Melody Club's album "The Music Machine" will get a UK release early next year and the band will head over in February to start promotion. More info when I get it.

Soundtrack of our Lives bassist Kalle Gustafsson will be producing the next Melody Club record. The band plans to enter Kalle's Svenska Grammofon Studion in Göteborg in January.

There's a new mp3 on the right from Swedish new-wave synthpop band Paris. Forget about Melody Club, The Sounds, Alice in Videoland, et al - Paris actually writes good songs and appeals to more than just being stylish. Of all the bands in the genre, these guys (and gals) are definitely my favorite that I've heard.

New at Rockfoto.nu: pics from the Access All Areas seminar including Bad Cash Quartet, Bear Quartet, The Concretes, David & The Citizens, First Floor Power, Hell On Wheels, José Gonzales, Kamera, Melody Club, Soak The Sin, Teenage Idols, Whyte Seeds and more.

Via pHinnWeb: International Helsinki/Manchester-based electronic music label Mate Recordings has updated their website with news of upcoming live events, Roger's "Art Schools, Art Students" tour, upcoming plans for Bynatone and a new Kompleksi CDR comp that's being circulated.

Melody Club has redone their website and also posted some preview clips from their upcoming tour documentary clips:

Clip 1: high / low
Clip 2: high / low

It was filmed by producer David Kaijser and will be released sometime next year.

The Caesars will be joined at their upcoming Export Music Sweden Japan gig on October 18 at Club Quattro in Tokyo by Soundtrack of Our Lives, Melody Club and the Whyte Seeds.

New bands added to the Access All Areas industry showcase on November 26-27 in Stockholm: Hell on Wheels, The Wilson Hospital, Teenage Idols, Kamera, Bear Quartet, Melody Club, David & the Citizens, The Universe, Silverbullit, and Whyte Seeds. More info: www.accessallareas.se

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Per Gessle - Mazarin
02. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
03. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
04. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
05. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
06. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
07. Anders Johansson - If it's all I ever do
08. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
09. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube
10. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
11. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
12. Magnus Carlson - Ett kungarike för en kram
13. Robyn - Don't stop the music
14. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
15. Da Buzz - More than alive
16. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
17. Moneybrother - Blood panic
18. Alcazar - Alcazarized
19. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
20. Uno & Freda - Samling

The full program for the Yran fest in Östersund, Sweden on July 31-August 2 has been confirmed. Head on over to their website for the full scoop. Some of acts playing include Shout Out Louds, Håkan Hellström , Melody Club, Looptroop, In Flames, Kajsa Grytt, Lars Winnerbäck, Carola, The Sounds, Randy, Mando Diao and many more.

Rockfoto.nu has posted a bunch of pics taken at the Avrika festival. Some of the bands pictured include HIM, HÅkan Hellström, Kamera, Looptroop, Mando Diao, Melody Club, Moneybrother, Paris, Shout Out Louds, The Sounds and more.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Per Gessle - Mazarin
02. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
03. Anders Johansson - If it's all I ever do
04. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
05. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
06. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
07. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
08. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
09. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
10. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
11. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
12. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
13. Moneybrother - Blood panic
14. Anna-Lotta Larson - Tidlöst
15. Da Buzz - More than alive
16. Lars Winnerbäck och hovet - Söndermarken
17. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
18. Alcazar - Alcazarized
19. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube
20. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
02. Killer - Naughty Boy
03. Outlandish - Guantanamo
04. C21 - She Cries
05. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
08. Da Buzz - Alive
09. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
10. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
11. User - Do You
12. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need
13. Darude - Music
14. Remedeeh - Give That Dog A Bone
15. Superheroes - Someone Else
16. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
17. Equicez - Live From Pass It
18. Melody Club - Cover Girl
19. Prominent - Regrets
20. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days

Challengers:
01. Club 8 - Saturday Night Engine
02. Amulet - Breaking News
03. Röyksopp - Sparks
04. Christian Kjellvander - Homeward Rolling Soldier
05. HIM - The Sacrament

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Guantanamo
02. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
03. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
04. Killer - Naughty Boy
05. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. C21 - She Cries
08. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
09. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
10. Da Buzz - Alive
11. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
12. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
13. Darude - Music
14. Melody Club - Cover Girl
15. Superheroes - Someone Else
16. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need
17. User - Do You
18. A-Teens - Perfect Match
19. Equicez - Live From Pass It
20. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days

