain - Same Old Song
04. Espen Lind - Unloved
05. Thomas Dybdahl - A Lovestory

Go here to vote for your favorite.

Thu, 27 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
02. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
03. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
04. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
05. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)
06. Silver - Angels calling (NOR)
07. Elin Lanto - I won't cry (SWE)
08. Jonna - Sateen jälkeen (FIN)
09. Neon - Liez (NOR)
10. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Believe I've found (SWE)

Challengers:
11. LAB - When heaven gets dirty (FIN)
12. D'Sound - Do I need a reason (NOR)
13. Isolation Years - Nurse hands (SWE)

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

"Bye/Die" has been selected as the second single from Pain's forthcoming album "Dancing with the dead", due out in Sweden on January 26.

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Bitch Alert - Latenight lullaby (FIN)
02. Silver - Angels calling (NOR)
03. Neon - Liez (NOR)
04. The Ark - One of us is gonna die young (SWE)
05. Annie - Heartbeat (NOR)
06. Nasum - Wrath (SWE)
07. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Believe I've found (SWE)
08. Jonna - Sateen jälkeen (FIN)
09. Alias - Gör det igen (DK)
10. Gakko 3 - Club idiot saturday drive (FIN)

Challengers:
11. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
12. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
13. Elin Lanto - I won't cry (SWE)

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Listen to a stream of the brand new Pain single "Same old song": http://qstream-rm.qbrick.com/ramgen/00307/Pain/Pain-SameOldSong-Broadband.rm

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Swedish all-female hard-rock act Crucified Barbara has been selected as the opening act on Pain's upcoming Swedish tour. The band's new album "In Distortion We Trust" is due out in January via GMR Music.

Wed, 08 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Peter Tägtgren of Pain (and Hypocrisy) has revealed that the title of his new album will be "Dancing with the dead" and will be released on January 26. The title refers to an occasion where Tägtgren was out drinking with friends and suddenly collapsed, losing his pulse and being clinically dead for two minutes. The music is said to be even more commercial in nature than earlier works and stocked full of potential single material.

Tue, 16 Nov 2004 00:00:00 -0800

SwedishMetal.net has posted a "pre-listening" report from the Abyss Studio where Peter Tägtgren is working on a new album for his solo project Pain: http://www.swedishmetal.net/scripts/articles/index.asp?do=visa&id=49

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The dates for that Tiamat, Theatre of Tragedy, Pain and Sirenia tour have been confirmed:

12/26 - Hof Ter Loo, Antwerpen (BEL)
12/27 - Haus Auensee, Leipzig (GER)
12/28 - JZ, Andernach (GER) (no Tiamat)
12/29 - Kallewerk, Bad Salzungen (GER) (no Tiamat)
12/30 - Ohrakel, Ingolstadt (GER)
12/31 - Planet Music, Wien (AUS)
01/02 - Rockhaus, Salzburg (AUS)
01/03 - Z7, Pratteln (SWI)
01/04 - Rainbow, Milano (ITA)
01/05 - Substage, Karlsruhe (GER)
01/06 - O13, Tilburg (NL)
01/07 - Live Arena, Münster / Breitfeld (GER)
01/08 - Columbia Fritz, Berlin (GER)
01/09 - Faust, Hannover (GER)

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Tiamat, Theatre of Tragedy, Pain and Sirenia will reportedly be teaming up for an European tour around December/January. Dates soon?

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Bloodbath) reports that he is done with a new album for his solo project Pain. The first single will be for the track "Same Old Song" and should be out in mid-November. A video was done with director Mikeadelica as well. As for the full-length, it's not due out until January.

Thu, 30 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Has it really been two years already? Hard to bellieve I've been doing this for so long already, the time just flies by. So cheers everyone! Here's to another year! Well-wishers are encouraged to send money in lieu of gifts.

Since it's such a special day, I've posted two new mp3s today. First up in Novak with their single "It all works out in the end" from the new album "Perpetual motion". I'm still undecided about the record as a whole, but this song is undeniably catchy. Tons of energy, great hooks and solid guitar work. Next up in "Draped in disease" from Swedish all-star old-school death metal act Bloodbath. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) may no longer be in the band, but he's been more than capably replaced by Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain). Factor in that the rest of the band is fleshed out by Dan Swanö along with members of Katatonia and Witchery and you've got an instant classic.

