IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

Årabrot - Solaranus (video)

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:05:56 -0800

Brand new visual stimulation from Norwegian miscreants Årabrot as directed by Fredrik Hana (Haust, Kvelertak and Shining). Don't miss the band on tour in the UK right now.

PopMatters reviews Shining

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:07:48 -0800

PopMatters likes the new Shining DVD "Live-Blackjazz": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/153030-shining-live-blackjazz/

2011 Spellemann nominees

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:03:49 -0800

The nominees for the 2011 Spellemannprisen, the Norwegian Grammy, have been announced and here are a few hightlighted categories:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - "It All Starts With One"
Hilde Marie Kjersem - "Let's Let Go"
Marit Larsen - "Spark"
Siri Nilsen - "Alle Snakker Sant"

Male Artist:
Bernhoft - "Solidarity Breaks"
Jonas Alaska - "Jonas Alaska"
Odd Nordstoga - "Bestevenn"
Sivert Høyem - "Long Slow Distance"

Pop Group:
Eva & The Heartmaker - "Dominoes"
Katzenjammer - "A Kiss Before You Go"
Montée - "Rendition Of You"
Real Ones - "First Night On Earth"
Team Me - "To The Treetops!"

Rock:
Honningbarna - "La Alarmane Gå"
John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - "Det Nærmeste Du Kommer"
Kaizers Orchestra - "Violeta Violeta Vol. 1"
Oslo Ess - "Uleste Bøker Og Utgåtte Sko"
Rumble In Rhodos - "Signs Of Fervent Devotion"

Metal:
Insense - "Burn In Beautiful Fire"
Shining - "Live Blackjazz"
Taake - "Noregs Vaapen"
Vreid - "V"
Årabrot - "Solar Anus"

Electronica:
Biosphere - "N-Plants"
Bugge Wesseltoft & Henrik Schwarz - "Wesseltoft Schwarz Duo"
Casiokids - "Aabenbaringen Over Aaskammen"

Hip-hop:
Joddski - "Bensin På Bålet"
Lars Vaular - "Du Betyr Meg"
Son Of Light - "War Of The Worlds"

Folk/Traditional:
Hekla Stålstrenga - "Makramé"
Juusk - "Juusk"
Ragnhild Furebotten - "Never On A Sunday"
Øystein Sandbukt - "Normør"

Jazz:
Helge Lien Trio - "Natsukashii"
Håkon Kornstad - "Symphonies In My Head"
Mats Eilertsen - "Skydive"
Nils Petter Molvær - "Baboon Moon"
Ola Kvernberg - "Liarbird"

Open Class:
Bárut - Inga Juuso - "Balggis"
Biret Ristin Sara - "Áidnen"
Fargespill - "Fargespill"
Skáidi - "Headland - Skáidegeahci"
Susanne Lundeng - "Mot"

Lyrics:
Jonas Alaska - "Jonas Alaska"
Lars Vaular - "Du Betyr Meg"
Maria Mena - "Viktoria"
Martin Hagfors - "I Like You"
Odd Nordstoga - "Bestevenn"

Composer:
Ane Brun - "It All Starts With One"
Hilde Marie Kjersem - "Let's Let Go"
Marit Larsen - "Spark"
Rolf Wallin/Lundeng/Torjesen/Bodø Symfonietta/Eggen - "Wire And String"
Synne Skouen - "Call-Notes"

Newcomer/Gramostipend:
Honningbarna - "La Alarmane Gå"
Jonas Alaska - "Jonas Alaska"
Ragnhild Hemsing - "Yr"
Razika - "Program 91"
Team Me - "To The Treetops!"

Live Blackjazz trailer

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 14:49:01 -0700

The first trailer from Shining's upcoming live DVD.

Shining to release live album and DVD

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:24:18 -0700

Shining will release the live album + DVD "Live blackjazz" on November 11 (11/11/11).

Spellemann 2010 nominees

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:23:10 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemann awards, the Norwegian Grammy, have been announced:

Female Artist:
Christel Alsos - Tomorrow is (Sony Music)
Ida Maria - Katla (Nightliner/Universal Music)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Male Artist:
Moddi - Floriography (Impeller Recordings)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)
Thomas Dybdahl - Waiting for that one clear moment (Universal Music)

Pop Group:
deLillos - Hjernen er alene i Operaen (Warner Music Norway)
I was a king - Old friends (Hype City Recordings/Voices Music and Entertainment)
Kråkesølv - Bomtur til jorda (Kråkesølv Plateselskapet/Grand Sport Records)
Madcon - Contraband (Cosmos Music Group)

Electronic:
Bjørn Torske - Kokning (Smalltown Supersound)
Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Real life is no cool (Smalltown Supersound)
Ost & Kjex - Cajun lunch (Voices Music and Entertainment/Dynamic Music)

Rock:
Blood Command - Ghostclocks (Tiger Safari/Fysisk Format)
Kvelertak - Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Motorpsycho - Heavy metal fruit (Rune Grammofon)
Serena-Maneesh - No 2: Abyss in b minor (Smalltown Supersound/4AD)
Tommy Tokyo & Starving for My Gravy - Go time, showtime & absolute war (Warner Music Norway)

Metal:
Enslaved - Axioma Ethica Odini (Indie Recordings)
Ihsahn - After (Tuba Records/Candlelight)
Shining - Blackjazz (Indie Recordings)
Solefald - Norrøn livskunst (Indie Recordings)

Hip-Hop:
Karpe Diem - Aldri solgt en løgn (Cosmos Music Group)
Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, helt om dagen (Cosmos Music Group)
Salvador Sanchez - Happy daze (MTG Productions)

Folk:
Gjermund Larsen trio - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa Musikkforlag)
Ingvill Marit Buen Garnås og Per Anders Buen Garnås - Salme, segn & solbøn (Talik Da)
Sondre Bratland/Annbjørg Lien - Alle vegne (Kirkelig Kulturverksted)
Unni Boksasp Ensemble - Keramello (Øra Fonogram)

Jazz:
Elephant9 - Walk the nile (Rune Grammofon)
Ivar Antonsen/Vigleik Storaas - Dialogues (Ponca Jazz Records)
Paolo Vinaccia - Very much alive (Jazzland Recordings)
Supersilent - 10 (Rune Grammofon)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra - Triads and more (Midtnorsk Jazzsenter)

Open Class:
Beady Belle - At Welding Bridge (Jazzland Recordings)
Jaga Jazzist - One-armed bandit (Universal Music)
Karl Seglem - Ossicles (Nor CD/Ozella Music)
Pelbo - Pelbo (Denstad Rec Play Forward/Rhinoprod)
Petter Wettre/Audun Kleive - The only way to travel 2 (Household Records)

Lyrics:
Bare Egil Band - I fyr og flamme (Grappa/Duplex)
Erik Fosnes Hansen - Neste stasjon Grorud (Daworks Records)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music) Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)

Pop Composition:
Gjermund Larsen - Aurum (Heilo/Grappa)
Ingrid Olava - The guest (Universal Music)
Odd Nordstoga - November (Sonet/Universal Music)
Susanne Sundfør - The brothel (EMI Music Norway)
Thom Hell - All good things (Voices Music and Entertainment)

Newcomer:
Bjørn Johan Muri (Universal Music)
Frida Ånnevik (Grappa Musikkforlag)
Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
Moddi (Impeller Recordings)
Thomas Eriksen (Warner Music Group)

