IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Regulations to play A Varning from Montreal

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:47:36 -0700

No idea if they're doing anything else, but Regulations are coming to Canada to play the A Varning From Montreal Festival V on November 5.

Sista Sekunden update (+ more)

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:31:13 -0700

Swedish hardcore act Sista Sekunden will be releasing a new 7" single in May and will be celebrating will a fully stacked show on the 7th at KB in Malmö featuring Regulations, Night Fever, Bäddat För Trubbel, Hårda Tider and Tysta Mari. Not to be missed, obviously.

In related news, Andy from Sista Sekunden's other band Terrible Feelings have recorded a bunch of new stuff and have a number of new releases on the way. First is a single on German label Sabotage Records in cooperation with vocalist Manuela's own Lack Of Sleep imprint featuring "Impending doom" b/w "Death to everyone". They've also got another 7" coming via Timmeheiehumme Records (also German) featuring "Tied up" b/w "No meaning" as well as a CD coming out in Japan through Donut Pop that has six new songs recorded for it so far and will possibly (probably?) feature more.

UX Vileheads - Fist itch

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:03:55 -0800

Umeå punkrockers UX Vileheads have posted a brand new tune from their upcoming LP: http://uxvileheads.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-song-up.html
If you dig other Umeå punk such as Regulations or Masshysteri, you'll probably like this too.

Sirius playlist week #38

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:25:13 -0700

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

01. The Radio Dept. - The new improved hypocrisy
02. TALK 2
03. Slidin' Slim - Right wing blues
04. Faråker - Den sista fajten (via är på väg)
05. We Live in Trenches - Male damage
06. Kite - If there's an if in us
07. TALK 3
08. First Love, Last Rites - Slow wind
09. Tomas Halberstad - Add to all noise
10. Last Days of April - America
11. TALK 4
12. C.Aarmé - Golden retriever
13. Far from Tellus - Norwegian fairytale mix
14. Bäddat för Trubbel - Kungen heter Jandek
15. Vidderna - Villfarelser
16. TALK 4
17. Rasmus Kellerman - The 24th
18. Mindy Misty - Inertia
19. Regulations - In the shadow of the mall
20. TALK 5
21. The Bear Quartet - Silent film

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.

Sirius playlist week #19

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:16:34 -0700

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

01. Sweatmaster - Turnover
02. TALK 1
03. Viola - Leave it all again (feat. Bääbs)
04. Regulations - Down the street
05. The Bear Quartet - Sweet beef
06. TALK 2
07. Mattias Alkberg - Lys upp mig en stjärna
08. Susanne Sundfør - Turkish delight
09. The Skull Defekts - Remain in cruxus (dub)
10. TALK 3
11. Obliteration - Ingesting death
12. Zombiekrig - Håll käften ge mig dina pengar
13. Grande Roses - The astronaut
14. Brutus - Solution
15. TALK 4
16. Ikons - Guns
17. Rising - Grail of bone
18. The Aches - Dancing syllables
19. TALK 5
20. Eskatol - Fane av løgner

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.

Sirius playlist week #6

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:28 -0800

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

01. TALK 1
02. Monument - Feel failure
03. Regulations - To be me
04. Du - Bring down a house
05. Tyrant - Go ahead raise the dead
06. TALK 2
07. Tobias Fröberg - When we go to war
08. Next Life - Anti matter
09. Lo-Fi-Fnk - Marchin' in
10. Boy Omega - Just a boy
11. TALK 3
12. The Bear Quartet - I was a weapon
13. I'm from Barcelona/David Ljung - Silence
14. Thee Gutted String - I've been to town
15. TALK 4
16. Paper - Before that day
17. The Goner - Bright and colossal (risen mind)
18. At the Gates - Suicide nation
19. TALK 5
20. Madrugada - Look away Lucifer

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.

MP3: Regulations - Baghdad beach party

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:26:48 -0800

Got the new Regulations LP "To be me" in the mail yesterday and it's pretty sweet, just like I expected. The bonus "Live radio EP" 7" that I picked up along with it is pretty damn good too, perhaps even a bit moreso than I anticipated. Regulations continue to deliver solid, tightly wound punk rock as always and once again they pull off the magic trick of sounding timeless. Classic sounds made fresh; it's a rare feat, especially when talking about a blueprint that was more or less codified and set in stone back in 80s. Whatever, here we are decades later and these dudes are nailing it. Witness "Baghdad beach party" with its ringing two-note melody and sardonic lyrics -- that's all you need.

New Regulations tracks now streaming

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:40:07 -0800

Deranged Records are streaming a whole slew of new tracks from the upcoming Regulations LP "To be me": http://www.myspace.com/derangedrecords

Ny Våg to release comp på Svenska, more

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:39:31 -0800

Umeå-based punk label Ny Våg is putting out a comp in early February entitled "Umeå vråljazz giganter" featuring Swedish-language cuts from almost all of their bands: The Most, Invasionen, UX Vileheads, Bombettes, Kommunen, Regulations, Dom Döda, Masshysteri, Knugen Faller, AC4, Brottsvåg and Tristess. No exact release date, but they say it'll be available in the first week of February. Also on the way from the label are new LPs from both Invasionen and Masshysteri, the first due in late February or March, the latter set for March.

New U.X. Vileheads EP coming via Adult Crash

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:47:10 -0800

Swedish punks U.X. Vileheads (ex-DS-13, The Vicious, Regulations, etc.) will be releasing their second 7" EP via Danish label Adult Crash in the near future. The band's debut was released in Q409 via Deranged Records.

Regulations album sampler

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:02:33 -0800

Download a preview sampler for the new Regulations album "To be me", out soon via Ny Våg/P.Trash: http://www.ptrashrecords.com/mp3/regulations-mix.mp3

U.X. Vileheards debut coming out on Deranged

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:48:47 -0800

Deranged Records is putting out the debut 7" from Umeå-based hardcore act U.X. Vileheads (ex-DS-13, Vicious, Regulations, etc.) and has it available for preorder: http://www.derangedrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=373

Regulations album title, tracklist revealed

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:43:24 -0700

Here's the tracklist for the new Regulations album, now revealed to be titled "To be me":

01. Red Line 13
02. Bagdhad beach party
03. Catholic Love
04. To be me
05. Creatures in a cage
06. Different needs
07. In the shadow of the mall
08. Problem solved
09. Down the street
10. 1-2-3-4
11. Busy night
12. Don't bother me

Apparently it's been sent off for pressing, so expect it to be available very soon.

New Regulations confirmed for early November

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:33:43 -0700

The new Regulations album will be out in early November. Ny Våg/P.Trash will be handling the release in Europe, Deranged Records will take care of North America and Nada Nada Discos will do Brazil.

Sirius playlist week #28

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:18:48 -0700

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

01. Samtidigt Som - Vid min sida
02. TALK 1
03. Tortyr - Ingen anger
04. Tribulation - Beyond the horror
05. The Fine Arts Showcase - Lovesick
06. TALK 2 (Umeå Punk City set)
07. The Bombettes - Oh boy
08. Industri Royal - Location location location
09. Regulations - Different needs
10. Moloken - Followers
11. Inständg - Kött är mord
12. Knugen Faller - Jag vill inte vara med
13. The Rats - Everything is a trap
14. TALK 3
15. Elmo - Blind heart
16. Logh - Forest eyes (RBG version)
17. Shining - Plågoande O'Helga plågoande
18. TALK 4
19. NEI - City of gold
20. Svart - Honey, honey
21. Fare You Well - It's almost over
22. TALK 5
23. Samuraj Cities - 2 close 2 yr hrt

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.