Challengers:
01. Magnus Carlson - Jag Ber Dig
02. Remedeeh - Give That Dog A Bone
03. Prominent - Regrets
04. David & The Citizens - New Direction
05. Slaptones - Love Comes Easy

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Songlines Magazine lists their top 50 'must-own' world music records in the new issue and have "Iki" from Värrtinä at number 24. The same issue also includes a 'Beginners Guide' to the band, too. (pdf format)

The Rasmus has posted their updated tour schedule:

06/20 - Jämsä Himos, Midsummer festival FIN
06/21 - Kouvola, Midnight Party Planet festival FIN
06/23 - Hamburg, Docks w/Evanescence DE
06/24 - Berlin, Kolumbiahalle w/Evanescence DE
06/26 - Munich, Elserhalle w/Evanescence DE
06/28 - Mannheim, MTV Campus Invasion, DE
07/03 - Midtfyn, Festival DK
07/05 - Kristianstad, Tivolirock SWE
07/06 - Turku, Ruisrock FIN
07/09 - Kangasala, Harju-festival FIN
07/11 - Vantaa, Hotelli Vantaa FIN
07/12 - Aitoo, Kirkastusjuhlat FIN
07/13 - Lappeenranta, Satamarock FIN
07/18 - Helsinki, Tavastia FIN
07/19 - Tampere, Tammerfest FIN
07/23 - Åland, Mariehamn FIN
07/24 - Gotland, NRJ Summer SWE
07/25 - Gävle, Gatufesten SWE
07/26 - Karlskoga, Stranddagar SWE
07/27 - Oslo, Norway Cup NOR
08/01 - Östersund, Storsjöyran SWE
08/02 - Tampere, Kukkaisrock FIN
08/03 - Vantaa, Ankkarock FIN
08/07 - Jyväskylä, Rally-happening FIN
08/08 - Lapua, Välipuistorock FIN
08/09 - Harjavalta FIN
08/10 - Skanderborg Festival DK

Logh's new drummer is Fredrik Normark. The band's statement:

"Someone said he looked like a younger version of Boba Fett of the Hellacopters but we think that's unfair or rather not true at all. You decide for yourselves when we put up a nice picture of him next to the beautiful ones of us."

Caesars Palace/The Caesars have once again revamped their website and added a bunch of new press clippings and a message board.

Madrugada has lined up a number of Norweigan gigs this summer:

06/26 - Ekstremsportveko, Voss
07/10 - Wrighte Gaarden, Langesund
07/12 - SommerMelbu, Melbu
07/17 - Molde Jazzfestival, Molde
08/02 - Slottsfjellfestivalen, Tønsberg
08/06 - Varangerfestivalen, Vadsø
08/07 - Varangerfestivalen, Vadsø
08/08 - Blæst, Trondheim
08/09 - Lost Weekend-Festivalen, Askøy

Backyard Babies have put up a video announcement on their website with some rehearsal footage and plenty of shaky camera work.

Unioncarbideproductions.com has put up the video for "Be Myself Again". (Windows Media)

Sahara Hotnights have their own personal drink recipes published in the new summer issue of Bust Magazine with Cher on the cover.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. Outlandish - Guantanamo
02. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
03. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
04. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
05. C21 - She Cries
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
08. A-Teens - Perfect Match
09. Da Buzz - Alive
10. Superheroes - Someone Else
11. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
12. Darude - Music
13. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
14. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
15. User - Do You
16. Melody Club - Cover Girl
17. Equicez - Live From Pass It
18. Antique - Moro Mou
19. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days
20. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need

Challengers:
01. Killer - Naughty Boy
02. Isolation Years - It´s Golden
03. Timbuktu - The Botten Is Nådd
04. Accu - Surrounding Love
05. Bobby - Losing Control

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Coming soon from Putrid Filth Conspiracy: Dödsdömb LP/CD, Kontrovers "När Spelreglerna Ändras" LP/CD and Embalming Theatre "Sweet chainsaw Melodies" LP. The Birdflesh "Night of the Ultimate Mosh" LP and Straight Edge Kegger "Armed Robbery" EP have been delayed, but they hope to have details on those releases soon.

Johan Bergqvist plans to lay low for most of the summer, but he says he'll be entering the studio around late July/early August to begin work on his debut full length.

