Refused in the NYT
The New York Times reports back from seeing Refused live at Terminal 5 (but not at the afterparty): http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/25/arts/music/swedish-punk-band-refused-at-terminal-5.html?_r=2
Big Oil signs Ocean View
Newly signed to and currently in the studio with Jens Benz (Thulebasen, Iceage, Powersolo). Expect an album this fall.
Stockholm Boat Sessions: Tiger Bell
Check out Swedish pop-punk act Tiger Bell performing live for Stockholm Boat Sessions: http://stockholmboatsessions.blogspot.com/2012/04/tiger-bell.html
To the Death to reissue Damien
Coming soon via , a discography collection from late 80s Uppsala thrashers Damien compiling the band's five demo tapes and one 12" EP into one 2xLP set along with a 28-page booklet. 500 copies, 100 on splattered vinyl.
The Hives - Wait a minute (live on Jimmy Kimmel)
The Hives perform live on Jimmy Kimmel. Can't say that I'm all that into the new material I've heard, but they are always worth seeing in concert.
Storm Corrosion - Drag ropes (video)
Storm Corrosion is the duo of Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) and Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree). I suspect that their indulgent prog will not appeal to everyone, but the animation and artwork in this video is killer.
MP3: In Solitude - To her darkness
Due to a bummer last-minute scheduling change I managed to miss most of The Devil's Blood when I went to The Decibel Magazine Tour last Friday -- sorry, but leaving work immediately at 5 to commute an hour+ to a show that starts at 6:30 just isn't happening -- but it wasn't all bad because In Solitude absolutely tore it up. I've been a fan of the band's self-titled debut for awhile now, but their most recent release "The World. The Flesh. The Devil" just didn't do much for me until I heard the songs live. What sounds lifeless and meandering on record came alive with the extra oomph they added on stage. Too many metal bands are soulless and too technically exacting in-person, but not In Solitude. As for Watain, my tolerance for black metal is fairly minimal these days so I would've probably been fine simply smelling them setting up and thinking "yup, I get it." I lasted 3 songs and retreated back home to a local band houseshow that was far more my thing (Gun Outfit/Family Stoned).
In Solitude - To her darkness
New Cookies 'n Beans album in May
Okay, so this clip has nothing to do with the new Cookies 'n Beans album "Go tell the world" which will be out on May 2, but I figured that any excuse to post this Kristofer Åström-penned number is worthwhile. Lead single "Tomorrow's such a long time away" is out now and can be found via Spotify in Sweden but not in the US.
Blackest Woods - Blackest flora/blackest fauna (video)
From the darkest reaches of Notodden, proof positive that border collies are totally black metal.
NYT playlist: Theresa Andersson, Huoratron, Mirel Wagner
Finnish artists Huoratron and Mirel Wagner plus Swedish expat Theresa Andersson all have new albums profiled in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/arts/music/new-releases-from-huoratron-mirel-wagner-theresa-andersson.html?_r=3
Morten Myklebust - She she (video)
Brand new music from Norwegian artist Morten Myklebust by way of . Check out the studio/album version here.
Musik med Sea Lion
New live music at PSL from Swedish duo Sea Lion: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2012/04/23/musik-med-sea-lion/
Ja Ja Ja May: Sansa, Maribel, Reptile Youth
Ja Ja Ja's upcoming showcase for May 31 will featuring Reptile Youth, Maribel and Sansa. Full details + sample tunes from each artist: http://www.jajajamusic.com/index.php/2012/04/new-show-ja-ja-ja-w-sansa-maribel-reptile-youth/