Umeå Punk City Fanzine + CD

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:58:18 -0700

Now in stock: Umeå Punk City Fanzine + CD
This zine + compilation package features 30+ interviews with Umeå-based punk acts such as AC4, Regulations, Masshysteri, Invasionen, Knugen Faller, Industri Royal, Epidemics, The Bombettes and way more along with a 26-track compilation CD. Not only that, it's dirt cheap! Highly recommended, especially for anyone with an interest in hyper-local music scenes! See more here: http://umeapunkcity.blogspot.com/

Regulations - Baghdad beach party

Thu, 28 May 2009 11:59:13 -0700

Umeå-based punkrockers Regulations have a new, unmastered track from their forthcoming record streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/regulationshc

New Regulations to get vinyl run in Brazil

Mon, 11 May 2009 12:55:16 -0700

Mateus Mondini will be putting out a Brazilian pressing of the new Regulations LP.

New Regulations album by late summer

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:48:34 -0700

Umeå punkrockers Regulations report that their new album is done and ready for mixing. Expect a late summer release via Ny Vag in Europe and Deranged Records in North America.

New album from Regulations soon?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:05:31 -0800

Regulations recorded 12 new tracks for their next LP this past week with Fredrik Lyxzén at home in Umeå. No release date yet or anything, but I'll keep you posted.

Tue, 13 May 2008 19:00:23 -0700

Ex-Refused/Final Exit members Dennis Lyxzén and David Sandström have started a brand new hardcore band together called AC4. The lineup features Dennis on vocals, David on bass, Kalle from The Vectors on guitar and Jens from Regulations on drums.

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:12:43 -0700

Danish punkrockers Cola Freaks have posted a track on myspace from their new split 7" with CA-based act Autistic Youth: http://www.myspace.com/colafreaks
If you like 80s-style punk ala Regulations, No Hope for the Kids, etc. you should check this out.

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:51:52 -0800

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

01. Niccokick - The poet
02. TALK 1
03. Montys Loco - Farewell Mr Happy
04. David Sandström - Apropå det här med att finnas till
05. Mew - Why are you looking grave?
06. TALK 2
07. C.Aarmé - Rhythm
08. Dieter Schöön - Lot's of free Shoes but nowhere to run
09. Meshuggah - Pravus
10. TALK 3
11. Elin Ruth Sigvardsson - Antidote
12. The Bear Quartet - Volksblues
13. Ljudbilden & Piloten - Wedding
14. Lack - Naked girls
15. TALK 4
16. Don't Be A Stranger - Lonely together
17. Namur - Marching
18. NEI - Trip to Luleå
19. TALK 5
20. Printer - All right
21. Moto Boy - Beat heart
22. Christel Alsos - Come back to me
23. TALK 6
24. Promoe - Headache
25. Mustasch - Dogwash
26. Montt Mardié - Too many songs unwritten
27. Pascal - Smärtstillande
28. TALK 7
29. Pan Sonic - Virta 1
30. Pekker - Ass electro
31. Regulations - Police siren
32. TALK 8
33. Deud - Lördag
34. Linus Larsson & John Roger Olsson - Beyond the south tunnel
35. Barra Head - Undermine
36. TALK 9
37. Aerial - Kallisti
38. Paris - Office killer
39. Lukestar - The shade you hide
40. TALK 10
41. Jazkamer - Metal music machine

MP3: Knugen Faller - Lungen favoriter

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:13:19 -0700

This is kind of a catch-up post since I've been meaning to post about Knugen Faller for awhile, yet somehow manage to postpone it over and over. No more! Anyhow, Nancy's review sums it up pretty well, though I actually like it a lot more than she does. Truth: yes, this is a retro genre piece and as such, it steals shamelessly from acts of yore. However, I'm okay with that 'cuz they do it well. It's all about good songs played with copious energy, not originality and hey, they even get acclaimed jazz musician Jonas Kullhammar to lay down some sax so that's gotta mean something. If you like Randy, Regulations, or even The Hives, there's a damn good chance you'll like this too. 'Nuff said!

Buy it: [click here]

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Havoc is now offering up an mp3 from that new Regulations 7" for free download: http://www.havocrex.com/mp3/Regulations_New_ways.mp3
Great band, great record.

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

I picked up a few extra copies of the new Regulations 7" "Different needs" last night. Email me if you're interested in picking one up 'cuz I'm not sure they'll make it to the webstore. I also forgot to mention it, but I've restocked copies of both Björn Kleinhenz CDs. Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, the new album sounds fantastic from what I've heard so far. No idea when it will be done, but I'm sure I'll be the first to let you know.

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Regulations show originally scheduled for tonight in Tacoma is now happening at the Eagles Hall right here in Olympia, WA. Sounds good to me!

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Updated US tourdates for Regulations:

08/01 - Charm City Art Space, Baltimore, MD
08/02 - Fuck Mountain, New Brunswick, NJ
08/03 - First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, PA
08/04 - Club Europa, New York, NY
08/05 - Welfare Records, Haverhill MA
08/06 - New Haven People's Center, New Haven, CT
08/07 - Valentines, Albany, NY
08/08 - 560 Allen St., Syracuse, NY
08/09 - 99 Custer, Buffalo, NY
08/10 - Braddock Eelks lodge, Pittsburgh, PA
08/11 - Now That's Class, Cleveland, OH
08/12 - Beat Kitchen Doors, Chicago, IL
08/13 - Nottingham co op, Madison, WI
08/14 - Bedlam Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
08/15 - Viaduct, Tacoma, WA
08/16 - Satyricon, Portland, OR
08/17 - Fried Chicken Barge, Seattle, WA
08/18 - Pandora St., Vancouver, BC

The band will have a brand new limited 4-song 7" for sale on this jaunt as well.

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

US-based hardcore label Havoc Records will be reissuing an old 7" from Swedish act Mob 47 this coming summer. They're also sending Regulations back out on tour over here and have posted preliminary dates here: http://www.havocrex.com/tours/

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. Pistol Disco - Walking with Jesus
02. TALK 1
03. Heroes & Zeros - Into the light
04. Vijaya - Your gun will never set you free
05. Convoj - My timekeeping heart
06. TALK 2
07. Darkthrone - Too old, too cold
08. A Perfect Friend - Rush hour
09. Death By Kite - Hiroshima
10. TALK 3
11. Fun - I've got a truck
12. Moonbabies - Walking on my feet
13. The Perishers - When I fall
14. TALK 4
15. Regulations - Police siren
16. Viola - Ordinary teenage sensation
17. Björn Kleinhenz - Starlit queen
18. TALK 5
19. Gravy - Glory to our brilliant name
20. Hero Dishonest - Stalin vs Hank Hardy
21. Sophie Zelmani - To know you
22. Ulver - Capitel III: Graablick blev hun vaer
23. TALK 6
24. Håkan Hellström - Ramlar
25. Abhinanda - Highway tonight
26. Single Unit - Passion, pirates & parasites
27. TALK 7
28. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Skulldrummantra
29. The Tiny - Just like you
30. Death Breath - Death breath
31. TALK 8
32. Entombed - Serpent speech
33. The Cardigans - Marvel hill
34. Soviac - I got the ribbah
35. TALK 9
36. The Bear Quartet - Put me back together
37. You Is Stupid - I am history
38. Paris - 60 minutes
39. The Process - Mot Sverige i tiden
40. TALK 10
41. Weeping Willows - I give you the morning

Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Regulations will be back in the US for a tour this coming August.