The "It's a trap! reader's companion" microsite is now open: http://www.itsatrap.com/vol1/
As mentioned earlier this week, CDs are done and should arrive in stock on Tuesday.

Going to see Finland's Hero Dishonest tonight in San Francisco at The Hemlock. Should be fun!

Mon, 17 May 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The latest news from Grave:

After three weeks in Abyss studio, the new album, entitled "Fiendish Regression", is finally finished. 11 tracks were recorded including 9 brand new songs + a cover version of Saint Vitus classic "Burial At Sea" and a re-recording of a old song named "Autopsied" which was originally written and recorded for promotion in 1989.

The recording was produced by both Tommy and Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) and is set for an August release via Century Media.

Wed, 28 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Dan Swanö reports that Swedish all-star death-metal band Bloodbath will be entering his own Studio Kuling on May 4 to record their new album. The record will be called "Nightmares Made Flesh" and will be released by Century Media this fall. As mentioned before, the band was recently joined by Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) on lead vocals following the departure of Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth).

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Peter Tägtgren from Hypocrisy/Pain reports that the latter group is close to signing a new record deal for his solo project. He already has an album recorded and ready to go. Tentative tracklist:

01. Nothing
02. Bye/Die
03. Not Afraid
04. Dancing With The Dead
05. Misery
06. Third Wave (working title)
07. Tear It Up
08. Stay Away
09. Don't Count Me Out
10. The Table Has Turned
11. A Good Day To Die...

Mon, 29 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Hypocrisy frontman and acclaimed metal producer Peter Tägtgren reports that the new album from his solo act Pain has been delayed as he is still putting the finishing touches on the music and seeking a new record deal. He is "fuckin' tired of not getting it out everywhere" and hopes to get wider distribution beyond just Sweden so he can also tour further.

Fri, 19 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Hypocrisy, the band of acclaimed metal producer Peter Tägtgren (also in PAIN), will supporting Cannibal Corpse on their US tour in February along with Exhumed and Vile. Dates:

02/12 - Engine Room, Houston, TX
02/13 - Trees, Dallas, TX
02/14 - The Back Room, Austin, TX
02/16 - Mason Jar, Phoenix, AZ
02/17 - The Key Club, Hollywood, CA
02/18 - Galaxy Concert, Santa Ana, CA
02/19 - Slim's, San Francisco, CA
02/20 - Roseland, Portland, OR
02/21 - Graceland, Seattle, WA
02/23 - Bricks, Salt Lake City, UT
02/24 - Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO
02/25 - Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS
02/26 - Pop's, Sauget, IL
02/27 - The Eagles Club, Milwaukee, WI
02/28 - Quest Club, Minneapolis, MN
02/29 - House of Blues, Chicago, IL
03/03 - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH
03/04 - Club Laga, Pittsburgh, PA
03/06 - L'Amour, Brooklyn, NY
03/07 - Trocadero, Philadelphia, PA
03/11 - Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
03/12 - Masquerade, Tampa, FL
03/13 - Culture Room, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Thu, 04 Sep 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Peter Tägtgren has delayed the release of the new Pain album to early 2004. Here's what he posted on his website regarding the change in plans:

"I guess you're wondering what's going on with the new album...
Well, as things turned out, I had to take a break from it or I'm sure I'd go insane.
Things were going too slow but I guess I'm getting pickier with what slips thru in my work and I can ensure you it kicks serious ass this time! The only problem is that I have a few songs left to put down vocals on - then I'm done.
This means I'll have to push back the release of the new album to early next year, but once you guys hear the shit I'm up to now, you'll figure it's been worth waiting for.
I'm madly sad to have to do this but with all record-company bullshit going on with release schedules, priorities and all that BS, I want to make sure everyone busts their asses off to get Pain out and about around the world and this is the best way."

Peter also reports that he is recording new material with his other band Hypocrisy that he says compares to "Roswell 47" from the album "Abducted".