Winners will be announced on March 5. More here: http://www.spellemann.no/

Dagbladet top 20 for 2010

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:14:00 -0800

Dagbladet's top 20 Norwegian albums of 2010:

01. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
02. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
03. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
04. Lars Vaular - Helt om natten, helt om dagen
05. Serena Maneesh - S-M No 2: Abyss In B Minor
06. Thomas Dybdahl - Waiting For That One Clear Moment
07. Ost & Kjex - Cajun Lunch
08. Hellbillies - Leite etter lykka
09. Odd Nordstoga - November
10. Kråkesølv - Bomtur til jorda
11. Röyksopp - Senior
12. Shining - Blackjazz
13. Karpe Diem - Aldri solgt en løgn
14. Frida Ånnevik - Synlige hjerteslag
15. Narum - Ælt som var søkk borte
16. Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Real Life Is No Cool
17. Casiokids - Topp stemning på lokal bar
18. Bjørn Eidsvåg - Rundt neste sving
19. Grande - You Are The Night
20. Kenneth Ishak & The Freedom Machines - Kenneth Ishak & The Freedom Machines

Link: http://www.dagbladet.no/2010/12/07/kultur/musikk/musikkanmeldelser/anmeldelser/arets_beste/14613152/

Musikknyheter top Norwegian picks for 2010

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:33:28 -0800

Musikknyheter's top 10 Norwegian albums of 2010:

01. Kvelertak - Kvelertak
02. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
03. Röyksopp - Senior
04. Kollwitz - Like Iron I Rust
05. Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson - s/t
06. Casiokids - Topp steming på lokal bar
07. Shining - Blackjazz
08. Kråkesølv - Bomtur Til Jorda
09. Pow Pow - Last Days On Earth
10. Death By Unga Bunga - Juvenile Jungle

Read more: http://www.musikknyheter.no/news/7505 (in Norwegian)

Top songs:

01. Susanne Sundfør - The Brothel
02. Kvelertak - Mjød
03. Lars Vaular - Rett Opp og Ned
04. Kråkesølv - Nordavind Mot Varme Kinn
05. Cold Mailman - Put Yourself Together And Fall In Love With Me
06. Röyksopp - The Alcoholic
07. Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Lovesick
08. Kvelertak - Ulvetid
09. Honningbarna - Våkn Opp
10. Pow Pow - Solar Eclipse

See videos for every track here: http://www.musikknyheter.no/news/7511

Shining to film live DVD

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:48:11 -0700

Shining's upcoming show at Rockefeller in Olso on November 3 (with support from Killl) will be filmed for an eventual DVD release.

The Quietus interviews Shining

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:34:35 -0700

The Quietus has posted an extensive interview with Shining guitarist/sax player Jørgen Munkeby: http://thequietus.com/articles/04547-shining-black-jazz-j-rgen-munkeby-interview-metal

Susanne Sundfør wins A-ha million

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:39:17 -0700

As expected (and deserved), Susanne Sundfør is the 2nd recipient of A-ha's $1 million NOK stipend fund: http://www.aftenbladet.no/kultur/1227291/En_a-ha-million_til_Susanne_Sundfoer.html
Metal/jazz act Shining won the first million.

Shining FTW

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:11:54 -0700

Shining is first act to win 1 million NOK from A-ha's stipend fund competition, beating out runner-up Hanne Hukkelberg.

8 finalists chosen for A-ha millions

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:20:37 -0700

Eight finalists have been chosen to be potential recipients of the lucrative A-ha stipend: http://www.vg.no/musikk/artikkel.php?artid=10008166 (in Norwegian)
The artists in question: Shining, Hanne Hukkelberg, Moddi, Adjagas, Casiokids, Lars Vaular, Susanne Sundfør and Pink Robots.

99 Minutes #2

Fri, 28 May 2010 15:57:02 -0700

The second episode of Listen to Norway's podcast series "99 Minutes" is now available: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010052814203489182421
Featured acts include Casiokids, Biosphere, Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas, Shining and Apoptygma Berzerk plus an interview with Jørgen Skjulstad of Metronomicom Audio

Pitchfork reviews Shining (NOR)

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:03:23 -0700

Pitchfork gets around to reviewing Shining's excellent "Blackjazz" album: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14215-blackjazz/

Sirius playlist week #9

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:47:15 -0800

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

01. TALK 1
02. Shining - Healter skelter
03. Beem - Manka
04. Dmitry Fyodorov - Simcoe
05. TALK 2
06. Björn Kleinhenz - Dackes drabanter
07. Kråkesølv - Pirvat regn
08. Holiday for Strings - Favorite flavor
09. TALK 3
10. Disco Ensemble - White flag for peace
11. Trinacria - Make no mistake
12. House of Tomidas - The letter
13. TALK 4
14. Kite - Looking for us
15. Mikkel Meyer - Dyreryg
16. Susanne Sundfør - The brothel
17. TALK 5

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.

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:46:33 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Ingrid Olava - The Guest
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Bjørn Hellfuck - Innforjævlig
05. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
06. Joddski (Jørg1) - Krig & Kjærlighet
07. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
08. Casiokids - Topp Stemning På Lokal Bar
09. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
10. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
11. Frøya - My American Dream
12. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
13. Moddi - Floriography
14. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
15. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
16. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
17. Diverse artister - Dugnad For Haiti
18. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
19. Stage Dolls - Always
20. Shining - Blackjazz

MP3: Shining - Healter skelter

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:47:22 -0800

As commented yesterday, the new Shining album "Blackjazz" fulfills the promise of everything the band was/is supposed to be. Earlier attempts were decent, but only now has the group fully realized their potential and become the thundering jazz-metal monster the hype extolled. There's still some stuff I'm iffy on -- moments definitely veer toward forbidden thrash/funk territory and the vocals can be pretty tacky -- but when they get into a heavy groove, they are a beast. Once you get past the initial skronk of "Healter skelter" it's a steamroller full of pounding, industrial strength drums, offset rhythms and furious ensemble playing that keeps building and building from loud to LOUDER and never once lets up. I'm into it.

Shining - The madness and the damage done (video)

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:50:51 -0800

Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qslyq8CcXu0

Shining's older material never totally won me over, but their new album "Blackjazz" is the perfect culmination of everything they ever set out to do. Finally, their evil hybrid of jazz and metal makes sense! The video itself isn't terribly exciting, but the music is killer -- very recommended!