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Havoc has updated with news on new releases from Kvoteringen, Wolfbrigade and Regulations as well as US tourdates for the latter two plus The Vicious and Skitsystem: http://www.havocrex.com/

MP3: No Hope for the Kids - Secret police

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

As I've said before, besides Umeå-based act Regulations, Denmark's No Hope for the Kids are the finest retro-punks in the world. But as I've also previously noted, it's amazing how current the band's Cold War rhetoric sounds today. Secret police? Doesn't sounds too far-fetched here in George Bush's America. The best thing about this song though, is that it's so damn catchy. I can listen to it over and over again.
Note: this is a vinyl rip so the quality isn't perfect. Deal with it.

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Regulations will be ducking into the studio while in Toronto to record a couple new tracks.

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Dates for Regulations upcoming Canadian tour are up: http://www.nyvag.com/label.htm

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Havoc has tentative dates for Regulations' upcoming Canadian tour in October as well as current dates for fellow Swedish punks Sunday Morning Einsteins: http://www.havocrex.com/tours/

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Ny Våg just posted a big update on various things they have going on including new releases from The Vicious and Knugen Faller and talk of North American and Australian tours for Regulations: http://www.nyvag.com/

Victims Divide and conquer Havoc Records

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Sweden's Victims were another Havoc Records band I managed to miss while they were on tour (the first was Regulations - d'oh!) Listening to their latest release gave me a taste of what to expect if I ever see them live. "Divide and conquer" is a testament to early '80s American hardcore bands. What's with the Swedes that makes them play something that sounds like it's over 25 years old, but yet still modern? Anyhoo, 15 tracks of American hardcore/Swedish crust-inspired punk that'll get you amped. Think of Discharge when you listen to this. Singer Johan's vocals and the band are balanced pretty well with one not overpowering the other. Not what I would normally listen to, but it kept me interested.

MP3: No Hope for the Kids - Angels of destruction

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

It sounds like something straight out of southern California 1984, but no - it's actually the latest 7" single from Denmark's No Hope for the Kids. Who would've thought that Cold War rhetoric would still sound so apt in 2006. Aside from Regulations, NHftK is easily one of the best punk-rock bands active in the world today. Retro, but still totally crucial.

MP3: The Vicious - It's all a lie

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Got a new mp3 today from Umeå-based punk-rockers The Vicious from their latest 7" "Obsessive". If dig classic snotty singalong punk like Randy or Regulations (with whom they share a member) then you'll definitely love this too. A lot of times this sorta retro-sounding sound comes off as forced, but somehow the Scandinavian punks usually seem to pull it off. No detached irony, no snide winks; just 100% quality rock'n'roll. The other point of interest concerning The Vicious is that this is the new band of Sara Almgren from The (International) Noise Conspiracy. Sorry to those of you hoping that she'd return to her moshcore roots (she was in band Doughnuts way back when), but it looks like it ain't gonna happen. Yet. C'mon, isn't it about time someone started a Chokehold tribute band or something?

Tue, 18 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

European tourdates for Swedish punk-rockers Regulations:

05/03 - Skylten, Linköping (SWE) w/Annhiliation Time
05/05 - 1000 Fryd, Aalborg, (DK)
05/06 - Ajz, Bielefeld (GER)
05/07 - Ajz Talshock, Chemnitz (GER)
05/08 - Sunny Red / Feierwerk, Munchen (GER)
05/09 - JuHa-West, Stuttgart (GER)
05/10 - C.S. Scintilla, Modena (ITA)
05/11 - Rivolta, Marghera (ITA)
05/12 - Sedel (Prison), Lucerne (CH) w/Nine Pound Hammer
05/13 - Farnroda / Eisenach, Wutha (CH)
05/14 - JUZ Youth Center, Mannheim (GER)
05/15 - tba, Ghent (BEL)
05/16 - tba, Amsterdam (NL) w/Bones Brigade
05/17 - Koepi, Berlin (GER)
05/18 - Beatclub, Hamburg (GER) w/Clorox Girls
05/19 - Hafermarkt, Flensburg (GER) w/Assassinators
05/20 - Showdown, Göteborg (SWE)

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Some news from Ny Våg: The European version of Regulations excellent "Electric guitar" record is just about done and will be released both as a 7-song 12" and on CD with the bonus 7" tracks (as included on the US version on Havoc). The vinyl version comes with a poster and will also feature an updated layout. Look for the band to tour Europe in May. Ny Våg also reports that Lost Patrol Band (the all-star power-pop act that began life as Dennis Lyxen's sensitive singer/songwriter project) is done with their second album and will be building up to its release with a 7" single called "Automatic kids" coming out sometime before summer. Organist Jonas Lidström has also reportedly left the band, but they will continue on as a four-piece. And lastly, the CD version of the The Vicious 12" has been delayed, but will be out soon and will include the band's first 7" as bonus-tracks. In other Vicious news, a new four-song 7" will be out on US label Feral Ward soon and a new full-length is in the works for the end of the year.

Regulations Electric guitar Havoc Records/Ny Våg

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Their self-titled LP was one of my favorites from last year and I was expecting the same from them in their latest release. How I could have missed them twice on their tour last year is beyond me. Anyways, seven new songs, five from their "Destroy" 7-inch and four from the "Survive in the city" 7-inch release (both of which are now out of print). Early '80s punk as thrown through the L.A. buzzsaw (i.e. Germs, Black Flag, etc...) is their sound. The seven new songs, such as "Hollywood smile" and "Empty head," all have the energy of their previous releases and will keep the kids pogoing, but I feel like they're missing something. Lead singer Otto's vocals are much more snottier and snarling. The songs from the 7-inches, such as "Destroy" and "We're Blank," are more to my liking. The untitled track reminds me of Agent Orange's "Bloodstains (darkness version)", only more sped up. This is a keeper.

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The Ny Våg version of the Regulations "Electric guitar" EP will have different artwork than the US version of Havoc Records and will include a poster. Look for it around late February/early March.

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

Nominees for this year's Manifest Awards, Sweden's alternative to the Grammy:

Hip-hop/r&b/soul:
Form One - Meet Johnny Rhino
Hearin´Aid - The Boom Lucy
Jaqee – Blaqalious
Looptroop - Fort Europa
Timbuktu – Alla vill till himlen men ingen vill dö

Electronica/post-rock/synth:
Folie – Eyepennies
Midaircondo – Shopping For Images
Ola Bergman – The satellite city
Tape – Rideau
Thermostatic – Joy-Toy

Pop/Rock:
Embassy – Tacking
Jenny Wilson – Love And Youth
Blood Music – Sing a Song Fighter
El Perro Del Mar - Look! It’s El Perro Del Mar!
Lucknow Pact – A Few Drinks- A Few Laughs

Jazz:
E.S.T. - Viaticum
Jeanette Lindström – In The Middle Of This Riddle
MUSICMUSICMUSIC – What´s a good boss anyway?
Bobo Stenson trio – Goodbye
Ulf Wakenius – Notes From The Heart

Singer/songwriter:
Lars Bygdén – Trading Happiness for Songs
Frida Hyvönen – Until Death comes
Hello Saferide – Introducing: Hello Saferide
Christian Kjellvander – Faya
Billie the vision and the Dancers – The world according to Pablo

Dance/techno:
Hundarna från Söder – Troika
DK7 – Disarmed
Skugge & Stavöstrand – Humla
John Dahlbäck – Man From the Fall
Dibaba – Songs For Good Lives

Hardrock/punk:
Randy – Randy the band
Disco Volante – Blood On The Walls
Witchcraft - Firewood
Regulations - s/t
Grand Magus - Wolf’s return

Folk/world-music:
Sofia Karlsson – Svarta Ballader
Harv – Polka Raggioso
Ellika och Solo – Abraka/Tack
Svenska Akademien – Resa sig opp
Simone Moreno – Samba Makossa

Best live act:
David Sandström Overdrive
Frida Hyvönen
Jenny Wilson
Robyn
Timbuktu

Best newcomer:
The Tough Alliance – New school
Timo Räisänen - Lovers are Lonely
Frida Hyvönen – Until Death Comes
Montt Mardié – Drama
Suburban Kids With Biblical Names – #3

Best unsinged act:
She
Insert Coin
Anagoes
Intohimo
Loney, Dear

Winners will be announced on February 9.