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Hypocrisy, the band of reknown producer/PAIN frontman Peter Tägtgren, will enter the studio on August 1 to begin recording their new album, tentatively titled "The Arrival". They expect to have it done for an early 2004 release on Nuclear Blast. Look for the band on tour playing some of the new material in the US in November with Dimmu Borgir, Children of Bodom, and Nevermore.

Mon, 07 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Pitchfork has posted a review of "Käärmelautakunta" from Alamaailman Vasarat today:

"Well, I guess there's nothing left to do but pick up and move to Finland. In the summer, it's almost unbearably hot where I live, my rent's too high, and no offense family, but you're just not cutting it. Furthermore, the Fins [sic] have the best music: in the last year I've been fortunate enough to jam to new records by Circle, Luomo, Värttinä, Gjallarhorn, Pharaoh Overlord, Uzva and now Alamaailman Vasarat. They say it's cold there. They say people drink profusely and go for weeks without talking. Never mind all that, I'll just stake out a Helsinki street corner somewhere, slip a Sibelius disc in the Walkman, and witness the magic. I'm going to do that right now."

Read the rest.

Mikael Gustafsson aka Mikeadelica is starting work on the first Swedish hip-hop film "Elementz", what many are saying is supposed to be the Swedish version of "8 Mile". The storyline will center around two Stockholm gangs, Elementz and Pitch Shift. No word on what artists will be appearing in said film yet, though. Mikael is no stranger to director-work either - previous credits of his include videos for Petter, Blues, Pain, Robyn and A-teens. Read more. (in Swedish)

Thu, 22 May 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Trapdoor Fucking Exit has put up the video for the song "Short Term Investment", recorded live at Umeå Punkfest in 2001. Check it out.

Amulet recently filmed a video for the single "Breaking News". They say it "involves a low key gig at an abandoned house and a deathdefying girl in a van who brings terror to the city of Oslo." I'll let you know if they post in online.

Turbonegro's complete festival schedule for the summer:

06/02 - Flippaut festival, Bologna, Italy
06/05 - Ruisrock, Turku, Finland
06/12 - Hultsfred Festival Hultsfred, Sweden
06/20 - Kick off Festival, Wiesen, Austria
06/21 - Southside Festival, Neuhausen, Germany
06/22 - Hurricane Festival, Schlessel, Germany
06/27 - Roskilde Festival, Denmark
06/28 - Open Air, St Gallen, Switzerland
07/05 - London, Meanfiddler (clubshow) UK
07/12 - T in the Park, Kinross, Scotland, UK
08/07 - Nordland Musikkfestukke, Bodö, Norway
08/08 - Öya festivalen, Oslo Norway
08/09 - Wrightegaarden, Langesund, Norway
08/23 - Reading Festival, Reading UK
08/24 - Leeds Festival, Leeds, UK

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Outlandish - Guantanamo
03. A-Teens - Perfect Match
04. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
05. Jennifer Brown - Weak
06. HIM - Funeral of hearts
07. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
08. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
09. Melody Club - Cover Girl
10. Darude - Music
11. Mew - Comforting Sounds
12. Kwan - Shine
13. Equicez - Live From Pass It
14. Bertine Zetlitz - Girl Like You
15. Elin Sigvardsson - Where To Start
16. Timbuktu - Ett Brev
17. Paragon - Försök Förstå
18. Pauline - Runnin´ Out Of Gaz
19. Surferosa - Neon Commando
20. Homy - Bus Stop

Challengers:
01. Jon - This Side Up
02. Antique - Moro Mou
03. Fireside - All You Had
04. The Concretes - You Can´t Hurry Love
05. Kamera - At Work
06. C21 - She Cries

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

Labrador Records is now distributed by Mortes Nois in Estonia. For more info email mrnois@hot.ee.

Dolores Records has announced they will be releasing a limited edition CD single for the new supergroup Vanessa and the O's on June 10. The band features ex-members of Popsicle along with James Iha from Smashing Pumpkins and is described as electronic pop in French. Crazy, eh? More info soon.

Bad Taste Records is the label of the month over at the Danish radio program New Rocking Sounds which airs Tuesdays at 8pm on 93.7 in Århus. They'll be interviewing Last Days of April, Logh and various others from the roster along with playng tunes from said bands. Be sure to check it out or wait for the clips to hit the online archives.