Jaga Jazzist has a new website and some updated tourdates:

06/27 - Chech Rep, Prague, Open Air Festival
07/04 - Norway, Horten, Vestfoldfestspillene
07/05 - Norway, Kongsberg, Kongsberg Jazzfestival
07/06 - France, France, Eurokennes
07/08 - Luxemburg, Esch-alzette, Kulturfabrik (Venue show)
07/09 - Switzerland, Montreaux, Montreaux Jazzfestival
07/10 - Germany, Cologne, Stadtgarten
07/11 - Belgium, Dour, Dourfestival
07/12 - Belgium, Brugge, Cactus festival
07/13 - Holland, Haag, North Sea Jazzfestival
08/03 - England, Eastnor, Big Chill festival
08/08 - Norway, Oslo, Øyafestivalen
08/23 - Norway, Trondheim, Samfundet
08/28 - Norway, Bergen, Logen

Check out the flyer for the upcoming Uppsala Hardcore Summer Fest on June 23-24.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
03. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
04. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
05. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
06. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
07. v/a - Fame factory visor
08. Da Buzz - More than alive
09. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
10. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
11. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
12. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
13. Alcazar - Alcazarized
14. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
15. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
16. Moneybrother - Blood panic
17. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
18. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
19. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
20. Per Myrberg - Sommarnatt Per Myrberg sjunger Taube

Göran Persson's response to Timbuktu's song "Ett Brev" has been published online: http://www.ssu.se/index.php4?page=108&ar_id=954
Anyone care to translate?

Per Gessle of Roxette has revealed the dates for his upcoming Swedish solo tour:

07/29 - Halmstad, Brottet
07/30 - Helsingborg, Sofiero Slott
08/01 - Skövde, Boulognersskogen
08/02 - Finspång, Rockslottet
08/03 - Varberg, Fästningsrundan
08/05 - Malmö, Mölleplatsen
08/06 - Göteborg, Trädgårdsföreningen
08/08 - Kalmar, Kalmarsundsparken
08/09 - Jönköping, Rådhusparken
08/10 - Karlskrona, Sparregården
08/12 - Stockholm, Sjöhistoriska Museet
08/14 - Sundsvall, Park Arena
08/15 - Leksand, Sammilsdal
08/16 - Karlstad, Mariebergsskogen
08/17 - Eskilstuna, Sundbyholm Slott

I glanced at a couple items about this yesterday, but was unable to adequately translate it myself. Seems that Illvastar, the ex-bassist for Norweigan black metallers Svartahrid decapitated a dead body and brought the head to a party. As to be expected, accusations of rampant drug-use and Satanism are being thrown around and there have been three suspects brought in on the case. Remember dudes, disembodied heads kill the party vibe and don't help you score with chicks. Read more:
http://www.nettavisen.no/servlets/page?section=1706&item=273076
http://www.nettavisen.no/servlets/page?section=1706&item=272923

Via pHinnWeb comes this link for a free download of Finnish electronic artist Outer Space Alliance's "Two-Wheeler" EP.

A number of artists appearing at Finland's Koneisto Festival are also doing related shows elsewhere around Europe:

06/27 - Club Prive, Tallinn, Estonia w/Pierre Ravan, Erkko, Dave Storm
07/03 - Cargo, London, UK w/Imatran Voima, Accu, Nuspirit Helsinki DJs, Nick Luscombe

And seeing how it is now Juhannus/Midsummer, here's the video for "Midsummer Night" from Jimi Tenor: QT high / QT low / Real

Added a new mp3 today from Last Days of April. Their latest album "Ascend to the Stars" just came out over here in the US and the track "Playerin" is easily my favorite from that release. In fact, it was my favorite summer single last year. Y'know those songs you sometimes hear on the radio around this time of year that seem to embody the essence of summertime? That song fits the bill perfectly. And as for this year, my pick (so far) would probably have to be "Reconsider Me" from Moneybrother. I figure y'all were just dying to know.

Otherwise, there's probably not going to be much news today as everyone is at Hultsfred fest it seems. Wish I was. Check out the Dagensskiva special on the event. Oh, and check out www.hultsfred.tv for more, too.

This week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Outlandish - Guantanamo
03. A-Teens - Perfect Match
04. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
05. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
08. C21 - She Cries
09. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
10. Da Buzz - Alive
11. Equicez - Live From Pass It
12. HIM - Funeral of hearts
13. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
14. Antique - Moro Mou
15. Melody Club - Cover Girl
16. Darude - Music
17. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
18. Jon - This Side Up
19. Dallas Superstars - Fast Driving
20. The Klerks - Shame

Challengers:
01. Paula Lobos - Fuss & Fight
02. User - Do You
03. Ingrid Marguerite - Everything I Need
04. Bad Cash Quartet - Dirty Days
05. Superheroes - Someone Else

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Download the free, electronic Diskodiktator single for the track "Just Say 'No' to Democrazy!". A video for the song, his first one ever, is in the making. The full-length album "The World According To..." isn't out quite yet, but is already available for preorder.

