Finnish vocal group Värttinä reports that they have begun rehearsals this week for their tenth studio album and will be entering the studio in August to begin recording. In other news, the "Lord of the Rings" stage production that they have been working on is nearing completion and expected to premiere in mid-March.
Soulstab has posted some new live video clips online: http://koti.welho.com/pmuurin2/soulstab/media.htm
Go here to download the new single "Angels fable" from Gustav and the Seasick Sailors: http://www.marilynrecords.se/gustav/default.asp?view=gustav/angelsfable
Mew has confirmed rumors that their new album is now being pushed back to an August release. Mixing has taken the band a lot more time than anticipated, so they were unable to remain on-schedule. On a positive note, the delay means that they were able to spend more time to make the album sound even better and record one more new song.
Crescens Collective members Parca Pace, Mago and Azure Skies will be performing at this year's Cornerstone Festival to take place in Bushnell, IL from June 30-July 3. More info: http://www.cornerstonefestival.com/
Burning Heart has posted the brand new Millencolin track "Biftek supernova" for download: http://www.burningheart.com/_lib/util/stream.php?p=/7/218/2270.mp3&f=Millencolin-Biftek Supernova.mp3
Norway's Bigbang has confirmed an April 11 release for their new album "Poetic terrorism". The first single "Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee" drops in March and they plan to hit the road on April 14. Dates here: http://www.bureaustorm.no/vis.php?ID=37
Check out the video for "A lovestory" from Norwegian singer/songwriter Thomas Dybdahl: http://www.thomasdybdahl.com/media/musicvideos/lovestory.wmv
Fluxblog posts a track from Bertine Zetlitz today: http://www.fluxblog.org/2005/03/tell-me-are-we-having-fun-howling-hex.html
Considering all the hype poured onto Annie by Flux and other mp3 blogs, I'm thinking Bertine is next in line.
Germany's Dockyard1 Records has licensed "Black Nails and Bloody Wrists" from Danish hardcore act As We Fight for a worldwide release in May. The record was originally released by Good Life Recordings last April.
Indieworkshop reviews the new Logh album: http://indieworkshop.com/reviews/1548/
I don't think I'd agree with their assessment that it's the best Logh album, but I agree with the rest 100%.
PopMatters reviews the latest Dark Tranquility: http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/d/darktranquility-character.shtml
Lofi indierockers Rough Bunnies are the subject of a new Digfi Session: http://www.digfi.com/default.aspx?id=6811
Madrugada has launched a new website in celebration of their new album "The deep end": http://www.madrugada.net
The Sudd record label has posted the "Spring Collection '05" compilation for free download as part of their monthly mp3 focus: http://www.sudd.org/focus.htm
This is the fourth installment in the label's seasonal series and features tracks from a wide array of artists including Timo Räisänen, Motif Nouveau, Nim and more.