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:56:55 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
02. Diverse artister - Melodi Grand Prix 2010
03. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
04. Frøya - My American Dream
05. Uncle Deadly - Monkey Do
06. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
07. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
08. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
09. Kaizers Orchestra - Maskineri
10. Stage Dolls - Always
11. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
12. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
13. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
14. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
15. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
16. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
17. Rita Eriksen - Frelsesarmeens Juleplate 2009
18. Ila Auto - Ila Auto
19. d'sound - Starts and Ends
20. Shining - Blackjazz

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:45:36 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
02. Frøya - My American Dream
03. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
04. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
05. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
06. Jaga Jazzist - One-Armed Bandit
07. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
08. Stage Dolls - Always
09. Dina Misund - Listen
10. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
11. Shining - Blackjazz
12. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
13. N'Jie Haddy - World of the free
14. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
15. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
16. d'sound - Starts and Ends
17. Torbjørn Egner - Samlede CD-er
18. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
19. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
20. Ihsahn - After

The Silent Ballet reviews "Blackjazz"

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:44 -0800

The Silent Ballet weighs in on Shining's highly regarded new album "Blackjazz": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/3087/Default.aspx

PopMatters reviews "Blackjazz"

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:31:24 -0800

PopMatters praises the new Shining album "Blackjazz": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/119585-shining-blackjazz/

Dusted reviews "Blackjazz"

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:54:10 -0800

Dusted reviews the new Shining record "Blackjazz": http://dustedmagazine.com/reviews/5502

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:27:22 -0800

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Motorpsycho - Heavy Metal Fruit
02. Frøya - My American Dream
03. Bjørn Eidsvåg - De Beste
04. Donkeyboy - Caught in a Life
05. Stage Dolls - Always
06. Shining - Blackjazz
07. Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ild & Vatten
08. Claudia Scott/Casino Steel/Ottar Big Hand Johansen - Honky Tonk Night - The Best
09. Sivert Høyem - Moon Landing
10. John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen - For Sant Til Å Være Godt
11. Pony the Pirate - This is Our Psychopedia!
12. d'sound - Starts and Ends
13. WigWam - Non Stop Rock'N'Roll
14. Dum Dum Boys - Tidsmaskin
15. Jahn Teigen - Teigen - 40 Største Hits
16. Alf Prøysen - De kjente og kjære sangene
17. Jonas Fjeld feat Henning Kvitnes - Den Gamle Veien
18. Torbjørn Egner - Samlede CD-er
19. Lindstrøm and Christabelle - Real Life Is No Cool
20. Kråkesølv - Trådnøsting

Shining - Fisheye (TV edit)

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:50:09 -0800

Shining are streaming a new track at myspace off their forthcoming record "Blackjazz": http://www.myspace.com/shiningofficial

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.

Indie signs Shining

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:46:14 -0700

Swedish suicide-metal act Shining has signed with Norwegian label Indie Recordings.

Shining to release new album in October, offer Friday the 13th preview

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:36:07 -0700

Norway's Shining will be releasing a new album in October, but they'll be offering a special sneak preview of new material on myspace starting on March 13. Read all about it: http://www.shining.no/v1/news.php

Shining to play the UK in May

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:09:23 -0800

Shining will do a couple UK dates in May:

05/13 - Corsica Studios, London
05/16 - The Great Escape Festival, Brighton

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:48:53 -0800

Norwegian jazz combo Damp (ft. members from Shining, among others) is changing their name to Chrome Hill and will be releasing their third album "Earthlings" today, on November 17, via Bolage. Listen to samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/chromehill

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:29:46 -0700

The epic Shining/Enslaved collaboration "Nine nights in nothingness - Glimpses of downfall" was recorded by NRK when it was performed at Molde this summer and will be rebroadcast on the air and online in late August/early September. Details here: http://www.shining.no/v1/news.php

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:23:43 -0700

Shining (NOR) will be heading to Asia for a few dates in October:

10/02 - Beijing (NOTCH Festival), China
10/03 - Shanghai (NOTCH Festival), China
10/04 - Guangzhou (NOTCH Festival), China
10/06 - Tsuki-miru Kimi-omou, Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan

More venue information tba.

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:29:59 -0700

The White Heat webzine has a great feature on Norwegian avant/jazz/metal act Shining: http://www.white-heat.com/?page=articles&id=26

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:45:07 -0700

Norwegian acts Enslaved and Shining will collaborate on a 90-minute piece to be performed live at the Molde International Jazz Festival in Norway on July 19. More info: http://www.moldejazz.no/

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:33:47 -0800

US tourdates for Norwegian act Shining:

03/10 - Knitting Factory, NYC, NY
03/11 - The Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL
03/13 - End Of An Ear (3:00 PM), Austin, TX
03/15 - Emo's Jr. (SXSW), Austin, TX
03/16 - Relax Bar, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:06:02 -0800

PopMatters has posted their big by:Larm round-up: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/features/article/55701/bylarm-2008-pining-for-the-fjords/
Highlights for them include Lykke Li, Ida Maria, Anna Järvinen, Sahg and Shining.

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:49:01 -0800

The people behind Norway's Øya Festival will be sending Hanne Hukkelberg and Shining over to NYC for a pre-SXSW showcase gig. Read more: http://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2008021813321948850995

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:46:18 -0800

Norwegian avant-metal act Manes is currently without a record deal, so they are planning to use this time as an opportunity to explore their more experimental inclinations. Firstly, they have a new website where you can download a bunch of remix tracks (or you can also stream via Last.fm). Next, the band plans to re-record a couple tracks from the 1994-95 era record "Solve et coagula" as a collaboration with artists such as Niklas Kvarforth (Shining), Malefic (Xasthur), Geir Nilsen (3rd and the Mortal) and more and will also be soliciting remixes from the likes of Blud Aus Nord and Isis. The band is also working on an album of brand new material with the working title "Be all end all". So far they say they have about 35 minutes of material down and describe it as "a step forward, but also a step back." Otherwise, they promise other surprises and I'll be sure to keep you posted as soon as I hear anything.

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:51:04 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemanprisen (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - Live In Scandinavia (Det Er Mine/V2)
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Sissy Wish - Beauties Never Die (Sony BMG)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)

Male artist:
Kenneth Ishak - Silver Lightning From A Black Sky (Division Records As)
Magnet - The Simple Life (Sony BMG)
Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles (Hektor Grammofon)
William Hut - Nightfall (Universal Music AS)

Pop group:
Blind Archery Club - The Union (Sony BMG)
Superfamily - Warszawa (Propeller Rec.)
The Royalties - The Royalties (Blister Music)
Vidar Johnsen & Peter Nordberg - Ord Og Ögonblick (Sony BMG)

Electronica:
Alog - Amateur (Rune Grammofon)
Diskjokke - Staying In (Smalltown Supersound)
Salvatore - Days Of Rage (Racing Junior)

Rock:
BigBang - Too Much Yang (Warner Music/Grandsport Records)
Moving Oos - Peace And Love (Kong Tiki Records)
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin (MMC Records)
Raga Rockers - Übermensch (EMI/Pilot/Virgin)
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy Kiss (Racing Junior)

Country:
Hellbillies - Spissrotgang (EMI Music Norway)
Hemisfair - Blue Blue Grass Of Home (Wilma Records/Playground Music)
Shit City - God Bless Our Home (Voices of Wonder)
Steinar Albrigtsen - Moment Of Peace (Sony BMG)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - Le Fol (Indie Recordings)
Dimmu Borgir - In Sorte Diaboli (Nuclear Blast)
Mayhem - Ordo Ad Chao (Season Of Mist)
Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness (Season Of Mist)

Hip-hop:
El Axel - It Is Wha It Is (Pass It Records)
Madcon - So Dark The Con Of Man (Bonner Amigo)
Tommy Tee - No Studio No Time-The Wait (Tee Productions)

Folk:
Berit Opheim - Den Blide Sol (NorCD AS)
Ragnhild Furebotten - Endelig Vals (Talik Da)
Sigrid Moldestad - Taus (Heilo)
Trio Mediaeval - Folk Songs (ECM/Grappa)

Jazz:
Fossum-Aarum Quartet - F.A.Q. (Schmell)
Jon Balke - Book Of Velocities (ECM/Grappa)
Petter Wettre - Fountain Of Youth (Household Records)
Sharp Nine - Sudoku (The Real Thing Da/Staffan)
The Core - Office Essentials (Jazzland)