Listen to "Mattias Alkbergs Begravning" from Planekonomi, another band featuring Mattias from Bear Quartet. More info here. Look for 2 EPs this fall and a full-length sometime next year.

One of my pals over at indieworkshop.com reviews the new Flaming Sideburns album today.

"No one has satisfactorily explained why a country of 4.5 million generates so much music: is it the dark winters? Subsidised music lessons? Rubbish TV?" - John Bungey, The Times (UK)

Norweigan music appears to be making quite a few headways beyond their borders as evidenced in this article from MIC Norway. Turbonegro and Jaga Jazzist might be the first names to come to mind for most folk, but now there's also Beady Belle, Tord Gustavsen, Per Arne Glorvigen, and St. Thomas to pay attention to.

Johnny Bråttom Records will be holding a record release show on May 30 at Kulturkammaren in Norrköping for their forthcoming "Svensk Populärmusik Volym Två" compilation. The bands scheduled to appear are Slagsmålsklubben, recent Dolores-signees Cdoass, Bremen Brotröster GmbH, Björn Kleinhenz, and The Flu. As for the tracklisting of said comp, it is as follows:

01. Cdoass - The Box
02. Niccokick - Run, Run, Run
03. Björn Kleinhenz - How Long Is The Night?
04. Slagsmålsklubben - Filter Fabric Facts (DJ Upperkurt Instrumental Remix)
05. Idiot Savants - Daily Routine
06. Music 77 - Kameror
07. Pete Thompson - Folk Song
08. Lola Barbershop - Ticket To Happiness
09. The Kid - Baton Rouge
10. Junip - Turn To The Assassin
11. The Topeka Twins - Hunting Song
12. Menteroja - Call Me
13. Bremen Brotröster GmbH - Greater/Better
14. The Flu - Golden Hair
15. Celestine - Sunflower
16. José González - Heartbeats
17. Café Polymorf - A Good Time
18. Quit Your Dayjob - Pissing On A Panda
19. Joni - Frank Xerox
20. Ane Brun - Are They Saying Goodbye?
21. Sandy Mouche - A Year

Aftonbladet reports that famed Swedish videomaker Jonas Åkerlund is working with Blondie on the single "Good Boys" in LA. The new album ""The Curse of Blondie" comes out around September or October. Åkerlund's previous credits include artists such as Satyricon, Madonna, Metallica and The Prodigy.

This new album will be 'harder' than the previous one and more guitars. To sum it up: a groovier album!

That's Peter Tägtgren of Pain describing work on the new album. He says he's already finished all of the backing music along with five of the thirteen vocal tracks and should be able to have it out sometime this fall on Stockholm Records.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
02. Alcazar - Alcazarized
03. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
04. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5
05. Moneybrother - Blood panic
06. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
07. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
08. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
09. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
10. Jill Johnson - Discography
11. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
12. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
13. Antique - Blue love
14. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
15. Monia - Söderns hjärtas ros
16. Siw Malmkvist - Siws bästa
17. Elin Sigvardsson - Saturday light naive
18. Simson Dupont - Simson Dupont
19. Fame - Give me your love
20. The Sounds - Living in America

Tomas Ledin is going on tour in support of his new live album "I Sommarnattens Ljus" which comes out on June 2. The dates so far:

07/08 - Öja Slott, Öja
07/19 - Bergs Slussar, Linköping
08/03 - Stadsparken, Örebro

The lineup for Sommarrock, which takes place July 10-12 in Svedala, Sweden: Mikael Wiehe, Bubbles, Joddla w/Siv, Advance Patrol, The Ark, Danne Stråhed, Häjkån Bäjkån Band, The Mo and Di Leva.

