Bendik release new Stille EP
There's a new EP out from Trondheim-based artist Bendik on the label: http://www.riotfactory.no/rfac20.php
Highly recommended for fans of dreamy pop -- the samples they have posted on the site are all fantastic.
Country: Norway
Ihab - Æ må fær
Via Musik fra Norge comes a heads-up that up-and-coming Bodø-based indie act Ihab are streaming a new track at Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/beyond-records/ihab-ae-m-faer-1
Look for the band's new EP "Marionettedukke" to be released digitally on May 20 via with a physical version to follow on June 4. As Musik fra Norge says, definitely recommended for fans of Kråkesølv.
The Slayer Mag Diaries is ready
"Metalion - The Slayer Mag Diaries", the upcoming anthology and memoir from Norway's premiere underground metal zine, is fresh off the presses and ready for ordering via : http://www.metalionbook.com/
Obviously an essential buy for all true metal fans as it covers pretty much every crucial artist, from the 80s through today. And be sure to check those pics to see the full-on heft that thing is packing. Also, since it somehow worked for me with BP's last book, I have to say that I would absolutely love a review copy as it would fit perfectly on my bookshelf next to every other BP publication that I've bought, from the excellent "Touch & Go" anthology through "Only Death is Real" and "Hellbent for Cooking".
Enslaved joins the Scion-funded underground
Toyota subsidiary Scion is extending its reach into Norway by funding a new EP from Enslaved which they will be offering up for free download, presumably in exchange for an email or some other marketing junk. Read more here and hear a sample track: http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/enslaved-sleeping-gods-mp3-premiere
Susanne Sundfør - Live at the office (video)
Well worth top-posting again because it is absolutely superb. If you haven't watched this solo set of Susanne Sundfør performing mostly new tunes for a crowd of office drones, you are seriously missing out. Direct link: http://vimeo.com/22994889
99 Minutes #12: Jazz festival edition
The new episode of Listen to Norway's podcast series "99 minutes" is now up and it's a special feature on Norwegian jazz featuring an exclusive interview with saxophonist Håkon Kornstad who also premieres two brand new tracks from his next album: http://www.listento.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2011051008575734734721
PopMatters reviews Stian Westerhus
PopMatters reviews the album "Pitch black star spangled" from Norwegian avant/experimental guitarist Stian Westerhus: http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/140835-stian-westerhus-pitch-black-star-spangled/
Lindstrøm, My bubba & Mi to Culture Collide
Lindstrøm and My bubba & Mi (who?) are the first Scandinavian acts confirmed for the 2011 edition of Filter Magazine's Culture Collide fest happening in LA this October: http://culturecollide.com/
Susanne Sundfør - Moon river
Susanne Sundfør sings the ol' warhorse "Moon river". Hmmmkay.
Honningbarna - Klart blikk (video)
Honningbarna's new video for "Klart blikk", made by 4th graders as part of an animation work shop at the Kristiansand International Children's Film Festival. What's not to like?
New Fire! album in late May
Coming out May 20 via will be the new Fire! album "Unreleased?" featuring Jim O'Rourke: http://www.runegrammofon.com/artists/fire_/rcd-2111-fire-with-jim-o-rourke-unreleased/
Ane Brun confirms new single
The new Ane Brun single "Do you remember" has been confirmed for release on May 17 and you can check out a short preview clip at her website: http://anebrun.com/
Hexvessel
Dawnbearer
Svart Records
It's quite an enigmatic release, this debut from Finland's Hexvessel. It's enigmatic in that it's profoundly strange; in some places it's like the alternate soundtrack to "The Wicker Man", exuding an off-kilter folk presence that is somewhat unnerving, while in other places it's simply beautiful, as if this is the music of the fairies. Of course, given the name of both band and album, together with the ritualistic cover art and black metal-type song titles, it comes as quite a surprise that's there's no metal here whatsoever. Instead, "Dawnbearer" is just under an hour of psychedelic folk music that conjures up visions of lace-clad maidens dancing around a hayfield on a late summer's eve. That might sound a bit strange, but give this a spin and you'll know exactly what I mean. If occult '70s folk is your thing then this will quite possibly be your release of the decade.
- John Norby
Fenriz' Band of the Week: Execration
Fenriz' new band of the week is Execration from Norway: http://www.myspace.com/officialdarkthrone/blog/542840550
Playground talks WiMP
sits down for a chat with Fredrik Zmuda, CEO of Norway-based streaming music service WiMP, a competitor of Spotify: http://blogs.playgroundmusic.com/intlpub/music-business-interviews-wimp