The camera work in this live clip is totally obnoxious, but thankfully the performance by I Break Horses far outshines it.

Should have posted this days ago, but it got lost in the shuffle. Raw metal/punk from Sweden released on cassette, just as it should be. Look for a split 7" with fellow crust-metallers Bombs of Hades in the near future.

Swedish powerpop act The Sweet Serenades now have a video for their latest single "Can't get enough".

New epic dark and heavy rock from a band called Vibracula featuring members of other acts I've talked up over the years but whose identities I'll leave up to you to discover on your own.

The Swedish Institute has launched a new video interview series and guests so far include Tiger Bell and Azure Blue. More at FB: https://www.facebook.com/SwedishMusic

A live version of Artymove performing their new single "One of these days". Obviously not as ecstatic as the regular version, but still dece.

Rasmus Kellerman has a new band, but he won't tell us what it's called, or who else is in it.

If you've wanted more of the arrestingly heart-felt acoustic music that Kellerman began to explore with the album "The 24th", you won't be getting it (or at least, not right now). The album that Kellerman released under his own name was marked by a stripped-down honesty carried by his clear voice and lone guitar, with lyrics more autobiographical than his project Tiger Lou. It's brave when a musician takes on the "I" persona, and maybe, if you're blessed (or cursed) with the humbleness of a Swede, it might be a bit difficult for you to sell.

About a year ago there came a slightly dark time in Kellerman's blog that seemed to reflect his struggle with the sheer difficulty of standing alone on a stage without a band to share in the creative jam. Performing alone, no matter how honest the music and emotion, seemed vastly different from the joy that Kellerman expressed in past interviews about the musical collaboration that occurred onstage with Tiger Lou. But in the moment when an artist is in creative turmoil, soul-searching and changing, the most interesting music often occurs; as if feeling lost is the best place to begin something new.

If you're a follower of Kellerman's blog, you'll know that plenty of music is going on right now in Kellerman's life -- but it's all behind the closed doors of the studio. Kellerman has lately formed the first band in which he is collaborating on the actual musical creation itself (unlike Tiger Lou, in which the collaboration happened after album production and during performance), and while he has been hesitant to talk much about the band before the music hits the world, it seems to mark a new musical perspective and direction for him.

The way he speaks of it is of an ensemble effort, very much a meeting of minds and talents, and he digs waiting for the music that emerges from it. Rasmus is making us wait for more details too, but he's taken the time to tease us about it. It's a Trap interviewed him this past week.

I would like to learn more about your new project! I understand from your blog that you're not yet ready to talk about it beyond "It's with two friends and it really inspires me," but to me it means a break from how you seemed to write about music in your blog a few years ago.

I guess you're right about that! The difference this time around is that I'm in an actual band, with actual people. It's not just me, a guitar and a computer, writing music, and figuring stuff out as I move along. For now, the info is sparse, partly because there's not much to tell, and partly because we really want the music to be the first thing people encounter. There's is an idea to it, and we're not being elusive for the sake of being elusive. I like sharing the writing and recording process, and loved writing about my recordings etc., but those projects were so different from this one.

I seem to recall a post from the end of 2010 that seemed incredibly glum about your creative process and music in general. In the humble view of a stranger, it seemed that you put a lot on the line to sing your autobiographical songs, and maybe felt a bit disappointed by the results. 2011 was a year in which you picked up from that, and then in October of 2011 you were signed to Razzia Records and things seemed to kick back into gear...

Every time I've finished a record or a tour, I feel like it was my last one. Not because I don't love making records or touring with my friends, but because I think I can never write a new album, or possibly make another tour break even. And also because I'm very dependent on things being progressive.

When I wrote my acoustic album, I had no intention of making it a "proper" release. I was living in Berlin, Tiger Lou were on indefinite hiatus, I had an office and was doing graphic design full time, walking the dog and enjoying the slow road. Then I sent some stuff to Startracks, and the A&R Fredrik Holmgren was so stoked about it, which in turn rubbed off on me. So I figured I'd give it another go, but with a very different approach than usual. I wanted to keep everything very simple.

I booked two weeks in Rolf Klinth's studio (where I always record) and called my friend Thomas Hedlund, asking him to play drums on some of the tracks. We never rehearsed beforehand, it was just me, Thomas and Rolf, trying the song out a couple of times, and then punching the record-button. After that we brought in some more people for a few overdubs, but essentially, no editing was done, everything is live and very much on the spur of the moment.

All the vocals were recorded during the same night (due to me having the flu for ten fucking days straight, and no voice to sing with). All the songs are very personal, some were several years old, some brand new. My main goal was to do everything differently, and I'm very happy with the outcome. In regards to everything else, I guess most people just weren't as stoked about the outcome as I was. That's life for you.