Voidfaith Netzine has posted an interview with my pals KVLR. (in Swedish)

The Alpine, Moi Caprice, Baal, and Figurines are a couple of the bands confirmed for the Sydslesvig-Rocks in Schleswig, Germany on August 23.

Here's the full schedule for this weekend's Norweigan Wood Festival.

Norweigan jazz vocalist Silje Nergaard has been nominated for the Edison Jazz Award, which will be presented at the upcoming North Sea Jazz Festival on July 11-13. Other nominees for the award include Cassandra Wilson, Diana Krall and Jimmy Scott. More info here: http://www.edisonaward.nl/Jazz/

And speaking of Norweigan jazz, acclaimed saxophonist Jan Garbarek will be on the BBC's Radio 3 Jazz on 3 radio show tomorrow at 11:30pm local time.

Since they didn't manage to send it to me yesterday as planned (ahem.), here's the rest of the playlist from the Galaxy Gramophone DJ night:

They also pass along word that they are encouraging more people to send them music to play, along with t-shirts to wear while spinning and whatever. Um, so like, send your goods to me and I'll make sure they get them, right? But seriously - if you're interested in sending stuff just drop me a line and I'll put you in touch.

Lambgoat.com reports that The Great Deceiver (Tomas from At the Gates/Skitsystem + members of Diabolique) will be touring Europe in October/November along with Swedish metal-wannabees Darkest Hour.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Tomas Ledin - I sommarnattens ljus
03. Pugh Rogefeldt - Pughs bästa
04. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
05. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
06. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
07. Da Buzz - More than alive
08. Alcazar - Alcazarized
09. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
10. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
11. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
12. Moneybrother - Blood panic
13. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
14. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
15. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
16. v/a - Fame factory visor
17. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
18. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
19. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
20. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5

Entombed has been forced to cancel their appearance at the BW&BK 6-Pack Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio on June 13-14 after drummer Peter Stjärnvind's wife was hospitalized. The cause of her ailments are still undiagnosed and of course Peter wishes to remain with her at this time. Guitarist Alex Hellid commented, "Peter is really upset by this. He doesn't want to be the cause of us not playing. We all know how important this show is/was. We are really sorry, for the fans and for ourselves, because we really wanted to play." Alex and frontman L.G. Petrov still plan to be in attendance at the fest to sign autographs and meet with fans. Other bands still scheduled to play include Evergrey, Trouble and Candlemass.

Nightwish has added a second date to their short US/N. American itinerary. After playing the ProgPower Festival in Atlanta on September 5 and at The Medley in Montreal, Canada on September 6, the band will play L'Amour in Brooklyn, NY on the 7th.

Sondre Lerche has posted a bunch of photos along with a new entry in his tour diary from his current jaunt together with Ed Hartcourt.

The Confusions' updated tour schedule:

07/01 - TBA, London
07/02 - Underworld, London w/Non Of The Above, Girlinky & Lux
07/05 - Gatufesten, Sundsvall
07/17-19 - Trästocksfestivalen, Skellefteå

Puffball, Sahara Hotnights, and Division of Laura Lee are among the bands now confirmed for the Kerrang! 'Snickers Game On' festival at the Millenium Dome in London on June 21-22. More info: www.snickersgameon.co.uk

Logh reports that are taking a bit of a break this summer as they've just finished a large batch of touring. "[We] are tired and need some rest, since it has been kind of a hectic year," they say, but they will still be doing a couple festival gigs in the near future. Check their page for the latest. For the fall, they've already got a Scandinavian tour lined up in September and a European jaunt tentative for October/November. And that's not even the last of it - they also have the vinyl release of "The Raging Sun" set for September along with two new 7" releases set to drop before the end of the year. That doesn't sound like taking it easy to me!

Via the Cardigans Country site, comes this link for a stream of yesterday's Pinkpop performance. They've also got a couple new articles posted online over there, so check 'em out if you're curious.

Delusions of Adequacy lauds The Virtues in their review of the album "Ruminate".

Melody Club, Kashmir, Ralph Meyers and the Jack Herren band, Cato Salsa Experience, Gluecifer, Delaware, and The Jessica Fletchers are just a few of the bands that have been confirmed for Norway's Working Class Music Festival in Drammen on June 6-7. Go here for the full scoop.