This week's Swedish college radio chart (from Dagensskiva):

01. (01) Badly Drawn Boy "All Possibilities"
02. (NY) Grandaddy "Now It's On"
03. (NY) Timbuktu "The Bottom Is Nådd!"
04. (04) The Postal Service "Such Great Heights"
05. (NY) The Cardigans "You're the Storm"
06. (03) Dave Gahan "Dirty Sticky Floors"
07. (05) The White Stripes "7 Nation Army"
08. (NY) Placebo "This Picture"
09. (NY) Mando Diao "Sheepdog"
10. (02) Bad Cash Quartet "Dirty Days"

11. (17) The Donnas "Who Invited You"
12. (14) The Black Keys "Hard Row"
13. (09) The Raveonettes "Beat City"
14. (06) Christian Kjellvander "Homeward Rolling Soldier"
15. (15) Moloko "Forever More"
16. (NY) Tricky "Antimatter"
17. (NY) The Thrills "Big Sur"
18. (ÅT) Miss Universum "Fertilize"
19. (07) Dada Flair Ft. Christian Dohber "Freedom"
20. (08) Gusto "Guns in the Ghetto"

Leaving the chart:
(10) Randy "A Man in Uniform"
(11) Solomon Burke "Soul Searching"
(12) Fireside "All You Had"
(13) Magnus Carlson "Jag ber dig"
(16) Queens Of The Stone Age "Go With The Flow"
(18) The Go-Betweens "Caroline and I"
(19) David & The Citizens "New Direction"
(20) Hot Hot Heat "Bandages"

The full details for Finland's Koneisto Festival has been released. Some of the artists scheduled to appear include Björn Torske, Ralph Myerz & Jack Herren Band, Erlend Oye (acoustic set + "magnificent singing DJ set"), Datarock, Jori Hulkkonen, Rinneradio (feat. Dj Slow, Siiri Nordin and MC Paleface) among many others. The acclaimed electronic music festival was the first of its type for all of Scandinavia and the selection of performers "seeks to establish an interesting balance between commercial and experimental music" over the event's 9 stages. It all goes down in Helsinki from July 25-27 and more info can be found from the fest's official website.

Blabbermouth reports that HIM will be touring Europe in support of Ozzy Osbourne and Godsmack this September. I'll keep you posted.

Mon, 16 Dec 2002 00:00:00 -0800

Nine are currently recording their new album at Dug Out Studio in Uppsala. Look for it April 28 on Burning Heart Records.

Looks like Division of Laura Lee managed to get their upcoming US tour schedule solidified. The dates:

01.15 Brooklyn, Southpaw
01.16 New York, Mercury Lounge
01.17 Washington DC, Black Cat
01.18 Boston, TT Bears
01.19 Philadelphia, The Kyber
01.20 Montreal, Cabaret 500
01.22 Toronto, Horseshoe Tavern
01.23 Detroit, Small's
01.24 Chicago, Double Door
01.25 Minneapolis, 400 Bar
01.26 Lawrence, Bottleneck
01.27 Boulder, Tulagi
01.28 Salt Lake City, Xscape (small room)
01.30 Vancouver, Richards on Richards
01.31 Portland, Satyricon
02.01 Seattle, Crocodile Café
02.03 San Francisco, Bottom Of The Hill
02.04 Pomona, Glass House small room
02.05 Los Angeles, Troubadour
02.06 San Diego, Brick By Brick

Put up another track from that "We Love You" comp tribute to the Rolling Stones. Today's selection is "Miss You" from The Concretes.

Pain mainman Peter Tägtgren has revealed his plans to do an all-cover album. Some of the potential selections are The Beatles - "I Am The Walrus", Ultravox - "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes", and Johnny Cash - "Ring Of Fire". Tägtgren also said he's done with about nine tracks for the next album and that the direction is even more "groovy" and nü-metal than before. "like Korn when they are at their absolutely heaviest" he says. Um well, good for him says me.

Kasual Records has got the new cds from Ariel Kill Him and The New Mess available for preorder. They're even offering a 15% discount and promise to get all orders from this week out and in mailboxes by Christmas. Check it.

After they release the new album, Cult of Luna will be doing a couple dates in Sweden with The Haunted and Merciless. If you're in Nottingham, UK you can check em out tonight at Rock City, but here's the other dates:

02.14.03 - Göteborg, Sticky Fingers
02.15.03 - Örebro, Contan
02.16.03 - Stockholm, Klubben

The Sounds' single for "Living in America" has gone gold in Sweden. The new one for "Seven Days A Week" will be out January 13.