So where does this leave you musically now? At some point in your blog you wrote about wanting to make stuff that wasn't like anything you'd done before (in Araki or Tiger Lou or under your own name).

As for now, I'm working full time at a huge ad company, so finding the time and energy to make music is sometimes difficult. However, I'm fortunate enough to be able to take time off sporadically, and lock myself into a studio someplace, trying to make something beautiful again. That is what the new band is about.

So what's it like?! What do you have to say about your music right now?

Shit, I dunno. It's always weird. When I was younger writing was so easy. These days, sometimes it feels like a chore. But in a good way obviously. It just takes a true effort is what I mean, and I'm good with that. Once a new song is finished, that feeling is one of the best ones there is.

And now, with being in band, it's even better in the end. Because now, there are other people involved, who've added and subtracted from the equation, making the music so much bigger that what it originally was. That's why I try to do a lot of collaborations and remixes these days, there are elements in there, much bigger than me. A very big world, waiting for me to explore it.

So you mention how exciting it is to work with other people in a band, rather than having all of the reins yourself. What have you gained? And do you feel like you've lost anything (like, obviously, total control), and is it a worthy trade?

I don't really see it as a trade, as I still have the ability to do another Tiger Lou album anytime I choose to. When I need to hide away, write every single note of music, play every instrument, produce it myself, I'll do so. For now I'm really happy doing something new, and sharing the experience. The best being that the sum of the group is greater than the sum of its parts.

I could ask about musicians and if we're familiar with them from other musical projects, but I'll wait to be happily surprised. Instead, what I'm most itchingly curious about is what this music sounds like. Any hint at all? "Sounds like a sunny day in Berlin" ?

The soundscape is very much 80s oriented, mainly using vintage analog synthesizers like Jupiter 8, CS-80 and Mirage. One of the guys is a techno/house producer so his influence on all things rhythmic is very noticeable. And I guess I have a personal style of writing songs, melodies and words, so that shines through as well. The third person is a melodic genius and whenever his fingers touch the keys, magic happens. The sound is very big, very emotional and very danceable.

This all sounds extremely exciting, can't wait to hear it!

Interview by Tanya Rezak, photo by Pär Hugo Kjellén

The official video for the new Graveyard single "Goliath".

10/19 - The Lexington, London
10/20 - The Star And Shadow, Newcastle
10/21 - Supersonic Festival, Birmingham

I take it Spain's Desert Icons have listened to a fair bit of Thin Lizzy in the past. The bits on here that do sound like a metalized Lizzy are the downers here. They just lift and brighten the atmosphere a bit too much in something that has the potential to be dark and nasty... in an outstandingly metal way. Out of three songs, opening track "The search" is Alchemist meets Thin Lizzy and the second song, "Animal rage" is Immortal meets Thin Lizzy. And the Lizzy bits are everywhere in both. Closing track "Time for the storm" is the best of the bunch here by miles and it's killer. And there's no Thin Lizzy in it at all! It showcases a band with an identity of their own who sound so fluid when they just run with it rather than trying to show people that they can play like Thin Lizzy. NB. I think this is the most I've ever written Thin Lizzy in my life.]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:59:40 -0700 reviews http://www.itsatrap.com/n/40998-general-surgery-like-an-ever-flying-limb http://www.itsatrap.com/n/40998-general-surgery-like-an-ever-flying-limb http://www.itsatrap.com/n/40998-general-surgery-like-an-ever-flying-limb#comments

Death metal in-jokes abound! This is the title track of the band's upcoming 7" EP, due out November 6 via Relapse.

New from Finnish cult/psychrockers Hexvessel off their latest record "No holier temple".

Cool! A Swedish band whose sound harkens back to the early days of Kent and other similar 90s-era alt-rock.

Add together stop/motion animation + Swedish Kraut/pop and you get Spagyrikerna. Look for an album this fall via White Line Recordings.

It's far too smooth for my tastes, but here's the latest from Swedish pop/rap act Norlie & KKV.

The latest from Swedish electro/pop trio Artymove.

Saturday night at Debaser Malmö! The very last It's a Trap! Clubnight EVER! And we're going out with a bang too with two of Sweden's finest hardcore acts, Out of Vogue and Anchor, gracing the stage. Be there!

Transubstans Records has signed Swedish heavy rockers Dödaren and will be releasing the band's debut full-length "Maen" this coming December.

Rafael, Memento Vitae by Simeon Frohm from Fajta on Vimeo.