Open class:
Frode Haltli - Passing Images (ECM/Grappa)
Live Maria Roggen - Circuit Songs (Jazzland)
Pust - Femkant (Pust Records)
Shining - Grindstone (Rune Grammofon)
The Source - The Source Of Christmas - Live (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)

Best music video:
Dimmu Borgir - The Serpentine Offering (Nuclear Blast)
Heroes & Zeros - A Strange Constellation (Nightliner/Universal)
My Midnight Creeps - Don`t Let’Em Bring You Down (MMC Records)
Turbonegro - Do You Do You Dig Destruction (Scandinavian Leather Recordings)
WE - Hurdy Gurdy (Nun Music)

Best Newcomer:
Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance (Sony BMG)
Heroes & Zeros - Strange Constellations (Nightliner/Universal)
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør (MBN)
Tine Thing Helseth - Haydn/Hummel/Albinoni/Neruda (Simax Classics)
Valkyrien Allstars - Valkyrien Allstars (Heilo)

Best song:
Kurt Nilsen - "Push Push" (Sony BMG)
Madcon - "Beggin'" (Bonnier Music)
Postgirobygget - "Tidløs" (EMI Music Norway)
Sichelle - "Fuck Deg" (Eccentric Music)
Venke Knutson - "Holiday" (Universal)

Top 10s for 2007: Svein Egil Hatlevik (Zweizz)

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Ok, so I looked through the lists that have already been published, and it's clear to me that I should not write a list with some half-assed concept, nor should I write a list of all the fantastic things that happened to me this year -- seeing that I did not even get to point four on any of those egocentric lists that people submitted. Sometimes laziness is a good thing, because I was about to write one of those myself.

Here is my list:

Best Scandinavian albums of 2007 (although I probably missed out on a lot of good stuff), in no particular order:

Hans Appelqvist "Sifantin och Mörkret"

Bergraven "Dödsvisioner"

Manes "How the world came to an end"

Ulver "Shadows of the sun"

Shining "Grindstone"

Hild Sofie Tafjord "Kama"

Mayhem "Ordo ad chao"

Sten Ove Toft "Lit de parade"

Momrakattakk "Masters of Momrak"

Jens Lekman "Night falls over Kortedala"

I guess there are too many Norwegians on that list. I'll check out more music from other Scandinavian countries next year. Let that be my new year's resolution..

---------------------------
Svein Egil Hatlevik performs under the alias Zweizz and is also involved in many other music projects such as Pronounced "Sex", Umoral, Fleurety and probably a whole lot of other names I'm forgetting. Oh yeah, he's also a respected Norwegian journalist.
www.myspace.com/zweizzmusick
www.myspace.com/umoral
www.myspace.com/pronouncedsex
www.myspace.com/fleurety

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:14:11 -0800

Musikknyheter's favorite Norwegian albums of 2007:

01. Superfamily - Warszawa
02. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
03. The Grand - The Grand
04. The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy Kiss
05. The Moving Oos - Peace and Love
06. Monomen - Monomen LP
07. King Midas - Sorry
08. Skambankt - Eliksir
09. Shining - Grindstone
10. Truls and the Trees - Ailanthus

And their favorite Norwegian songs:

01. Superfamily - The Radio Has Expressed Concerns About What You Did Last Night
02. Moving Oos - Romancer
03. King Midas - West End Boys
04. Ida Maria - Oh My God
05. The Disciplines - Best Mistake
06. Monomen - Drum of glass
07. Raga Rockers - Aldri Mer
08. The Grand - Remedy
09. Lukas Kasha - Love Abuse
10. Susanne Sundfør - Walls

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 19:47:25 -0800

The playlist for this week's radio show, an all-winter theme:

01. Ricochets - Cold outside
02. TALK 1
03. Shining - Winterreise
04. Britta Persson - Winter tour
05. Svenson - In the snow
06. Weeping Willows - Christmas in prison
07. TALK 2
08. The Tiny - No money (for X-mas)
09. Kompjotr Eplektrika - Blikktztunddonner
10. The Knife - Reindeer
11. TALK 3
12. Hello Saferide - iPod X-mas
13. January Jaunt - Stuck in glaziers
14. Darkthrone - Too old, too cold
15. TALK 4
16. Sällskapet - Nordlicht
17. E.S.T. - Strange place for snow
18. Sort Mel - Det grønne flesket
19. Notre Dame - A scrooge tale
20. TALK 5
21. Kristofer Åström & Hidden Truck - Winter moment
22. Syster Lycklig - Bilden till snöstorm
23. The Book of Daniel - 3rd of December
24. TALK 6
25. Samuraj Cities - Cold feet
26. Amandine - Silver bells
27. Logcabin - View of frost
28. Silverbullit - Winter coat
29. TALK 7
30. In Flames - December flower
31. Viktor Sjöberg - On a winters day
32. The Bear Quartet - Blizzard
33. TALK 8
34. Brick - Gray day
35. Laakso - Merry Christmas
36. Strayfolk - Another year before the mast
37. TALK 9

Don't forget to vote for Sirius Blog Radio at the Plug Awards! Vote here: http://www.plugawards.com/general_vote.php
We are nominated under the category "Media (Obsessive) > Specialty Show Of The Year (Commercial Radio)".

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:04:03 -0800

Norwegian newspaper Adressa's top albums of the year:

01. The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy kiss
02. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
03. Moving Oos - Peace & love
04. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne sundfør
05. Superfamily - Warszawa
06. Shining - Grindstone
07. John Heitman/Mark Gregory - Chronicles
08. Kim Hiorthøy - My last day
09. Trulz And The Trees - Ailanthus
10. Texum - Different strokes for different folks
11. The Grand - The grand
12. Erlend Ropstad - Bright late nights
13. Hellbillies - Spissrotgang
14. Samvirkelaget - Musikk
15. Heroes & Zeroes - Strange constellations
16. Draumir - The island

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:06:19 -0800

Dagbladet's top 20 Norwegian albums of 2007:

01. Shining - Grindstone
02. Jonas Fjeld - Amerikabesøk
03. Superfamily - Warszava
04. Prins Thomas - Cosmo Galactic Prims
05. The Lionheart Bros. - Dizzy Kiss
06. BigBang - Too Much Yang
07. Supersilent - 8
08. Hellbillies - Spissrotgang
09. My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
10. Magnet - The Simple Life
11. Madcon - So Dark the Con of Man
12. DHG - Supervillain Outcast
13. Diskjokke - Staying In
14. Håkon Kornstad - Single Engine
15. King Midas - Sorry
16. Raga Rockers - Übermensch
17. Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør
18. Manes - How The World Came To An End
19. Ungdomskulen - Cry-Baby
20. Diverse Artister - NRK Sessions - Club 7 Scene

More info: http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2007/12/04/520147.html?11967690211196769021

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:31:33 -0800

Watch Shining (NOR), Enslaved and Keep of Kallessin jam out on King Crimson's "21st century schizoid man": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLdNsnQYKKA

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:28:14 -0700

The winners of this year's Alarm Awards, Norway's Grammy alternative:

Newcomer of the year: Moving Oos
Video of the year: Tungtvann - 2 uka
Song of the year: Superfamily - The radio has expressed concerns about what you did last night
Alarm award: Ida Maria
Pop: Marit Larsen - Under the Surface
Electronica: Kim Hiorthøy - My Last Day
RiksAlarm: Ungdomsskulen
Jazz: Shining - Grindstone
Rock: My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
Metal: Dimmu Borgir - Insorte Diaboli
Live: Superfamily
Hip-hop/rap: Karpe Diem - Rett fra hjertet