Top 10s for 2005: Navy Keophan

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

01. Knugen Faller - Inte Som Ni (Ny Våg): I loved the first 7-inch. I love this one even more. More catchier and fun to play at loud volumes in your home as kids wander by trying to figure out what language it is. I can't wait to hear the full-length.

02. Regulations - s/t (Havoc): The return of early-'80s L.A. punk. What's with the water in the north of Sweden that makes bands like Regulations so awesome? I'd go on about it but I know Avi wants to keep this short. [ed: fine, blame me! be that way.]

03. The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Origins, vol. 1 (Universal): I know it got released in Europe last year but I managed to pick up the U.S. release earlier this year. Another fine release by these gentlemen and a testament to their pyschedelic-pop-rock that is just amazing and beautiful.

04. Randy - Randy the Band (Burning Heart): Seriously, everybody needs to know how great these guys are. They're great live and this album is a great follow up to 2003's "Welfare Problems". Fifteen tracks of catchy punk that has their trademark sound but with a sense of growing up. Plus, who doesn't love harmonies?

05. Sir Henry Fiat's Bastard - Your Mom Is A Fucking Mongo (Pandacide): The frontman of Henry Fiat's Open Sore embarks on a solo side project that is more snarling and rock 'n' roll-based. You can't help but sing along with him on the chorus of "Senorita, I'm In Spain".

06. Turbonegro - Party Animals (Burning Heart/Abacus Recordings): This is the album "Scnadinavian Leather" should have been. Over-the-top, cheeky and my guilty pleasure.

07. Six Finger Satellite discography: I know it's not Scandinavian but these Providence, Rhode Island-based Chrome and DAF worshippers came back onto my radar this year. This is the stuff I wished I had listened to when I was in high school.

08. Junior Senior - Hey Hey My My Yo Yo (Crunchy Frog): It's just so happy.

09. The Juan Maclean live: One of the best shows I've been to all year. Even with the bad joke he told, never have I seen such a diverse crowd dance into the wee hours of the night.

10. Made In Mexico - Zodiac Zoo (Skingraft): More Rhode Island madness. Former members of Arab On Radar and La Machine and a lead singer who could give Karen O a run for her money. Noisy, hypnotic and good enough to make me sleep after a hard night of work.

---------------------------

Navy Keophan only hopes 2006 can live up to 2005.
(Navy is a regular contributor to IAT)

MP3: Bom Bom - Pop i kras

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

I packed up all my stuff and moved across town into my new house last Thursday evening. That meant I had to miss Regulations, but I am very happy to be in my new place. Got my Internet access up and running Friday and spent the weekend unpacking. Good times, right? I've been going pretty much non-stop the entire time and I'm a bit frazzled, so I'm going to let Simon Tagestam handle today's mp3 post:

Being Swedish, it's hard to try and get people to listen to stuff that's sung in Swedish, since I realise that a lot of the appeal for me is usually about understanding what's sung. But now with Avi posting a track with the real king of Sweden (and with the success of the awful Dungen and the boring Sigur Rós) I feel confident enough to share this song with you. It's a track that I've been listening to over and over again everyday, everywhere for the last couple of weeks (I can prove it!). The song has the same impact on me as when I heard aforementioned Håkan Hellström for the first time, that is – it makes me want to go get drunk and go out and smash things up (figuratively speaking, of course), and perhaps dance a little bit. The song got such a dazzling energy that it almost makes me exhausted listening to it. Bom Bom, who made this masterpiece, are currently based in Gothenburg and London, and at the moment there's nothing I want to do more than to catch these boys in concert. Their other songs that I've heard all sound groovy, but "Pop i kras" is the catchiest one of them, and being a sucker for catchy songs, it's the one I like the most. You can download a bunch of their songs on their website (beware, it's all in Swedish, but it's still pretty easy to find the mp3s). Be braver than I am, and listen to some great music sung in a language you don't understand!

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

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

Download some live tracks of Regulations playing live on Radio K in Minneapolis: http://www.havocrex.com/mp3/regulationsradio/regulationsradio.html
Don't forget that the band is on tour in the US right now - I'll be at the Seattle show f'sure.

Regulations s/t Ny Våg

Sun, 02 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Umeå's Regulations, along with labelmates the Vicious (with whom they share members), debut album reminds me of the sounds of early L.A. punk. Think early Black Flag, Circle Jerks and the Adolescents and that's what you'll get. Songs like "Police siren" and "We always know what to do" carry the energy and fury of those early bands before hair bands took over the scene. The lead singer's voice reminds me of a young Henry Rollins or even Milo from the Descendents. Highly recommended.

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Aversionline has posted reviews of Swedish punks Regulations and Martyrdöd.

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

Havoc Records will be releasing a new 12" from Regulations in time for their upcoming US tour. The a-side will feature seven brand-new tracks and the flip with have all of the stuff from their two 7"s "Destroy" and "Survive in the city". As mentioned before, go here for the latest tour dates.

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

New track today from Regulations, whose self-titled debut album was recently released on Dennis Lyxzén's (The (Int'l) Noise Conspiracy, Refused) new label Ny Våg. Along with Knugen Faller, these dudes are putting Umeå on the map as the place to go for quality punk-rock. And we're talking classic 80s So-Cal style punk, not the kind of stuff that passes for punk on the radio or MTV. This is way more gruff and raw than any of that bullshit. Which is not to say that it's totally lacking in pop flavor. There's still tons of hooks and worthy sing-alongs. I listen to this stuff and I feel like I did when I was twelve years old and just discovering punk for the first time. It's not that they're tackling big issues with the lyrics or anything (they most definitely aren't), but they've got the spirit and that's enough to move me. I often get sour about how bad the scene has become, but then I hear stuff like this and I realize once again that it's not so bad. Can't wait to see 'em when they tour the US this fall. Go here for the latest dates.