The fascinating Swedish jazz/experimental/spiritual label Compunctio has announced that the long-awaited debut album "Nattens lovsång" from Andreas Runeson's project Ensemble Lakonia will finally be out later this year as part of the label's "Compunctio box". As for the video above, I can't say that I know much about it except that it includes music from the aforementioned act starting at, I believe, around minute 8.

Speaking of Fullsteam Records, the label is also now streaming the new Disco Ensemble album "Warriors" in full via Soundcloud which I appreciate because it's not available on Spotify in the US yet.

"Outrun" is the 2nd video from Murmansk's excellent new album "Rüütli". It's also the track that seems to reliably come up on shuffle almost every day when I'm out running (no complaints!).

Coming November 5 via Tambourhinoceros, the new EP "Variations" from Danish artist CTM aka the solo alias of Cæcilie Trier (Chimes & Bells, Choir of Young Believers). A 2nd EP will follow in early 2013.

The new Daniel Gilbert 7" is now streaming via Gaphals' Bandcamp page.

The latest video from Swedish duo First Aid Kit.

New from Ane Brun. In related news, Ane had to cancel her US tour with Paul Gabriel due to illness and is being replaced by friend/band member/Swedish artist Jennie Abrahamson.

Nomethod has announced that the new First Love, Last Rites single "Charlot" will be released on November 12.

Richard Reagh explains the concept behind his latest project "The Ed Harris Masters", a series of five digital singles he'll be releasing in the near future. As for the Marvin Gaye cover he references, you can find it here.

New/old super lo-fi recordings from Swedish artist Horrible Houses, just repackaged and rereleased in a small limited-edition run by Zeon Light. Expect lots of warble and hiss.

New from Norwegian artist Susanna aka Susanna K. Wallumroe off her latest record "Wild dog".

At long last, something new from Superfamily! Recommended! Expect more singles this fall and then a new album in 2013?

More like this please: killer early 80s synth-heavy gothrock outta Finland, recently given the vinyl reissue treatment via Svart Records. So, so good; such a shame I only just heard about them a few weeks ago.

Here's the video for the new Petra Marklund (September) single "Händerna mot himlen". Definitely a bit more low-key than her previous stuff, but that's not a bad thing at all.

It has been officially revealed that Gaphals has picked up Niels Nielsen and will be releasing his new 7" single "Shadow twin" on October 26 with a full-length album to follow in spring.

Noisey sits down with Susanne Sundfør at Øya to talk Norwegian music.

Soft progressive rock from Norway with an album of epic 4xLP proportions coming this winter via Dayladore Collective. Can't say that it sounds like a good idea to me, but kudos to them for having the chutzpah to go with it.

The Raveonettes have a new video for the tune "The enemy" off their latest record "Observator". No idea what Pitchfork was thinking, I think the new album is totally solid.

Progress Productions released the new Nexus Kenosis album "Elsewhen" earlier this week and while it's not yet available on all digital platforms, there's an abridged sampler up for streaming via Spotify. Recommended!

New stuff from Swedish techno artist Özgür Can featuring guest vocals from the one-and-only Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou). Look for Özgür's new album "Put me in a box and label me" to be released on September 28; as for Rasmus' new so-far-anonymous project, expect to finally hear songs very, very soon.

11/29 - Markthalle, Hamburg (GER)
11/30 - Trix, Antwerp (BEL)
12/02 - Bristol Fleece, Bristol (UK)
12/04 - 02 ABC, Glasgow (UK)
12/05 - The Ruby Lounge, Manchester (UK)
12/06 - London O2 Academy2 Islington, London (UK)
12/07 - The Haunt Brighton, Brighton (UK)
12/09 - Melkweg, Amsterdam (NL)
12/11 - Mascotte Club, Zurich, CH 12/12 - Conrad Sohm, Dornbirn (AUS)
12/13 - Arena, Vienna (AUS)
12/14 - Backstage, Munich (GER)
12/15 - Strasse E, Dresden (GER)
12/16 - Batschkapp, Frankfurt (GER)
12/17 - Vera, Groningen (NL)
12/18 - Essigfabrik, Cologne (GER)
12/19 - C-Club, Berlin (GER)

Speaking of new bands with Kristofer Åström, he's also got another new project called Fuck Tornadoes that's a bit more rock'n'roll like the name implies. Hear a 2nd tune here.

Finnish indierock act Kevin are currently streaming their new album "Ebb and flow" in full for a limited time ahead of its release date on September 14 via If Society.

Umeå metal act Plector has announced that their forthcoming album "Punishment day", due out October 31 via Discouraged Records and currently streaming in full at SoundCloud, will be their last. The band's final show will be at the Discouraged Festival in their hometown on September 15 alongside Moloken and Khoma.