Norweigan pop-singer Lene Marlin's forthcoming album has been delayed indefinitely due to an ongoing contractual dispute with her manager. Read more. The new record was produced by Glen Ballard (Alanis Morisette) and is the follow-up to 1999's hugely successful "Playing My Game".

Pitchforkmedia.com review the new album from Swedish experimental artists Tape.

Nicolai Dunger will play at Torgrocken in Sundsvall, Sweden on July 17.

Aftonbladet reports that Kent will be heading over to Japan from October 8-19.

The rumors have been flying for a long time (I first saw word last October), but we can now finally confirm that The (International) Noise Conspiracy is indeed working with producer extraordinaire Rick Rubin on their next album. "We are writing songs, then it will be intriguing to see what [he] can do with them," says vocalist Dennis Lyxzen. They'll be heading to LA in August to work on it.

Ex-Aqua singer Lene Nystrøm will be releasing her first solo single "It's Your Duty" in September, with the full-length album "Surprise" to follow in September or October.

Last Days of April's most recent album "Ascend to the Stars" just got a US release on Crank! Records this week and they've put up quite a few samples from the album on this page. Also, in cooperation with Now On Tour, they have an online contest where you can win a copy of said album along with a poster.

In case you didn't know, Entombed's new album "Inferno" has been delayed for August 4. It seems the reason behind the change is that their label Music for Nations's parent company Zomba was bought out by BMG and they had to shift the entire release schedule. Anyhow, they still have a couple gigs this summer and plan to start touring for the record around the same time it gets released. They'll also be filming a video for the track "Retaliation" later this week.

Opeth reports that their upcoming co-headlining tour with Porcupine Tree will feature their more mellow material, as they are supporting the new, mostly-acoustic "Damnation" album. They say they may even bust out the old song "To Bid You Farewell" from "Morningrise" among other ballad-esque tracks. In other touring news, they say they are working on a Scandinavian tour for October and November. Details when I get 'em.

The Ark will be playing Germany next week and their show on June 7 will be webcasted by Rockpalast. You can also participate in a live chat with the band on the same date from right here.

Musicbrigade and Startracks have put up a couple videos for public viewing:

Buck - Dead Time Race
Revolvo - Moscow Mule

JR Ewing has announced they will supporting Mars Volta for two UK gigs:

07/08 - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
07/09 - Electric Ballroom, London

Some of the new acts confirmed for the upcoming Accelerator The Big One shows: Christian Kjellvander & Lazy Grace Frontier (Malmö), Franke (Gbg), Mattias Hellberg (Gbg), The Radio Dept. (Sthlm), and Komeda (Sthlm).

MTVE.com has put up a bunch of new streaming video channels, including one for Northern Europe.

Also from MTVE.com, here's this week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:

01. The Rasmus - In The Shadows
02. Turbonegro - Fuck The World
03. Outlandish - Guantanamo
04. A-Teens - Perfect Match
05. C21 - She Cries
06. Kashmir - Rocket Brothers
07. HIM - Funeral of hearts
08. The Cardigans - You´re The Storm
09. Her Majesty - F.U.N.E.R.A.L
10. The Sounds - Rock n´ Roll
11. Dallas Superstars - Fast Driving
12. Darude - Music
13. Equicez - Live From Pass It
14. Melody Club - Cover Girl
15. Jennifer Brown - Weak
16. Mando Diao - Sheepdog
17. Antique - Moro Mou
18. Jon - This Side Up
19. Kwan - Shine
20. Paragon - Försök Förstå

Challengers:
01. The Klerks - Shame
02. Da Buzz - Alive
03. The Narcissists - Fanatik R.I.P
04. De Stijl - Date Times
05. Grand Tone Music - Become Whatever

Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.

