Dismember vocalist Matti Kärki talks to Metal Reference about the long break between albums and the split with longtime label Nuclear Blast, among other topics: http://www.metal-reference.com/dismember/interview1.html

Upcoming European tourdates for the new Swedish/translantic Southern Rock band Odin Grange (pronounced Oudinn Greyng), previously known as Backdraft:

03/23 - De Engel, Den Helder (HOL)
03/24 - Spirit Of 66, Verviers (BEL)
03/25 - The Peel, Kingston-upon-Thames (UK) w/Pig Irön 03/26 - Wip In, Oudenbosch (HOL)
03/27 - Parkhof, Alkmaar (HOL)
03/28 - Frontline, Gent (BEL) w/Monster Joe 03/29 - Musiccafé Tröte, Meschede (GER)
03/31 - The Rock, Linköping (SWE)
04/03 - Rabbit Fighter, Mosebacke, Stockholm (SWE) w/Bad Man Walking

Check out the e-card for the Volvo-sponsored Export Music Sweden US showcases: http://www.aestheti.com/ecards/Volvo/index.html
Anyone go to the show in NYC last night? I'll be heading down to LA for the Saturday show, so if anyone wants to meet up, please send me an email.

And speaking of the ExMS showcases, delegate Kristofer Åström has confirmed the release of his next full length album "Loupita" for May 26 and has also confirmed that his sixth album will follow in September. That's gonna be the one to look out for, as Startracks says it's the record he'll be touring behind. It'll probably also be the record that gets a proper international release.

And while we're on this train of thought, fellow Startracks artist Christian Kjellvander will indeed be coming over to the States on a personal trip in July. I presume he'll be visiting family around Seattle? Anyhow, don't despair because he will be doing some dates while he's over here. I've already put in my bid to get him to come to San Francisco and I'm sure I'll learn more after talking to label honcho Fredrik on Saturday.

And on a final note from Startracks, the label says they are making a new signing, but they aren't revealing who yet. They say he's "young," "not unfamiliar to fans of Startracks" and "rock or pop with twisted production." The first person that comes to my mind would be Gustav Kjellvander and his new band The Fine Art Showcase, but having not heard them I can only guess. Anyone wanna fill me in?

KVLR got a 4-star review over at All Music Guide: http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDCASS70311101710182654&sql=Acu5a8qbzbtm4

United Enemies will be holding a release party for their new EP "Love Kills" at Fatclub in Malmö on April 23. Admission will get you a free copy of said EP, too.

Upcoming live dates for Supersilent:

07/03 - Jazz Festival Ljubljana (SLO)
07/05 - Copenhagen Jazzfestival (DK)
07/27 - Canal Street, Arendal (NOR)
09/03 - Trondheim Jazzfestival, Norway (NOR)

Pole, I Am Kloot, Blue Foundation and Lise Westzynthius are the first names confirmed for the RECession Festival in Århus, Denmark on May 6-8.

And speaking of Danish music fests, Tim Christensen, Grand Avenue, Dear, Kira And The Kindred Spirits, Hotel Hunger and The Sandmen have all been added to the Midtfyns Festival lineup. More info: http://www.midtfynsfestival.dk/

Monstera is now booking recent Labrador Records signees [ingenting]. Their debut EP "Syster dyster" comes out in April.

Swedish hip-hop artist DJ Large from Mobbade Barn Med Automatvapen is putting out a new mix CD to peddle on the upcoming Atmosphere/Promoe tour. Full tracklist and other info: http://www.svenskunderjord.com/incNyheterView.asp?id=570

Stereocent.com is updated with new live pics of The Raveonettes and Sofia Talvik.

Full, updated live schedule for Turbonegro:

03/17 - HH, Bergen (NOR)
03/19 - Samfundet, Trondheim (NOR)
03/20 - Hydranten, Hamar (NOR)
03/26 - All Tomorrows Parties (UK)
03/27 - Umeå Open (SWE)
03/31 - Arctic Challenge, Mackhallen Tromsø (NOR) w/Satyricon
04/03 - Rock Mot Rus, Andenes Idrettshall (NOR)
06/04 - Rock Am Ring, Nurberg (GER)
06/05 - Rock Im Park, Nurnburgring (GER)
06/06 - Download Festival, Donnington (tbc)
06/18 - Oslo Spektrum (NOR) w/Joan Jett & Alice Cooper
06/19 - Gøteborg Metal Fest (SWE)
07/04 - With Full Force (GER)
07/09 or 10 - Stavernfestivalen (NOR) w/Gluecifer
07/10 or 11 - Ruisrock (FIN)
07/11 - tbc, Wiesen (AUS)
09/11 - Vittoria (SPA)