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 11:55:07 -0700

The nominees for this year's Alarm Awards have been announced:

Rock:
120 Days - 120 days
Big Bang - Too much yang
My Midnight Creeps - Histamin
King Midas - Sorry
The Lionheart Brothers - Dizzy kiss

Pop:
Marit Larsen - Under the surface
Rockettothesky - To sing you apple trees
Superfamily - Warszawa
Magnet - The simple life
Susanne Sundfør - Susanne Sundfør

Metal:
Dimmu Borgir - In sorte diaboli
Satyricon - Now diabolical
Audrey Horne - Le fol
Mayhem - Ordo ad Chaou
Keep of Kalessin - Armada

Jazz:
Supersilent - 8
Shining - Grindstone
Håkon Kornstad - Single engine
Tord Gustafssen Trio - Being there
Hanne Hukkelberg - Rykerstrasse 68

Electronica:
Kim Hiorthøy - My last day
Lindstrøm - It’s a feedelity affair
Pleasure - Pleasure 2
The Whitest Boy Alive - Dreams
Bjørn Torske - Feil knapp

Hip-hop/Rap:
el Axel - It is what it is
Karpe Diem - Rett fra hjertet
Darkside of the Force - El dia de los puercos
Tungtvann - Siste Skanse
Samvirkelaget - Musikk

Newcomer:
Susanne Sundfør
Moving Oos
Ida Maria
Rockettothesky
Elvira Nicolaisen

Live:
Big Bang
Superfamily
King Midas
The Grand
Samvirkelaget

Go here for more details or to vote for your favorite: http://www.alarmprisen.no/2007/index.php/og-de-nominerte-er/#more-76

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:56:34 -0700

Enslaved, Shining (NOR) and Keep of Kalessin will tour Europe together in October:

10/20 - Ubu, Rennes (FRA)
10/21 - Mean Fiddler, London (UK)
10/22 - Junktion7, Nottingham (UK)
10/23 - Breda, Mezz (NL)
10/24 - Vosselaar, Biebob (BEL)
10/25 - Nijmegen, Doornroosje (NL)
10/26 - Backstage, Munich (GER) w/Secrets of the Moon
10/27 - Roxy, Saarbrücken (GER)

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The Silent Ballet reviews the Norwegian Shining: http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/668/Default.aspx

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Speaking of Shining, check out their video for the track "Winterreise": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA94N-xC2f8
Beware if you are prone to seizures! More interesting however, is this cover of "21st century schizoid man" by King Crimson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eXUjfVPkGk

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The playlist for my radio show this week:

01. At the Gates - Suicide nation
02. TALK 1
03. Moving Oos - Stronger
04. Eskju Divine - Hold on
05. Mechanical Bird - Sunday
06. TALK 2
07. Mixtapes & Cellmates - Quiet
08. DS13 - Thrash lifestyle
09. Montt Mardié - Metropolis
10. Junior Senior - Can I get get get
11. TALK 3
12. Niccokick - Love & neon lights
13. Kristofer Åström - I collect knives
14. Death Breath - His protoplasmic worship
15. TALK 4
16. Mob - Ghost track
17. MZ412 - Unhealing wounds
18. Ugress - Manhattan sapphire
19. TALK 5
20. Shining - Låt oss ta allt från darandra
21. No Hope for the Kids - Rainy day
22. Moneybrother - Det blir ingen dans
23. Amandine - For all the marbles
24. TALK 6
25. Familjen - Det snurrar i min skalle
26. Last Days of April - Aspirins and alcohol
27. M:40 - När bomberna faller
28. TALK 7
29. Espen Jørgensen - The immaculate conception
30. Motorpsycho - For free
31. The Carny - Man under the sun
32. TALK 8
33. Karin Ström - Klaustrofobi
34. Badun - Pulsen
35. Meshuggah - Future breed machine
36. Värttinä - Mero
37. TALK 9
38. Randy - Better than art
39. Closer - Open casket
40. Alog - Buffalo demon
41. TALK 10
42. On Trial - Speaking of witch

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Aversionline on the new Shining album "V Halmstad": http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2007/07/06/shining-v-halmstad-niklas-angaende-niklas-cd/
It's a good album, though I'm not nearly as excited about it as Andrew. I think was expecting something harsher and less-polished, something more befitting the "suicide metal" tag. I suppose that Germany's Bethlehem, the kings of that genre, remain pretty much unchallenged.

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Dark Dose on the new record from the Swedish black metal act Shining: http://darkdose.com/?p=163
I still have yet to hear this for myself, but everything I've read about it has been high praise.

MP3: Aktiv Dödshjälp - Tysta vittnen

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Maybe it's because I've been on a bit of nostalgia trip, but Swedish crust act Aktiv Dödshjälp reminds me a lot of brutal mid-90s metalcore, stuff like Fall Silent, Gehenna (US) or maybe Morning Again. The kind of stuff that's definitely more metal than 'core and heavy on the breakdowns. On the other hand, Aktiv Dödshjälp is probably far more rooted in d-beat and death metal. Despite the verse-chorus-breakdown/no-bullshit arrangements, the record "4:48" is chock-full of dark, ominous leads and fierce tremelo picking, sometimes even breaking into melodeath harmony. Lyrically, I don't think I've heard a more pessimistic record in a long while (until I get the new Shining, I guess). Take the name Aktiv Dödshjälp - active euthanasia. And "4:48", the album's title? That's the time most people commit suicide. Today's song "Tysta vittnen" ("Silent witness")? Actually one of lighter tracks in that it only deals with repression and subordination, not a pointless life lived in pain. Heavy stuff all around.

Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

Global Domination talks to Kvarforth from Swedish black metal act Shining: http://www.globaldomination.se/interviews/shining-kvarforth
Naturally, he ignores GD's more smartass questions.

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 -0700

The End Records will release the new album "V. Halmstad" from Swedish black metal act Shining on June 26. Read more: http://www.theendrecords.com/label/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=871&Itemid=49

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0700

PopMatters reviews Shining and their latest album "Grindstone": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/32060/shining-grindstone/
The record's received quite a bit of praise so I've listened to it many times trying to gather my thoughts on it, but nothing ever sticks. Despite the noise/heaviness factor, it seems to slip by without leaving an impression. Not a good sign.

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Today's Single File at Paper Thin Walls is all about Norway: http://www.paperthinwalls.com/
Artists featured include Shining, Årabrot, In the Country, Lionheart Brothers and Benea Reach.

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Speaking of Shining, Stylus has a review of the album up today: http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/shining/grindstone.htm

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork reviews the new Shining album "Grindstone": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/41234/Shining_Grindstone

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

This week's top 20 Norwegian album chart:

01. Christel Alsos - Closing The Distance
02. William Hut - Nightfall
03. Askil Holm - Harmony Hotel
04. Skambankt - Elixir
05. Vamp - I full symfoni (med KORK)
06. Bjørn Eidsvåg - Nåde
07. Sivert Høyem & The Volunteers - Exiles
08. Herodes Falsk/Tom Mathisen - De beste
09. Øystein Sunde - Sundes verden
10. Espen Lind, Kurt Nilsen, Alejandro Fuentes og Askil Holm - Hallelujah - Live
11. 120 Days - 120 Days
12. Ane Brun - Duets
13. Tungtvann - 96% Tungtvann
14. Jan Werner - Stronger
15. Sissel - De beste 1986-2006
16. Ole Ivars - Jag trodde änglarna fanns
17. Kristin Asbjørnsen - Wayfaring Stranger - A Spiritual Songbook
18. Odd Nordstoga - Heim te mor
19. Shining - Grindstone
20. Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Shining has posted three tracks from their new album "Grindstone" on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/gninihs

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0800

Shining's new album "Grindstone" will get a European release in March. Dates for other territories will vary.

