Word on the street is that you Europeans dig ICQ over AIM and the like, so I went and got myself a number. It's over on the contact page. Go ahead and bother me at work, why doncha?

"I poured water over the microphone because I wanted to die. I didn't think, I just wanted to do something "on life and death"......"

Håkan Hellström tries to kill himself? Apparently so according to this article (in Swedish). Thanks to Zander for the scoop.

Looks like The Sounds are gonna get their chance to make it in America. James Iha (ex-Smashing Pumpkins) will be releasing their album on his label Scratchie Records in association with New Line. They'll also be making an appearance at the legendary Austin, TX South by Southwest Festival. Next big thing? My money's still on Caesars Palace aka The Caesars, but we'll see. The Sounds may be a bit easier on the eyes, though.

Speaking of South by Southwest, here's some of the other Scandinavian acts already confirmed: Bergman Rock aka Bob Hund, Madrugada, Children of Bodom, Meanwhile, The Teenage Idols, Sondre Lerche, RinneRadio, Pineforest Crunch and The Venue. For the full list, go here. It's already shaping up to be a bad-ass lineup, so make your travel plans now if you can.

Turbonegro are getting two of their old albums reissued with new bonus features. The album "Apocalypse Dudes" will have three added video tracks including "Get It On" and "Are You Ready For Some Darkness" plus a live version of "Age Of Pamparius". As for "Ass Cobra", that CD will now have the video for Denim Demon" on it. Look for 'em both on Epitaph Records in the US or Burning Heart in Europe. The band is also still hard at work on their comeback album now that they're reunited. Bassist Happy Tom promises it will be "most destructive party record you've ever heard!"

Millencolin and The Peepshows are gonna be doing a Scandinavian tour in 2003. Here's the dates:

March 13 Stockholm, Arenan
March 14 Skelefteå, Folkparken
March 21 Göteborg, Kåren
March 22 Lund, Mejeriet
March 23 Oslo, Rockefeller

The winners of the P5 Stockholm Badge awards have been announced. They include Kent for best band and best song ("Dom Andra"), Thåström for best male artist, Paola for best female artist, and The Giri Sound for best demo.

Listen to a recording of the Bad Taste Records fest online! Check out performances from the following acts: (requires Quicktime)

DankoJones
Langhorns
Last Days Of April
Logh

Misconduct will touring Europe with 25 Ta Life next June and July. Look here for dates as they are confirmed.

Remember when I said that the video for "Sister Surround" from The Soundtrack of Our Lives was being added to the MTV 120 Minutes playlist? Well, it hasn't happened quite yet, but the video does premiere on there this coming Sunday the 22nd. In the meantime, preview the video here: Real / Windows

Whaddya know? Found time to update today anyway. Fixed some bad links, too. People should tell me about these things.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy have cancelled their upcoming UK tour with Danko Jones and Caesars Palace citing a back injury suffered by lead singer Dennis Lyxzen. The statement from the band:

Unfortunately The (International) Noise Conspiracy have been forced to cancel their upcoming UK tour due to serious back problems for the singer Dennis Lyxzén.

The problems arose during last weekend, but didn´t seem very serious in the beginning. However, as it only got worse and to a point where Dennis had problems walking he went to a doctor yesterday morning who said that there´s no way he can perform on stage for at least the next two weeks.

Dennis has a serious muscle inflammation, and will be having tests done later this week.

The band wants to apologise to everyone involved in this tour and to their fans, but hopes for everyone´s understanding of the situation.

As it is unclear if and when the dates will be re-scheduled, check back for further information or tickets can be refunded at point of purchase

Of course, that's all fine and dandy, but the skeptic in me sees more trouble a-brewing on the horizon. Thing is, the rumor mill has been going on about possible complications in the long term relationship between Dennis and keyboardist Sara. Is the "back injury" simply a red herring? Is this really just the beginning of the end? Time will tell I suppose, but I don't think the future's all that bright.

Kent and ZTV seem to be having a little bit of a public feud. What gives?

Sweden student radio top 20:

Leaving the chart:
(14) The Klerks "She She She"
(15) Noir Désir "Le Vent Nous Portera"
(16) Swizz Beats "Bigger Business"
(17) Spotrunnaz ft. Timbuktu "Mr Mista"
(18) The Venue "What's In His Head?"
(19) The Streets "Don't Mug Yourself"

The latest issue of Denim Zine will be out November 29. It includes interviews with bands such as Hanoi Rocks, Backyard Babies, The Maggots, 69 Hard and more. Instructions on how to get yourself a copy are on their site.

Entombed got themselves into a bit of a pickle with a Finnish promoter and had to cancel their Rock at Sea show. Read all about it. In other Entombed news, the band has entered the studio yet again and you read their daily reports right here. 3 days in, there's not too much of substance to report, but things do seem to be going quite well.

I didn't see it myself, but apparently TSOOL did a great job playing on Conan the other night. Keyboardist Martin was flown in special for the event, as he was being filled in for by Olle of the Whyte Seeds during the just-ended US tour. Martin opted out so he could spend time with his new baby and family, but he should be back around with the band next time. Anyway, the song they played was "Sister Surround" and I'll try and find a video of it if I can.

Backyard Babies frontman/guitarist Dregen is recovering nicely from his mugging injuries and the band has resumed rehearsals and preparing demos for their upcoming album. In other news, the band has also made their first foray into the world of sports by becoming an official endorser of their local hockey team, Njckey Club. The endorsement consists of the BB skull logo being stenciled onto one of the face-off circles.

Remember to watch Conan O'Brien on November 26 to see The Soundtrack of Our Lives perform.

Sweden student radio top 20:

Leaving the chart:
(10) The Crash "New York"
(11) Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Machine"
(13) Peter Bjorn And John "I Don't Know What I Want Us To Do"
(17) The Distillers "City of Angels"
(18) Marit Bergman "This Is the Year"
(20) Adam Green "Dance With Me"

The Knife (ex-Honey is Cool) has got a new record coming out. The first single and video "Heartbeats" will drop January 7 with the album "Deep Cuts" following on January 27.

After a rare concert appearance on Halloween, Notre Dame frontman Snowy Shaw went straight back to Fredman Studio in Sweden to record the next album from Dream Evil. The planned title is "Evilizer" and Snowy contributed four tunes. Work Notre Dame's next album will continue soon.

Watch the video for "The Band" from Mando Diao:

Real: High / Low   Windows: High / Low

Listen to Peter, Bjorn and John play live on P3 here and here. For those that don't know, the members of PBJ have connections to artists such as Caesars Palace, TSOOL, The Plan, Marit Bergman, and Nicolai Dunger among others.