MP3: Regulations - Fashion girl

Wed, 31 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Podcast: The sound of Umeå, part 2

Fri, 26 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

DATE ADDED : 08.26.05
LENGTH : 29:06 min
DOWNLOAD : itsatrap_podcast_08262005.mp3 (20.4mb)
RSS : [click here]

Tracklist:
01. Starmarket - Drive by
02. Cobolt - Luther
03. Regulations - Police siren
04. Komeda - Nonsense
05. Cult of Luna - Echoes
06. Final Exit - Punk enough

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Preliminary tourdates for Swedish punks Regulations:

10/13 - Chicago, IL
10/14 - Milwaukeefest
10/15 - Detroit/Ann Arbor, MI
10/16 - Cleveland, OH
10/17 - Pittsburgh, PA
10/18 - Rochester, NY
10/19 - Albany, NY
10/20 - Providence, RI
10/21 - Boston, MA
10/22 - NYC
10/23 - Philadelphia, PA
10/24 - New Jersey
10/25 - DC
10/26 - Richmond, VA
10/27 - Georgia
10/28 - Daytona Beach, FL
10/29 - Sound Idea, Brandon, FL
10/30 - New Orleans, LA
10/31 - Houston, TX
11/01 - Austin, TX
12/02 - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
11/03 - Oklahoma City, OK
11/03 - Lawrence, KS
11/04 - Midwest Hardcore Fest III, Minneapolis
11/07 - North Dakota
11/09 - Bellingham, WA
11/10 - Seattle, WA
11/11 - Reed College Festival, Portland, OR
11/12 - Gilman St., Berkeley, CA
11/13 - Burnt Ramen, Richmond, CA
11/14 - Fresno, CA
11/15 - Che Café, San Diego, CA
11/16 - LA, CA
11/17 - Long Beach, CA
11/18 - Las Vegas, NV
11/19 - Denver, CO
11/20 - St. Louis, MO

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Wasted Sounds is releasing the debut 7" from The Vicious, the new band from Sara of t(I)NC/Doughnuts along with members from Tristess, Regulations, DS13, Cult of Luna and Dead Ones. The band is set to release their debut full-length through Burning Heart later this year, but here's where you can hear 'em first. Check out a sample track: http://www.wastedsounds.com/mp3/Vicious_-_Suspicions.mp3
For ordering info and more new Norrland punk releases such as Auktion, Reign of Bombs and Disconvenience, go here: http://www.wastedsounds.com/

Wed, 04 May 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the video for "Golden time" from The Lost Patrol Band: http://www.burningheart.com/_lib/util/streamvideo.php?id=2500&s=hi
In case you were unaware, The Lost Patrol Band started out as the powerpop solo project of Dennis Lyxzén (t(I)NC, ex-Refused), but is now a full band with a solid lineup featuring members from the Deportees, Regulations and DS-13. Read more here: http://www.burningheart.com/news/article.php?id=236

Interview: Peter Ahlqvist (Burning Heart Records)

Sat, 30 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Way back in mid-March I took a roadtrip with my friend Kelly down to LA for the Export Music Sweden Swedish Showcase. As has already been posted, I got the chance to sit down and talk with Anders from Moneybrother before the show. Well, I also got a chance to sit down with Peter Ahlqvist, big cheese for Burning Heart Records. And I do mean big, dude is like eight feet tall. Anyhow, we grabbed a table in the barroom while Deportees finished up their soundcheck nextdoor and had ourselves a little chat. Here's how it went:

(note: Kelly was mostly busy sending text messages to her fake boyfriend, but she does chime in towards the end)

Avi: So let start with congratulations on a #1 record.

Peter: Yeah, it's good! Actually had one before, but it was in Norway and doesn't really count the same way.

A: Oh? What #1 in Norway?

P: Turbonegro

A: Oh, right right.

P: Three weeks in a row or something. Big band over there.

A: Oh yeah and they have that new one coming out. That's probably going to be a big record...

P: I hope so. It's good. Better than the last one.

A: So how is Moneybrother doing now with that Kent record out? Is it still holding on?

P: No, uh (laughs). They released it the last day of the week because they wanted to have a #1 that first week and the next week. They said they sold like half a million records on the last one.

A: So like how people are there in Sweden and how many records?

P: It's great actually how big they are.

A: Right.

P: I'm not sure actually that that's just Sweden, I think that's Scandinavia total, but they're still big in Sweden. But it's good, we're happy we're #2 at least. So that's good, as good as it can get.

A: But still y'know, you look at the cover of Sonic and see Anders is on the cover and Kent is down a ways.

P: But still they are such a mainstream popular band.

A: I don't think they're quite the talk as much as...

P: But you like them personally?

A: I haven't heard the new one yet, but I thought the last one was kind of mediocre.

P: Uh huh, that's the biggest one of course. But I like some of the old stuff.

A: Oh yeah, me too. I mean, the last one isn't bad. I'm curious about the new one, but in no rush to hear it.

P: No, same here. (laughs)

A: So now that you have this big success, what's next? What are you working on?

P: We're always working on tons of records, not just big ones.

A: You're not just concentrating on the pop stuff?

P: No no, I think the majority of our bands are punk bands in one or another. There's always a punk angle to the bands we are signing. Even Anders was in punk bands and Monster. I think everyone has some punk thing going. We're doing Turbonegro, we're doing Millencolin, new Looptroop. And that's all coming out in spring.

A: Right, all pretty big records.

P: Yeah, all big. And then we have Lost Patrol Band and Club Killers which is a cool band. Have you heard of them?

A: I think I've heard the name.

P: It's basically three of the guys from Moneybrother. They're all here actually, but not the trumpet guy.

A: Oh, were they on the comp? That live track, that's right.

P: They are a live band who are like a project... they're a real band now. Basically they play a club in Stockholm - Debaser - every second week or every month. They play ska, rocksteady; only covers. And they have fifteen people in the lineup and then they invite a lot of guests like Håkan Hellström, someone from The Hellacopters, Sahara Hotnights, Weeping Willows, everything. They have guest vocalists for all the songs.

A: So that's what the recording's gonna be like?

P: Yeah yeah, totally. It's like Buena Vista Social Club, but more indie/ska and in Sweden. It's started to become pretty popular - they have some great festival gigs last summer. This will be the first release, live at the club. It was recorded live during several nights or whatever and then put together.

A: Is it all ready to go?

P: Yeah, it'll be out in May.

A: So actually will be appearing on it then? The people you mentioned already?

P: Yeah, Håkan Hellström, Magnus Carlsson, Maria from Sahara, some hip-hop guys, Moneybrother's on two tracks. Then they have their own singer which is a girl, Anna Maria EspinosaModer Jords Massiva.

A: Kind of the all-stars, eh?

P: Yeah, I hope they're gonna develop into a real band.

A: And actually tour and everything?

P: Uh-huh. And write their own stuff. Which they want to do, but I don't know if they can get the time because of Moneybrother.

A: Are they going to do any festivals this summer?

P: Yeah, but they are also subject to what they can do because of Moneybrother. The drummer is also from Weeping Willows, the horn section is from a lot of bands.

A: Of course Moneybrother will in-demand this summer I imagine.

P: Yeah, right. It's gonna be tough for them. It's an interesting thing and of course if Moneybrother plays a festival they might also play the same festival.

A: Yeah, as long as none of the other bands are doing anything else?

P: Yeah. So that's what we're releasing this spring. And we've got tons of new stuff in the autumn actually.

A: What else you working on?

P: Sara from INC, a new band called The Vicious. We're doing that. That's more the Dead Boys kind of punk-rock.

A: So not going back to like the Doughnuts metalcore thing?

P: (laughs) no no... So that's a good one. And then we have a band called The Accidents.

A: Oh yeah, I have their record.

P: Yeah, it's more rock n' roll.

A: Yeah, that's another kind of all-star band in some ways.

P: Yeah, but some of the band members are from Voice of a Generation who just broke up. So now they have the bassplayer from VOAG and it's totally his band.

A: So they're going full-out now? Not like a side-project?

P: Yeah, also because one of the guys from VOAG who left and split up the band - he works for Burning Heart. That's why he wanted to quit. And he's still in The Accidents as well, but he's only gonna be on the record. He's not gonna tour.

A: Right. Now what does he do at Burning Heart?

P: He's running the publishing. He works for the publishing company which is part of Burning Heart in a way.

