Check out the video for the new Promise and the Monster single "Light reflecting papers": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4kskz8oYi4
Very recommended!
Danish metal act Mercenary is streaming their entire new album "Architect of lies" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mercenarydenmark
The Radio Dept.'s long-awaiting forthcoming album has been pushed back to August, though we may get a single in May.
Sweden-based web TV site Dayrobber has a three-part interview with the people behind The Pirate Bay posted for your viewing pleasure: http://www.dayrobber.com/
Also check out other areas of the site for potential subjects of interest, such as "The band" which, naturally, features interviews with various bands.
MP3: Marybell Katastrophy - Hidden agenda
Listening to new music from Montys Loco and Marybell Katastrophy has me thinking that there's some sort of covert industrial revolution going on. It's not explicit, but all of these ladies put out the same dark, metallic vibe that I associate with that genre. Few (if any) guitars, lots of clanging percussion, etc. Montys Loco goes at in a more bare-bones sorta way ala Babyland (oh, if ever the two should meet!) while Marybell Katastrophy is far more electronically composed, but the similarities are definitely there. I'd even venture to say that her sound design is on par with Skinny Puppy, it's that rich and complex. Even better, they eschew the many bad aspects of the genre. I attribute that somewhat to their femininity (something that's sorely lacking in industrial), but I also simply think that they are smart enough to see through the bullshit. Simple as that.
Anyhow, Marybell Katastrophy's new EP "You are the two" is out today and I have the single "Hidden agenda" for you. It's a beautifully twisted piece of pop, just as with her previous material, but I also think it shows significant progression. She's expanding her sonic palette, but never at the expense of her songwriting. Actually, considering the EP as a whole, she's far more consistently good. Definitely add this one to my best-of list.
Marybell Katastrophy - Hidden agenda
Norwegian postrockers Youth Pictures of Florence Henderson have enlisted Øystein Dale Svendsen as their fifth member. See a corny picture: http://jaguar.intrapoint.no/rw/site/ypofh/article.php?id=53
Check out Private's new video for "We got some breaking up to do": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJJC1gKwgxU
Speedmarket Avenue's new Jari Haapalainen-produced album "Way better now" has been confirmed for release on April 23 via Elefant Records. The title track will be the first single and it will come on white vinyl with an exclusive b-side. Look for that on April 9. Hear a song at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/speedmarketavenue
Monument Records will be releasing an international 7" comp this summer entitled "YouthxCrew 08", featuring eight current straight-edge hardcore acts from all over the world, including Swedish Go for Broke. Find out more here: http://www.monumenthq.com/
The new Rumble In Rhodos record "Intentions" is finished and confirmed for release in Norway on April 28 with the rest of Europe to follow in the fall. Hear the first single "Flavoured envy" at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/rumbleinrhodos
Late Night Venture frontman Søren Hartvig has started his own music blog: http://late-night-illusions.blogspot.com/
Quite a few quality recommendations already, so check it out.
PopMatters reviews Doctors & Dealers: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/music/reviews/55757/doctors-dealers-confessions-of-a-drunken-mind/
MNW has confirmed that the upcoming Ebba Grön 4CD+DVD boxset will be released on April 23. Go here for full details: http://www.mnwmusic.com/artists/ebba_gron/ebba_gron.html (in Swedish)