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0700

Whacked-out Norwegian jazz act Shining recently posted a whole slew of live videos to youtube: http://www.shining.no/v1/news.php

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 -0700

The release date of Shining's new album has been set for January 2007.

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The winners of Norway's Alarm awards:

Alarmpris: Sofian
Rock: Madrugada - The Deep End
Pop: Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
Metal: El Caco - The Search
Hip-hop/rap: Paperboys - When Worlds Collide
Newcomer: Mira Craig
Club: Röyksopp - The Understanding
Jazz: Shining - In the Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster
Post-rock/electronica: Cloroform - Cracked Wide Open
Song: Madrugada - The Kids Are On High Street
Live: Purified In Blood
Video: Cast
Fan: Henning Klokkeraasen/Kaizers Orchestra

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for this year's Spellemann (the Norwegian Grammy) have been announced:

Female artist:
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive (Det Er Mine/V2)
Lene Marlin - Lost In A Moment (EMI)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Maria Mena - Apparently Unaffected (Sony BMG)
Simone - Last Days And Nights (Daworks)

Male artist
Alejandro Fuentes - Diamonds Or Pearls (Sony BMG)
Magnet - The Tourniquet (Atlantic)
Robert Post - Robert Post (Universal)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Pop group:
Jim Stärk - Jim Stärk (Sweet Recordings)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Den Nye Arbæidsdagn (Sony BMG)
Röyksopp - The Understanding (EMI)

Electronica:
Alog - Miniatures (Rune Grammofon)
Datarock - Datarock Datarock (Yap/VME)
Toy - Toy (Smalltown Supersound)

Rock:
Bigbang - Poetic Terrorism (Gransport Records)
JR Ewing - Maelstrom (Sony BMG)
Madrugada - The Deep End (EMI)
My Midnight Creeps - My Midnight Creeps (MMC Records)
Serena-Maneesh - Serena-Maneesh (Honeymilk)

Metal:
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
El Caco - The Search (Black Balloon Records)
Extol - Blueprint (Century Media)
Stonegard - Arrows (Bonnier)

Hip-hop/Rnb:
Cast - Problembarn (Pass It Records)
Paperboys - When Worlds Collide (Bonnier)
Tommy Tee - Tommy Tycker Om Mej (Tee Productions/C+C Records)

Jazz:
Hans Mathisen - Quiet Songs (Curling Legs AS)
Jimmy Rosenberg/Stian Carstensen - Rose Room (Hot Club Records)
Karin Krog/Bergen Big Band - Seagull (Grappa Musikkforlag AS)
Sigurd Køhn Quartet - This Place (Heidi Køhn)
Solveig Slettahjell - Pixiedust (Curling Legs AS)

Open class:
Arild Andersen Group - Electra (ECM/Grappa)
Beady Belle - Closer (Jazzland)
Jaga Jazzist - What We Must (Smalltown Supersound)
Nils Petter Molvær - Er (Universal)
Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (Rune Grammofon)

Best newcomer:
Animal Alpha - Pheromones (Racing Junior)
Audrey Horne - No Hay Banda (Dog Job/Tuba Records)
Draumir - Draumir (Playground/Little Hill)
Marthe Valle - It's A Bag Of Candy (Grammar Records)
Sofian - This Is Sofian (C+C Records)

Best song:
Alejandro Fuentes - Stars (Sony BMG)
Kurt Nilsen - Never Easy (Sony BMG)
Madrugada w/Ane Brun - Lift Me (Det Er Mine/V2/EMI)
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Ravi & Dj Løv - Tsjeriåu Me De Månråus (Sony BMG)

Music video:
Maria Mena - Miss You Love (Sony BMG)
Animal Alpha - Bundy (Racing Junior)
Ravi & Dj Løv - E-Ore (Sony BMG)
Robert Post - Got None (Universal)
Röyksopp - What Else Is There (EMI)

For all categories, go here: http://www.ifpi.no/spellemann/nomlst.html
Winners will be announced on January 28.

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

On January 24 Rune Grammofon will present their first two releases for 2006: First up is the debut album from MoHa!, a duo comprised of guitarist Anders Hana and drummer Morten Olsen. Head over to The Wire website to watch documentary footage from the album recording. The second album being released that day is the solo debut "Pohlitz" from drummer/composer Thomas Strønen (Food, Humcrush) which is described as "a beautiful mix of gamelan inspiried percussion and electronic textures." In the not-too-distant future (springtime), the label will also be putting out a 5x10" box containing tracks from 19 RG releases to celebrate their 50th overall release. A 10" of Deathprod remixes should be released around te same time as well. After that, look for a reissue of Phonophani's OOP album originally released via Biosphere's Biophon label as well as new stuff from Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, Supersilent, Shining and maybe In The Country this coming fall.

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800

The nominees for this year's Alarm awards, the alternative to the Spellemansprisen (Norway's version of the Grammy):

Rock:
Richochets - Isolation
Madrugada - The Deep End
Serena-Maneesh - Serena-Maneesh
JR Ewing - Maelstrom
My Midnight Creeps - My Midnight Creeps

Pop:
Ane Brun - A Temporary Dive
Loch Ness Mouse - 11-22
Maria Mena - Apparently Unaffected
Anja Garbarek - Briefly Shaking
Sofian - This Is Sofian

Metal:
Stonegard - Arrows
Grimfist - 10 Steps To Hell
El Caco - The Search
Scum - Gospel For The Sick
Solefald - Red For Fire

Hip-hop:
Paperboys - When Worlds Collide
Cast - Problembarn
Onkl P - Det kunne vært deg
Warlocks - The Never Ending Story
Tommy Tee - Tommy Tycker Om Mej

Free music/electronica:
Jaga Jazzist - What We Must
Cloroform - Cracked Wide Open
Toy - Toy
Supersilent - 7
Alog - Miniatures

Club:
Røyksopp - The Understanding
Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas - Lindtrøm & Prins Thomas
Datarock - Datarock Datarock
Annie - DJ Kicks
Future Prophecies - Warlords Rising

Jazz:
Kornstad/Wiik - Eight Tunes We Like
Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitch
The Thing - Live At Blå
Tord Gustavsen Trio - The Ground
Atomic - Bikini Tapes

Song:
Madrugada - The Kids Are On High Street
Röyksopp - What Else Is There
Ane Brun - My Lover Will Go
Superfamily - Taxi Dancing
Mira Craig - Boogieman

Live:
Madrugada
Turbonegro
Purified in Blood
Richochets
Kaizers Orchestra

Newcomer of the year:
My Midnight Creeps
Mira Craig
Sofian
Superfamily
Animal Alpha

Vote for your favorites here: http://www.alarmprisen.no/

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

Norway's Shining will tour the US next April. Dates soon. In other news, the band plans to enter the studio with producer Kåre Vestrheims in late January/early February to begin work on the follow-up to "In the kingdom of kitsch you will be a monster".

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Shining has enlisted Morten Strøm as their new bassist.