A: Right.

P: It's a different company that does the publishing for Refused, The Hives, whatever, a tons of bands.

A: Yeah, it's a lot of work I would imagine.

P: It's a lot of work, so it's tough.

A: Right. So how do you go about discovering new bands then? Do you go out to a lot of shows? Demos?

P: It's not demos really, it's more recommendations and usually we sign bands that already have a reputation.

A: Yeah, all those bands seem to have people that are already established.

P: Yeah, and live shows - yeah, I go to live shows, but not that many. It's hard - I don't travel a lot. If there's a band I really want to see and want to sign, of course I go. Usually I hear about a band through others and then go to the show. But it's not often you see a band that blows you away.

A: Has that ever happened to you?

P: Yeah. In a way I see that sometimes. Like I saw Flogging Molly on the Warped Tour a couple years ago. I really liked that because I thought it was excellent live and then we licensed them for Europe. But otherwise, thinking about it - it's not often I see a band live and go wow, this is something I have to work with. It's more like I heard about the band and then I see them live.

A: So nobody out of the blue then?

P: Not really. Flogging Molly I would say is the only one.

A: Is that different from the way you used to do things when you first started the label?

P: Of course, that was more demos actually at the beginning. And we started to sign a few bands that developed into others or started new bands or people recommended.

A: Well and Fredrik Holgren might accuse you of stealing his bands.

P: Ahhh yeah, but he was not involved in doing that deal with Refused. But that's the way - it's hard in the beginning. We signed the demos for a lot of the bands like No Fun At All, Millencolin. I did the first Refused EP which was basically me and Fredrik had around the same time, but he - initially he had a deal with the band and then I put out the EP. But all these bands, the early bands Millencolin, 59 Times the Pain, Breach and so on, that was through demos. Lately, it's not the same way now. That was part of the punkrock, hardcore way. And that was what Burning Heart was at the beginning, sort of a more punkrock hardcore thing.

A: Do you consider yourself a different kind of label now?

P: In a way. It's a more established label. It's not the same way. We don't pick demos with bands, there's not the same amount of good new bands around. It's not the scene. It's not something happening at the moment that you can relate to in the same way. On the other hand, I mean, sometimes you hear stuff like I heard a demo from Regulations I wanted to do. I dunno if you're familiar with them?

A: I've heard the name.

P: It's punkrock basically. It's gonna come out on Dennis' own label. Dennis and Stefan from Randy are gonna put it out. And maybe hopefully I'll be able to work with it later on. Vicious also, but that was also because I know Sara was in the band. You always have something. In the beginning it was different. I think we are still the same kind of label, though we are more established and we can work with more bigger bands.

A: So you think the scene has changed then?

P: Totally.

A: Do you think the DIY thing isn't going quite as strong or?

P: It wasn't much of a DIY thing at that point. It was because everyone started their punkrock label, but no - I wouldn't say it's as strong these days. It's definitely not as strong as it was when Refused and all those bands came. Then there were a lot of smaller Swedish punkrock labels established. And they were all gone after a few years, but a lot of them started and managed to do some okay things. A lot of indie labels sold a lot of records. Today there aren't that many.

A: Why do think that is?

P: I think there was an over-establishment at some point, in a way. But now... I think there was a boom in the scene and something new that came with Offspring and Green Day that totally changed. The kids were totally into it and there was a lot of new things about snowboarding and skateboarding.

A: The pop-punk explosion?

P: Yeah, it was - and the hardcore explosion followed. It was the same kind of thing. But now I don't see the same explosion in any scene. Y'know, for many years we had a lot of Swedish bands that wanted to sound like the Hellacopters and Backyard Babies. A lot of new bands started with that. And then if you go into that, maybe you have your own scene in a way, but you don't start booking shows. You don't bring bands from... It's a different thing. When the punkrock thing came a lot of people did their own thing with bands. That is pretty much gone. I would say of course there are many left, but it was such a big thing back then. I don't see any Swedish bands like that. There are mostly indie ones and very few hardcore ones.

A: So what do think's gonna happen in the future? Where do you see it going?

P: I don't know. I've been doing punkrock since 1980 when I did my first fanzine. I've seen so many changes, but it's always - I think there will always a place for something like harder music or extreme music. I don't see it as going away, but I don't see anything happening now that I can say oh, that's gonna happen in two years or Labrador Records is gonna be huge or whatever. They're a label that's got some cool things going on, even though they don't sell that much.

A: Yeah, they're very well known. Even here in the States you hear a lot of people talking about them.

P: Yeah, but otherwise I don't see any hardcore coming back. I see a lot of punk bands coming up. A lot of the bands, especially up north and so on - a lot of people are going back to playing punkrock. Everyone plays in a punkrock... as opposed to hardcore, they play punkrock influenced by all the American hardcore like Black Flag or Circle Jerks and also early Swedish punk or early English punk or whatever. And then there's a lot of oi! bands. That scene is also happening in a way. You never know, maybe there will be something.

A: Have your tastes changed as you've gotten older? Are you still into that stuff and following it?

P: I think I listen to the same type of music now. I mean, you get a little bored with only listening to punkrock. I don't pick up tons of new records and fall in love with them, but every now and then something comes along that I really like. For me, I think I've heard most of the good punk. I think it's been done in the past. I think there's always some good bands. I try to pick up good new bands I hear on other labels every now and then, but really - I'm not that excited about it. I'm still excited if I put on Minor Threat or if I put on...

A: The classics?

P: The classics, totally! I still listen to old oi! and that stuff and of course all the hardcore as well, or maybe some Hatebreed or something like that, but I don't pick new hardcore angry bands or melodic skatepunk bands or whatever. It's just not interesting anymore. I mean, there's always good bands.

A: So what do you listen to then?

P: I listen to everything. It's a lot of punkrock, a lot of indie bands. I still buy a lot of records.

A: Name some names that you've been hearing

P: Isolation Years is a great band. I like a band like Anti-Flag. Once more, I don't listen to that much new stuff I don't think.

A: So are just listening to more like the oldies?

P: No, really I buy a lot of stuff, but I'm not that really...

A: Nothing's been too terribly exciting?

P: I like Bloc Party. It's good. I like Libertines a bit, but it's not the classics. I like the old bands. I'm into stuff I've heard before, like Radio Dept. - I rather listen to something old like Ride.

A: You'd rather listen to the original?

P: Yeah, in a way. But still, it's hard to say that. Yes, it sounds sad, but... I like Koma. You know them? I like that record.

A: Yeah, they're on my comp that I put out.

P: Great band. But I don't see anything special that I really, totally am devoted to. My main preference is old ska. I listen to a lot of old ska, but it's hard to get new stuff in that genre that is good.

A: So then let's switch gears here...

P: It sounds bad, I want to be able to say "ah, this band's fantastic." But of course it's hard to be excited about music. I tried to put out good new stuff, but I can't say that I have to check out the new electro-punk scene from this place. It's not like that. I'm not into a special genre. I try to stick with what I really like. Before I could maybe buy everything on Revelation or everything on this label, but it's not like that anymore.

A: Right. So you're bringing Moneybrother over to the States. Do you think you have a good chance of getting him a break over here?

P: I hope so. I don't know - it's so hard to say. From a business point of view, I think he's a great artist and if people saw him live I'm sure he would be enormous. He's a great live act. You never know how things will work out in the US. There's already a lot of interest. If that's real interest, I don't know. I hope people check him out.

A: Are you hearing it from industry people or from like, the streets?

