Country: Sweden

Martyrdöd - Köttberg

New music from Swedish crusties Martyrdöd at Pitchfork? Sure, why not: http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/13519-kottberg/
Look for the band's new album "Paranoia" to be released on May 22 via .

Frida Selander - Mountains define you

A new 2-track single from Umeå's Frida Selander.

iamamiwhoami - Idle talk (video)

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's a new enigmatic video from iamamiwhoami: http://youtu.be/_2KxlzQMTpU

Caviare Days - You'll qualify (video)

Caviare Days' latest video "You'll qualify", now on Vimeo.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! - Crow hill (video)

Check out the video for the brand new It's a Bird! It's a Plane! single "Crow hill": http://www.muzu.tv/gaffatv/its-a-birdi-its-a-planei-crow-hill-music-video/1364278/

MP3: The Fine Arts Showcase - You knew I was trouble from the start

Happy birthday Gustaf Kjellvander; I'm still having a hard time listening to your records again, but it's only because you were so honest and real that I can't help but be deeply affected every time I hear your voice. You are dearly missed!

The Fine Arts Showcase - You knew I was trouble from the start

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

Üni Foreman - Cooper (video)

The new Üni Foreman video, now at YouTube.

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.

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