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Dusted reviews Shining: http://dustedmagazine.com/reviews/2185

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0700

Also at Pfork today is an interview with Norwegian post-rock/jazz combo Shining: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/interviews/s/shining-05/

Wed, 23 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

I forgot to mention it earlier this week, but the latest Aquarius Records new release list features quite a few Scandinavian music selections such as Audiopain, Elope, Alog, Imperium, Ratto Ja Lehtisalo and Shining: http://www.aquariusrecords.org/cat/newest.html
It's worth noting that the Elope disc they rave about can be bought directly from me for a full $2 cheaper. How you like dem apples?

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

Stylus reviews Shining: http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=2850

Fri, 11 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Pitchfork lauds Rune Grammofon artist Shining: http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/s/shining/in-the-kingdom-of-kitsch-you-will-be-a-monster.shtml

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

Rune Grammofon will be releasing a new album soon from In the Country, the project of pianist Morten Qvenild, writing partner of Susanna from Susanna and the Magical Orchestra, ex-member of Jaga Jazzist and Shining and current member of jazz/pop-crossover act The National Bank. Read more: http://www.runegrammofon.com/v2/catalog.php?shownews=48

Fri, 14 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0800

Here's the details on the two latest new releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Alog - Miniatures (RCD 2043)
The third album from the duo described as "setting new standards in contemporary music" (The Milkfactory) and "one of modern music's most interesting groups" (BBC Online). Their debut "Red Shift Swing" was a breath of fresh air at the tail-end of last century, a mature and original release from two sonic explorers, already masters at seamlessly blending electronic and acoustic elements. Their sound has since been perfected through the follow-up "Duck-Rabitt" (RCD 2020) and concert activities before arriving with this, their best collection so far. Inventive and intriguing electronica with a human and organic nerve.

Shining - In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster (RCD 2044)
Brand new album from young quartet counting two former Jaga Jazzist members and writers in their ranks, giving new meaning to the concept of progressive art rock and marking a change in musical direction from their two previous jazz albums. For the first time they use a number of guitars, vintage keyboards, horns and percussion instruments, but forget about endless synth soloing and long symphonic excursions leading nowhere. This is young, fresh and vital music with a strong sense of direction, bridging the gap between classic King Crimson and ECM lyricism.

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

New releases from Norwegian avant label Rune Grammofon:

Food - Last Supper
The fourth album from this quartet and quite possibly their very best. Brilliantly performed and recorded, it´s highlighting the delicate balance between Ballamy and Henriksen´s melodic and lyrical playing and the electronic soundscapes they fully started to explore on "Veggie". Which speaks volumes when we know that "Veggie" was nominated for a Norwegian grammy and received some outstanding reviews, "this is remarkable, visionary music" (Jazz UK), "a very important work" (Milkfactory, UK). And lets not forget Mats Eilertsen and Thomas Strønen, one of many excellent rhythm sections currently working in Norwegian jazz.

v/a - Runeology 2
Dressed in a Kim Hiorthøy designed slim cardboard sleeve, this 10 track 70 minute collection includes tracks from current albums by Deathprod, Arve Henriksen, Phonophani, Strønen/Storløkken, Scorch Trio and Food as well as tracks from forthcoming releases from Nils Økland, Alog, Shining and Archetti/Wiget. The price is only NOK 49,- (appr EUR 6,-) if you order it at the same time as a you order any ordinary Rune Grammofon cd. Please make a note in the message box at the bottom of the Shop page if you want to add it to your order. Please note that when the total postage is calculated, it counts as an ordinary cd.

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0700

Cream of the Crop summer tour dates in Norway:

05/30 - Månesfestivalen, Fredrikstad
06/30 - Kongsberg Jazz festival
07/06 - Gamle Ormelet, Tjøme
08/03 - Musikkfestuken, Bodø
08/04 - Varanger festivivalen

Gebhardt will be taking Martin Horntveth's place on these dates while he's busy with Jaga Jazzist is in US on tour. Jørgen Munkeby (ex-Jaga Jazzist, Shining) will also be joining the group on saxophone.

Fri, 12 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0800

Norweigan avant-garde label Rune Grammofon has revealed their release plan for early 2004:

Skyphone - Fabula (January 12)
Debut release from Danish trio, probably closest in spirit and musical ideology to Alog and Phonophani in the way they mix electronic and acoustic elements, either sampled or played by themselves. Highly melodic and detailed soundscape.

Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - List of Lights and Buoys (January 19)
Debut release from Norwegian duo comprising young singer Susanna Wallumrød and keyboard player Morten Qvenild (Jaga Jazzist, Shining, Bertine Zetlitz, Nils Petter Molvær). Beautiful low-key songs including great versions of "Jolene" and "Who Am I".

Deathprod - Morals and Dogma (February)
Brand new and long awaited album from Norway´s sound artist par excellence.

Deathprod - Deathprod (February)
4 CD box comprising "Morals and Dogma", "Treetop Drive" (long deleted album from 1994), "Imaginary Songs From Tristan Da Cunha" (long deleted album from 1996) and "Reference Frequencies" (rare and deleted tracks). Comes in a solid black box with a booklet with detailed information on each release, each album packaged in their own beautifully designed digipack. This is simply a treat!

Mon, 06 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Ninja Tune/Smalltown Supersound will be releasing the new single "Day" from Jaga Jazzist in January in both CD and 12" format. Besides the a-side, the disc will feature a new track by by Andreas Mjøs as well as remixes by Matthew Herbert and DAT Politics. The CD version will also feature the video for "Day". And, as mentioned before, the band is also gearing up for a European tour. Dates:

10/10 - Factory festival, Paris (FR)
10/11 - Chabada, Angers (FR)
10/12 - Euros, Dieppe (FR)
10/13 - AB, Brussels (BEL) w/Shining
10/14 - Aeronef, Lill (FR)
10/15 - Nancyjazz pulsations, Nancy (FR)
10/16 - Jazz sur son 31, Toulouse (FR)
10/17 - Octob`rock festival, Reims (FR)
10/18 - Melkweg, Amsterdam (NL)
10/19 - Effenaar, Eindhoven (NL)
11/08 - Berlin Jazz Festival, Berlin (GER)

Fri, 22 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Singer Suzanna Wallumrød (sister of ECM pianist Christian Wallumrød) and pianist Morten Qvenild (shining, ex-Jaga Jazzist) just finished up with the recording of their debut album together. It was produced by Andreas Mjøs of Jaga Jazzist, mixed by Helge Sten aka Deathprod (Supersilent, ex-Motorpsycho) and will see a release on Rune Gramofon in January.

Mon, 11 Aug 2003 00:00:00 -0700

'North is the place' indeed! Musique Machine has put up an interview with Jaga Jazzist vibes/keys player Andreas Mjøs. They talk about a lot of different subjects including the Norweigan scene, various side projects such as Shining and Rotoscope, and much more.

Nova Recordings is the new distributor for Deleted Art in Europe. Check 'em out if you're interested in getting a hold of records from C.Aarmé, The New Mess, the upcoming Threeminutepopsongs debut and more.