P: I would say only industry people so far because we haven't really done anything on the street market. He's such a new artist. I mean, it's only happening in Sweden. A few people know about Burning Heart, but maybe it's a bit out of the... it's a little bit different from what we used to put out so maybe, our original audience maybe doesn't...

A: Well you're not going to be licensing it to Epitaph then I guess?

P: No, I don't think so, but you never know. They're here, they're gonna listen. It could be something for Anti, but they usually only work with established artists. I don't want to say it - I hope it's going to work in the US. I can't say this is an American-style artist or this is something that will definitely go down in the US, but at the same time, no one thought that The Hives would work in the US and no one thought that this and this band would work in the US. It's all a matter of timing or whatever happens.

A: Are you really pushing on it? Do you think it's worth it?

P: We're over here, so yeah. We're trying to get something going. It's so hard to get things established in the US, it's such a big market. But I think every Swedish artist, since we are such a small country and only have a home market of 9 million people; every Swedish artist wants to go here. They sing in English because they have to to get over here and go to England and make it. We'll see. We're not depending on it. Of course it's everyone's dream to make it in the US somehow.

A: So, anyone else on Burning Heart you thinking of maybe bringing over? Or that you would like to?

P: Yeah. Of course Millencolin is doing their thing.

A: Well they're doing the Warped Tour this summer right?

P: Yeah, they're doing their thing. It's been running for what, 10 years or whatever. And Turbonegro is probably gonna come over and tour a lot more on this record. They are more, um, in-shape these days. (laughter)

Kelly: So they won't be so hard to look at?

(laughter)

P: Hank?

K: I don't know - it was just a naked man with a big bushy mustache was on my living room wall.

P: Yeah, that's Hank. Actually, on the new CD there's an extra added DVD with a workout video with Hank. So he's fit now.

(more laughter)

K: That's hilarious! Does he have a lot of enthusiasm like Jane Fonda on his workout tape?

P: No... I mean, I don't know if it's even funny, but it's cool to have it. (laughs) I would say that people who train for real will go "Oooh, he doesn't do anything right." It isn't exactly strict and all that stuff, so we'll see.

A: Yeah, I remember when Turbonegro played at Punx With Presses... that must've been like '96 or '97. That was ages ago.

K: I vaguely remember.

A: I remember when they came through and was like "Turbonegro? That's a funny band name." I missed the show, stupidly. Everyone else the next day was like "You missed the best show ever!"

P: It's a funny band. They were supposed to called - they changed it after a week of something- their first name was Nazi Penis. They took Turbonegro instead.

K: Flaccid penis?

A&P: Nazi.

K: Anyway...

P: Yeah, it's a funny band. But they are going to tour.

A: So you think there's a good future for importing bands over?

P: It's tough of course because of the cost of touring and of course bands, if really want to make it in the US they have to dedicate a lot of time. A lot of the bands that old don't have that time. They have their families. But we trying some newer bands that I really hope we can do more - we're signing a lot of "baby bands", younger bands. Hopefully we can get them over here. At the same time they need to develop in Europe as well. It's more important for us to have them touring in Europe than to come over here.

A: Have you ever thought of establishing a Burning Heart office in another country?

P: Not in the US. We were thinking of it before when we started to work with Epitaph. They were some plans to maybe have someone work for Burning Heart, but it hasn't really turned out that way. We haven't really pushed it either because it demands a lot of work.

A: Would it worthwhile for the benefits you'd get out of it?

P: Not now, if it was done five, six years ago maybe it would've been something. But then you would've needed some person who's really working it over here. We have an office in Germany. It's just one person actually, but he does the markteting and promotion there. We tried to sign a German band, but it was failed in the very last minute. They were on a label and their manager had the label and then he was picked up by Roadrunner, the whole label.

A: Which band was that?

P: Days in Grief. Has a bit of a Refused thing going, but more melodic maybe. At the Drive In, Refused with more melody.

A: So are there other bands outside of Scandinavia that you've thought about picking up?

P: We're talking to a band called Hell Is For Heroes.

A: Aren't they from New York?

P: No, they're English. They used to be on EMI in the UK. They sold a lot of records over there, but now they left EMI and want to do more of a Dischord thing on their own.

A: Oh, they're starting their own label then?

P: In the UK. They put it out in the UK, but then we're going to come along and do it for the rest of the world.

A: So you're going to license it not just for Scandinavia, but for everywhere?

P: For everywhere. And on the next record we're probably doing to do everything, even the UK. They are more of a post-hardcore, Fugazi/Refused/emo, but it has both the old and the new in there somehow. That's a band we really think is good and we're going to try to work hard and also try to get over here.

A: You've never limited yourself to local bands?

P: No, but still - the majority - it so much easier to be closer to your band. We try to sign American bands amd license American bands to do them over in Europe. but most of the time it's hard because they only want to sign for one album. They want to have a major deal over here and then we are out of the picture. So they say "You can only do one record."

A: Who have you been interested in?

P: Well we did Flogging Molly and then they started their own label. We only did one record and we wanted to work with them more and then they did their own, their label here started up in Europe and so they got a very good deal. We did Midtown. We did Give Up the Ghost, but they broke up.

A: Yeah, I do remember that. They broke up like right before they were supposed to tour?

P: Yeah, their second. What else? We still do Samiam.

A: I forget that they're still around. Living in the Bay Area, that's a band I grew up with.

P: They're actually in Europe now on a tour.

A: They do pretty well over there I'd imagine?

P: I don't know - it's been three or four years. I hope it's good, but the last record didn't do as good as the others. I think if they could do a another great new record I think they could do pretty okay because there was a lot of excitement for the tour.

A: Yeah, it's strange because over here, Samiam are hasbeens. (to Kelly) Would everyone even show up if they played you think? Do you remember them?

K: I remember them from like 10 years ago, but I haven't heard anything. I think that people would go.

A: I dunno. It's hard to say.

P: It's hard, I understand. They've done some really good records.

K: I feel like their records are always in people's record collections.

A: I see them along the same lines as J-Church - they're a band that people kind of don't really appreciate, but they persist. And they keep going and people go "Oh? Is that band still around?"

P: Yeah, maybe here. In Germany...

A: Yeah, that whole genre just seems to do a lot better in Germany.

P: Yeah yeah, but they were too early with that stuff. They're too old. If they were a little bit younger and nicer looking they would be really...

A: That is true. They aren't necessarily posterboys.

P: Yeah (laughs)

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

Head over to the Havoc Records site for some new mp3s from Regulations, Martyr-Död and Riistetyt as well as updated US tour dates for the latter along with European dates for Victims and Vitamin X: http://www.havocrex.com/

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

Swedish hardcore label Busted Heads is giving up! They'll be repressing the Regulations "Destroy" 7" because "the record is too good, the band too active and the demand too big to let it end with just the first press," but the long awaited Trapdoor Fucking Exit 7" has been scrapped by the band. Boo! Read the full statement: http://www.bustedheads.com/

Mon, 27 Sep 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Havoc Records hopes to have new releases from Swedish hardcore/punk acts Martyr Dod and Skitsystem in 2005 as well as a US release for Regulations.

Wed, 07 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0700

The July edition of Aversionline is now up and features 120 new reviews of all sorts of punk/hardcore/metal stuff from around the globe such as 7th Legion, Abnormi, After Forever, Atrox, Bloodshed, Face Tomorrow, Helion, Hollydrift, Katatonia, Lähdön Aika, Manes, MindGrinder, Morning After, Razor Crusade, Regulations, Sunday Morning Einsteins, Susperia, Under Her Black Wings, Unmoored and tons more. There's also a new spin-off site called Fall of Because dedicated solely to experimental noise. Tons of reviews, a few interviews and the promise of much more to come.