Here's the top 20 Swedish albums of the week, as reported by Aftonbladet:

01. Carola - Guld platina & passion - det bästa
02. Da Buzz - More than alive
03. Robert Wells - Rhapsody in rock the complete collection
04. The Cardigans - Long gone before daylight
05. Tommy Körberg - Gränslös - det bästa med
06. Alcazar - Alcazarized
07. Style, Sandelin & Ekman, Freestyle - Samlade hits
08. Her Majesty - Happiness
09. Moneybrother - Blood panic
10. v/a - Fame Factory volym 5
11. Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt - Den andra skivan
12. Timbuktu - The botten is nådd!
13. Fame - Give me your love
14. Kent - Vapen & ammunition
15. Lisa Nilsson - Samlade sånger 1992-2003
16. Lars Winnerbäck och Hovet - Söndermarken
17. Eddie Meduza - Live(s)!
18. Martin Nilsson - En del av mig
19. Cornelis Vreeswijk - Cornelis Vreeswijks bästa
20. Jill Johnson - Discography

DigitalMetal.com interviews Burst, who they call "one of the best new bands of 2004." As mentioned here recently, Burst features bassist Jesper Liveröd who just quit Nasum to focus more time on this band. Their second forthcoming album "Prey On Life" apparently was recently picked up by Relapse Records in the US and comes out sometime this fall.

Check out some sample mp3s and video from Bobby's new album "Romantic & Bleeding", out now on Imperial Recordings.

Drummer Henry Ranta has left Soilwork in order to dedicate more time to his personal life. The band's statement:

"After playing in Soilwork for five years, our dear friend and drummer Henry Ranta has decided that he can no longer continue to play in Soilwork. There are no hard feelings between Henry and us in any way, and we will still remain amazing friends, he will always be a true Soilworker. We wish him all the best of luck with his decision and we're sure we'll cross paths again in the future!"

And Henry's own personal statement:

"I guess this is supposed to be a statement of why and when I decided to leave Soilwork, but since this is a well thought out decision (not an easy one though) I will try and keep away from the sentimental 'bullshit' and just focus on the hard facts. Combining my daytime job, rehearsing, recording and touring with Soilwork has basically worn me out. This didn't really make a difference the first couple of years in Soilwork, but as time went on I started digging a black hole for myself. For the past two years I haven't really found any joy playing, and with all the tours coming up this year I felt that it was time for me to leave. Playing in Soilwork has been my life 24/7 for five years now, and at one point last year, I started to open my eyes to a lot of things that has been neglecting, just because I had been to concentrated on one thing only. Basically I'm gonna start investing more time in things that are making me happy right now. I'll take a peek at the other side, and I'm pretty sure that I'll enjoy what I'll find. But you're not gonna get rid of me yet though. It's not like I'm gonna stop playing drums. You will still hear me fucking shit up in The Defaced [his other band w/Darkane guitarist Klas Idebergand] other projects. A really big thanks to all Soilwork fans for amazing support throughout years — Love ya all! Finally I would like to say a big fucking 'hell yeah' to the band for five beautiful years of insanity."

Force of Evil has posted a couple new mp3s online: "Hell on Earth" / "Eye of the Storm". The band features in its ranks ex- and current Mercyful Fate members Michael Denner, Hank Shermann (both on guitar), Bjarne Holm (drums), Hal Patino from King Diamond's band (bass), and Martin Steene from Ironfire (vocals). Their as-yet untitled album is due out later this month on an unspecified label and they promise it will be "loaded with evil-riffing and lots of guitar solos." Dude.

Here's Christian Kjellvander's latest updated tour schedule:

06/05 - Eskilstuna, Strömsholmen
06/14 - Hultsfred, Hultsfredsfestival
06/26-29 - Roskilde (Denmark), Roskildefestival
07/01 - Malmö, Accelerator The Big One
07/19 - Skellefteå, Trästock
07/26 - Ängelholm, Tullakrok (solo)
07/30 - Strömstad, The Cod
08/07 - Emmaboda, Emmaboda-festival
08/09 - Göteborg, Göteborgskalaset

Askil Holm has enlisted Daniel Hovik as a new member for his backing band on keyboards. Daniel used to play with Askil in the band Attack and also currently plays with Hugo, who will be playing at the upcoming Kristiansand show too. The rest of the band's dates going into fall:

06/05 - Tønsberg, Event
06/07 - Isle of Jøa, Faksdal Pub
06/13 - Rockstock, Rakkestad
06/28 - "Agent Cody Banks" Premiere, Fredrikstad
06/30 - Kristiansand, Quart - Kick Off, Markens
07/10 - Høylandet, Høylandet Revyfestival
07/12 - Stavern Festivalen
07/19 - Tjøme, Gamle Ormelet (unplugged)
07/26 - Etne, Fugl Fønix
08/07 - SU Leir, Tvedestrand
08/08 - Steinkjer Martnan, Torget
08/15 - Namsos Martnan, Festplassen
08/27 - Steinkjer, Studenten
09/04 - Bergen, Kvarteret
09/12 - Stjørdal, Hell Bluesfestival
09/19 - Verdal, Catz