Dark vibrations from southern Sweden off the band's new 7", out now via Solförmörkelse.

Easy October = Kristoffer Hedberg, Kristofer Åström, Nikke Ström (Nationalteatern, etc.) and Johan Håkansson (A Camp, Freddie Wadling, etc.). Look for an album this fall?

For most folks, the band Cobolt is, at best, a forgotten footnote from the Umeå music scene of yore. For nerds like me who pursued every thread until exhausted, they were a revelation, an eye-opening glimpse into the vast and varied expanse of the Norrland music scene in a post-Refused world. And now, at long last, Refused bassist Magnus Björklund has posted his old band's final unreleased recordings for public consumption. I've had semi-illicit copies of a number of these tracks for many years now and am glad they are finally getting a proper chance to find an audience -- very recommended!

New indie/psychrock outta Denmark from an artist known as Halasan Bazar. Order the cassette from the label Moon Glyph right here or hit up a full album stream/paid download via Bandcamp.

New Swedish hip-hop from the Hemmalaget crew.

Coming October 1 via Gapahals, "Weapons of mass destruction" -- the debut "full-length" (uh, 10 songs in 14 minutes?) from Swedish thrashers Damage. Pre-order info at Bandcamp.

Check out a full 50-minute live set from Swedish industrial act Agent Side Grinder.

Due out September 10, the new Randy Barracuda LP "Random works of Randy Barracuda Vol. II".

Finally, new music from Okkultokrati! The band's upcoming album "Snakereigns" has been officially confirmed for release on October 26 via Fysisk Format and they say that musically-speaking, it "is a great leap for the band," and that they build their songs "on straightforward punk beats with the filth of unholy rock n' roll running through their veins." As for the lyrical themes contained therein: "The end of the universe, the end of the world and the end of self." Yes, this is my most anticipated release of 2012.

Enigmatic UK label 4AD's latest signing: Danish act Indians, the solo alias of Copenhagen resident Søren Løkke Juul. Expect his debut album in early 2013, in the meantime look for him to be touring extensively all over the world this fall. Dates and more info here.

Check out Danes The Floor is Made of Lava playing live for a Max Peber Session. Great to see these guys consistently improving from quite dubious beginnings.

New stuff from Finnish weirdos Kuusumun Profeetta. The band's new album "Huutoja hiljaisesta huoneesta (Screams from a Silent Room)" will be out September 28 via Ektro Records.

A 1-minute preview of the upcoming Familjen album "Allt på rött", officially due out on September 12 in Sweden, slightly later elsewhere in Scandinavia. I would've liked to link you to the video for the lead single too, but the geniuses at Cosmos Music have it blocked in the US.

A new video from Holograms that looks like someone's tumblr exploded.

09/06 - KB18, Copenhagen (DK)
09/07 - Veb, Lübeck (GER)
09/08 - De Onderbroek, Nijmegen (HOL)
09/09 - Vrankrijk, Amsterdam (HOL)
09/10 - Rocas, Luxembourg (LUX)
09/11 - Platform 5, Ashford (UK)
09/12 - The Black Heart, London (UK)
09/13 - Olives Cafe, Norwich (UK)
09/14 - Royal Park Cellars, Leeds (UK)
09/15 - Chameleon Arts Cafe, Nottingham (UK)
09/16 - The Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh (SCO)
09/17 - 13th Note, Glasgow (SCO)
09/18 - The Tunnels, Aberdeen (SCO)
09/19 - Balcony Bar, Dundee (SCO)
09/20 - Auntie Annies, Belfast (IRL)
09/21 - Richardsons, Galway (IRL)
09/22 - Fred Zeppelin's, Cork (IRL)
09/23 - The Pint, Dublin (IRL)
09/24 - The Croft, Bristol (UK)
09/25 - Emporium Gallorium, Rouen (FRA)
09/26 - Le Trokson, Lyon (FRA)
09/27 - Club Sentinel, Bilbao (ESP)
09/28 - Liceo Mutante, Pontevedra (ESP)
09/29 - CasaViva (early), Porto (POR)
09/29 - M-Day 2012 (late), Braga (POR)
09/30 - Faculdade de Letras da Universidade de, Lisboa (POR)
10/01 - Wurlitzer Ballrom, Madrid (ESP)
10/02 - Kixkil, Bayonne (FRA)
10/03 - Saint Des Seins, Toulouse (FRA)
10/04 - L'Ecurie, Geneve (CH)
10/05 - AZ, Aachen (GER)
10/06 - Baracke, Münster (GER)