Mon, 22 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0800

Koma will be having an official release party for their new album "Tsunami" in Umeå on April 2 with US punk legends Poision Idea, Regulations and Miscounduct. It will actually be the band's very first home-town show, believe it or not. After that, they're off on tour around Northern Sweden and Finland with pals Cult of Luna or maybe Totalt Jävla Mörker. I wasn't too impressed with the band's old demo recordings, but I'm actually enjoying the new album quite a bit. They play heavy mid-tempo melodic rock akin to the Deftones, Dredg and any other similar bands that Roadrunner seems to put out these days. Not totally my thing, but not bad at all.

Wed, 04 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0800

The master and the artwork for the upcoming Regulations "Destroy" 7" on Busted Heads has been set to press, so it should be available soon. In the meantime, check out some preview tracks: "Destroy" / "Blank"

Thu, 07 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Dennis Lyxzén (ex-Refused, (International) Noise Conspiracy) is taking solo project Lost Patrol on the road for a few dates up in Norrland, Sweden. Joining him as a backing band will be Andre Sandström (drums; The Nervous Minds, Trisstess, ex DS-13), Robert Pettersson (bass, vox; Regulations, Dead Ones), Anders Stenberg (guitar, vox; ex-Bittersweet), and Jonas Lidström (organ, vox; ex-Bittersweet). The dates:

08/08 - Café 23, Piteå
08/09 - Unf-lokalen - buskis, Luleå
08/10 - tba, Gällivare
08/11 - Snabelhuset, Boden
08/12 - Hagakollektivet, Umeå

Sat, 21 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Magnet's new album "On Your Side" comes out June 30 in Norway and July 7 in UK. They'll be heading over to the latter to support Bebel Gilberto on the following dates:

07/19 - Manchester Bridgewater Hall
07/22 - London Shepherds Bush Empire
07/30 - Bristol Academy

The band also has a feature in the June issue of The Fly magazine along with a four-star review of the new album. They also received quite a nice write-up in Q who describe them as "blissed out electronic pop that sounds like Simon & Garfunkel restructuring Radiohead's most fragile moments." Head over to their website for more details.

Madrugada has added two new festivals to their summer tour plans:

06/29 - Nel Nome Del Rock, Palestrina ,Italy
08/30 - Bizarre Festival, Flughafen Niederrhein, Germany

Check this link out to view and listen to performances and interviews from Spain's Sonar Festival including Bjorn Torske, Jaga Jazzist and much much more.

Here's the schedule for the Uppsala Summer Hardcore Fest. Doors open at 17:00 both days.

06/23
22:30 - Tear it Up (New Jersey, US)
21:45 - Between Us (Stockholm)
21:00 - Regulations (Umeå)
20:15 - Last Hope (Linköping)
19:30 - The 21st Impact (Uppsala)
18:45 - Labour (Cästerås)
18:00 - Rabid Grannies (meå)
06/24
22:30 - What Happens Next? ("Canada", acutally from the SF Bay Area, CA)
21:45 - Second Thought (Stockholm)
21:00 - Victims (Nyköping)
20:15 - The Jam Session (Mjölby)
19:30 - Bruce Banner (Stockholm)
18:45 - One Step Ahead (Nyköping)

Sleeping arrangements at the fest can be booked for 20sek along with your ticket purchase. For more info go here: http://uahc.diskonto.org/festival

Mon, 09 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Here's some information on the new "Autovision" CD single from CDOASS by way of Dolores Recordings. There will also be a 7" version with a remix of the title track on the b-side as part of the Dolores Singles Club.

Check out the video for "B.L.O.S.S.O.M.", the new track from Komeda right here.

The Barbarella garage/rock'n'roll festival is now set for August 27-28. Bands confirmed so far include Dixie Buzzards, Sons of Cyrus, and Finland's Flaming Sideburns.

Word on the street is that Parasol is currently in negotiations to release the upcoming Moonbabies album "The Orange Billboard" in the US. Details when they're confirmed.

The Haunted have their new website up and running.

Moneybrother has been added to the Roskilde lineup.

Speaking of Roskilde, any of you Swedes thinking of going might consider taking the train where they'll have even more bands playing on the way to the fest. Seriously. So far Como and Little Miss Swede are booked for the occasion. Read more: http://www.tuborg.se/roskilde/taget.html

Isolation Years have been confirmed for the Västrahamnsfesten/Woody West in Malmö on June 13 along with Woodrock in Bern, Switzerland on August 8.

Via Unioncarbideproductions.com comes word that the upcoming Hultsfred-fest single will indeed be released commercially in Sweden, but no dates have been revealed as of yet. View the cover art here. In related news, Björn Olsson made a few contradictory comments to P3 Musikjounalen about his participation in the upcoming reunion gig. Will he or won't see? No one's saying for sure. Go to the UCP site to read the translated transcript.

The first group of bands have been announced for the upcoming Uppsala Summer Hardcore Festival: Between Us, Regulations, Victims, The Jam Session, Bruce Banner, The 21st Impact, Labour, Second Thought, Rabid Grannies, and One Step Ahead. The event takes place June 23-24 at Ungdomens Hus. More info here: http://uahc.diskonto.org/festival/

Webzine Samson & Rourke has posted another slew of demo reviews, this time featuring the likes of Hospital, The Clarks Royale, and Autumn Swing. (in Swedish)

Abba has gone gold yet again in America, this time with the "20th Century Masters - The Best Of ABBA" collection.

Service Records reports that Franke will have a new single "Drunknandets Färg" from their album "Optimismens Hån" out sometime by the end of summer. They also say that The Embassy is currently working on a video as weather permits and Studio is uh, in the studio working on a new album. They also hint that they have signed some new acts, but no details have been revealed yet. I'll let you know.

DigitalMetal.com reviews "Trigger", the new EP from In Flames.

It's kinda silly, but here's a contest for the best photoshopped picture featuring someone from Immortal, found via Musique Machine.

Download the mp3 for the song "Dominate" from Project Hate's forthcoming album "Hate, Dominate, Congregate, Eliminate", due out in August from Threeman Recordings.

Via Blabbermouth, comes this amazing commercial for Coop Prix, a Norweigan food store. Why is it relevant? Well, that's Masterplan and ex-Yngwie frontman Jorn Lande.

Internet-only label Monotonik's latest release is "Oll Tolk'n' no Ding atcheev'd" from Ernesto Aeroflot aka Teemu Kiiskilä of Raahe, Finland. Their description:

Mr. Aeroflot is a mysterious fellow who's released on net.label Commie and a host of smaller labels under names/groups such as TranceYlvania, Sky Wide Jazz, Oodi & Elegia, High Grade Multi Purpose Intelligent Terminal (!), and more. This 10-track album showcases his unpredictable but riveting style excellently, as '80s bleep sounds and stuttering electro mix up with distorted unrest, sweeping electronica, and a wholly surprising bonus cut to create something truly different.

Read more and download from here: http://www.mono211.com/content/releases/mtkmp111.html

Thy Primordial has parted ways with vocalist Isidor due to "lack of interest and inspiration" and has already been replaced by Nicke Holstensson of Nominon. The band says "his voice are of course a bit different compared with Isidor's but fits the new material really well!" They are scheduled to go into Abyss Studios later this month to commence work on their sixth album "Pestilence Upon Mankind". Look for it late 2003 from Blackend Records.