Tue, 29 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0700

Jaga Jazzist has announced they will doing a show on August 2 with Triangle, Nem, Kosmische DJs at the Garage in London. More info: www.meanfiddler.com/version1/thegarage/index.asp. The rest of the band's dates scheduled at this time:

08/03 - Big Chill festival, Eastno (UK)
08/08 - Øyafestivalen, Oslo (NOR)
08/23 - Samfundet, Trondheim (NOR)
08/28 - Logen, Bergen(NOR)
08/29 - tba, Porsgrunn(NOR)
08/30 - Oseberg Kulturhus, Tønsberg (NOR)
10/10 - Factory festival, Paris(FRA)
10/11 - Chabada, Angers, (FRA)
10/12 - Euros, Dieppe(FRA)
10/13 - AB, Brussels (BEL) w/Shining (ex JJ members)
10/14 - Aeronef, Lille (FRA)
10/15 - Nancyjazz pulsations, Nancy (FRA)
10/16 - Jazz sur son 31, Toulouse (FRA)
10/17 - Octob`rock festival, Reims (FRA)

Wed, 26 Mar 2003 00:00:00 -0800

I put up a bunch of the pictures that were taken on the KVLR tour up at Indie Workshop. Kind of a tour diary, more of a photo journal. Anyhow, there's some dece pics worth checking out. Also be sure to check out this site for some great pics from the Flagstaff show. A digital camera just can't really compete with true quality B&W photography.

Umeå Open, the first big fest of the year starts tonight. I'll try to get reports and photos as soon as I can.

Mattias from The Soundtrack of Our Lives will be on 104.3 FM in NYC on March 30 at 9pm. More info and streaming information can be found here.

Word has it that "You're The Storm" will be the next single from The Cardigans. Apparently the band has even re-entered Tambourine Studios to record some brand new b-sides for it to be included along with a few earlier versions of the song.

Arve from Supersilent will be performing solo on 5/10 at Mai Jazz, an international jazz festival in Stavanger, Norway. More info here. In other Supersilent-related news, Helge aka Deathprod has finished mixing and mastering the new album from Shining. The band is a jazz quartet from Norway led by Jørgen Munkeby (ex. Jaga Jazzist) and the record will be out 5/12 on Jazzland.

Sahara Hotnights are going worldwide! They'll be playing in Australia with The Datsuns beginning in late April/early May and also hitting Tokyo, Japan on May 6. The details:

04/24 - Brisbane Australia, The Waterloo
04/26 - Sydney Australia, Metro
04/28 - Melbourne Australia, Hi Fi Bar
05/01 - Adelaide Australia, Enigma Bar
05/02 - Perth Australia, The Globe
05/06 - Tokyo Japan, Astro Hall

Kristofer Åström has hinted that he might be doing another EP this summer and definitely a new album next year. Nothing definite yet, as he says it's mostly up to Startracks, his label.

The Legends will be featured on the May single from Labrador Records. They are described as "C-86 and northern soul influenced punkpop" by the label and they put up a preview mp3 for the track "Make It All Right". Check em out this Friday at Klubb Instant Feelings in Stockholm.

The new single from Carpet People was sent out to Swedish radio today, so be sure to call in and request it. I've got a promo copy of the album and can confirm that it's really, really good. Lots of good stuff coming from Chalksounds in the near future, so pay attention! The album hits stores April 11.

Here's some video footage of Surferosa playing at So What in Oslo. The band will be opening for Turbonegro with JR Ewing on the upcoming big Norweigan tour. I think they sound kinda like the Norweigan version of The Sounds, but whatever.

Monastir is hitting the road in support of their new album "The Modern Sound For A Loser Generation" which comes out Monday. The dates so far:

3/28 - Lund, Blekingska Nationen
3/29 - Oslo, Mono
4/10 - Stockholm, Tantogården
4/31 - Göteborg, Sticky Fingers
5/2 - Hässleholm, Perrong 23
5/3 - Lidköping, Nätverket
5/17 - Gävle, Musikhuset
7/19 - Norberg, Rockaway Beach
7/18 - Skellefteå, Trästock

The details for this year's big Kalas tour have been announced. And yes, the rumors are true: scheduled to perform are Håkan Hellström, Lars Winnerbäck, Timbuktu & Damn, Magnus Carlson, Marit Bergman and Her Majesty. One local band gets to open each show, too. Here are the dates:

7/10 - Norrköping, Folkets Park
7/11 - Kalmar, Kalmarsundsparken
7/13 - Visby, P18/Visborgslätten
7/17 - Örebro, Brunnsparken
7/18 - Skövde, P4/Heden
7/19 - Lysekil, Pinneviken/Gullmarsvallen
7/24 - Malmö, Mölleplatsen
7/25 - Varberg, Varbergs Fästning
7/26 - Göteborg, Bananpiren
7/31 - Säter, Skinnbo Udde
8/2 - Stockholm, Universitetet

In Flames, Mando Diao and The Sounds have been confirmed for the Piteå Dansar Och Ler fest which will take place July 23-27. More info here.

The two HIMs of the world have apparently come to an agreement over use of their names. The 'evil' H.I.M. of Finland (which stands for 'His Infernal Majesty') has finally settled with the Chicago band of the same name and will now be able to release records in the US under their acronym. The details of the deal have not been released, but you can read a touch more of the back story here. (from Blabbermouth)

Wed, 25 Dec 2002 00:00:00 -0800

Looks like there's news today after all. Merry Christmas.

Nasum have decided on a name for the title of their next album they are currently recording at singer/guitarist Mieszko Talarczyk's Soundlab Studios. It will be called "Helvete" (hell) and it should be out around April or May on Relapse Records. The band also plans on doing a split 10" with Napalm Death sometime early next year on the latter's label, FETO Records.

Mayhem drummer Hellhammer has decided to lend his talents to yet another band. This time it's with Shining. The band is currently negotiating for a rerelease of their first two albums "I - Within Deep Dark Chambers" and "II - Livets Ändhallplats" on Avantgarde Music.

The Chalksounds fest is sold out. The show takes place tomorrow with Cobolt, The Price Of Ink and A-tuna at Scharinska Villan in Umeå.

Gluecifer is heading out on a tour of Southern Europe at the end of next month. Here's the dates so far:

01.30.03 NL Groningen Vera
01.31.03 NL Eindhoven Effenaar
02.01.03 NL Harlem Patronat
02.02.03 DE Brussells tbc
02.03.03 DE Berlin Columbia Fritz
02.04.03 DE Karlsruhe Substage
02.05.03 CH Zurich Abart
02.06.03 IT Milan Rolling Stone
02.07.03 IT San Dona Mithos club
02.08.03 IT Ravenna Rock planet
02.10.03 SP Montpellier Le Rockstore
02.12.03 SP Barcelona KGB
02.13.03 SP Valencia Fenix
02.14.03 SP Madrid El Sol
02.15.03 SP A Coruna Playa Club
02.18.03 PT Lisboa Paradise Garage
02.19.03 PT Porto Hard Club
02.20.03 SP Bergara Jam
02.21.03 FR La Roche Le Fuzzon
02.22.03 FR Clermont Ferr La Coope
02.23.03 FR Ris Orange The Plan
02.24.03 FR Starssbourg La Laiterie

Katatonia has completed work on their new album. 15 songs were recorded and 13 of them will end up on the final release. No titles or release date yet, but once again Travis Smith will handle the artwork.

Listen to a preview of the new Melody Club album "Music Machine" right here. It comes out tomorrow on Virgin Sweden.

The new 69-Hard album will be called "Blues from Hell and the band says "the music on this album is about 1000% heavier than everything else you have ever heard the 69ers play!" Look for it around springtime. In other news, the vinyl version of the debut album "Life is Good" will be out in January on Idle Hands Records.