New Steso Songs single: "OD #2"
The new Steso Songs single "OD #2" is out now as a digital download and comes with a new version of "Tonight it's oh too dark" as the exclusive b-side: http://www.klicktrack.com/lyckan/releases/steso-songs/od-2-single
Kvelertak - Mjød (video)
Norwegian act Kvelertak has a new video for the song "Mjød": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-__g2_uMUd8
Check the related videos for some behind-the-scenes footage (in Norwegian).
Camouflage turn 25
Swedish postpunks Camouflage have decided to mark the 25th anniversary of the release of their (quite excellent) self-titled debut by putting together a playlist of what they consider to be a best-of collection: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=152856334&blogId=534455400
Not sure if it's available on Spotify, but I bet that almost all of that stuff can be tracked down without too much trouble. Otherwise, it looks like the whole thing is streaming at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/camouflageswe
Pitchfork reviews Under Byen
Pitchfork reviews the new Under Byen album "Alt er tabt": http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14236-alt-er-tabt/
Imperial State Electric album preview
Imperial State Electric, Nicke Andersson's new "solo" project", is streaming a bunch of new songs at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/imperialstateelectric
Not recommended.
Nirvana 2002
Recordings 89-91
Relapse
Ahhh, the sonic wonder that is old-school Swedish death metal. Remembering the good old days when the likes of Entombed (Nihilist), Dismember, Carnage and the crew were kickstarting a musical style that would not only define a genre, but remain in fond memory for decades to follow. Another band in the fold during those early days of death was Nirvana 2002, also spewing forth the guitar tone from Helvete (you know the one) and blasting out some of the best death metal this side of the "Left hand path". Indeed, the opening track on this, "Mourning", could easily sit on the lauded debut from Entombed and hold its own. In fact, it even kicks the ass of some of the tunes on "LHP" and, since that's probably my all-time favorite death metal record, it's really saying something. The songs here have all the elements of classic Swedish death metal: from the overall, face-ripping sound, to the masterful song construction that offers fast sections, pummelling mid-paced passages, and slow, haunting, melodic runs. Obviously, with this release being a collection of early recordings there's bound to be some variation in production between songs. The quality doesn't really begin to waver though until track seven ("Physical excursion / Truth and beauty"), which is understandable, given the songs from here on comprise the band's very first demos and rehearsal tapes. It's not an issue, however, as they give true insight into the workings of a fledgling genre, essentially serving as a window to the past and offering us the chance to really hear what was going on back in those formative years. On that note, the tracks from 1990's "Disembodied spirits" are presented here in two forms -- the original mix and a fresh 2009 mix. As could probably be expected, while the new mix offers a fuller, beefed out sound, the 1990 mix allows the true power of the original songs to shine through. As a whole, this is an exceptional and very welcome release indeed. An essential album for fans of the genre.
- John Norby
99 minutes #1
MIC Norway has launched a new feature called "99 minutes" featuring a 99-minute podcast from DJ 99 with new music from bands such as Datarock, Fjorden Baby!, Serena Maneesh, Årabrot and Diskjokke plus an interview with Martin Horntvedt of Jaga Jazzist and more. Go here: http://listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2010051111383357144426
Monty - Seglaren (video)
This is Monty's new single "Seglaren". Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK-_3NRko9w
MP3: The Amazing - And it looks like today
Despite the intermittent rain up here in this part of the world, there's no doubting that spring has finally arrived. Let this new single from The Amazing be your soundtrack. The band's new EP "Wait for a light to come" is out now and it is bliss.
The Amazing - And it looks like today
Trapped Under Vice IV
Fenriz of Darkthrone has put together yet another mix for Vice, 'cept this time he's got some help from Sindre Solem of mighty Norwegian death metal act Obliteration: http://afistinthefaceofgod.blogspot.com/2010/05/trapped-under-vice-vol.html
Not a lot of Scandinavian selections this time (actually, just one), but don't sweat it -- every mix that's been posted so far has been a winner.
Aversionline recommends Momentum
Aversionline recommends Icelandic metal act Momentum: http://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2010/05/17/momentum-fixation-at-rest-cd/
Preview the island of Disco Ensemble
Disco Ensemble's new album "The island of Disco Ensemble" is currently streaming in its entirety at YleX's website: http://ylex.yle.fi/musiikki/ennakkokuuntelussa-disco-ensemble-the-island-of-disco-ensemble
Download the new Junip EP
Gaffa is giving away Junip's new EP "Rope and summit" as a free download: http://gaffa.se/nyhet/39448
Liechtenstein - Saperlipopette
Check out Swedish indiepop act Liechtenstein covering "Saperlipopette" by French artist Clothilde: http://www.myspace.com/liechtensteinia
Taken By Trees live in NYC
Taken By Trees is doing a one-off show at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on May 25. Fellow Swedes Korallreven will be doing a DJ set.