The American Grammy nominees have been announced and the only Scandinavian non-classical names I see are Röyksopp and Trentemøller, both of whom get nods in the "Best Remix" category (#93): mmy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx" target="_blank">https://www.grammy.com/grammy_awards/52nd_show/list.aspx
Uh, why didn't anyone tell me that Plain Fade wrote a symphony? See here: m/watch?v=_bZwhOLA77m" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bZwhOLA77m
Bill Zebub of the famed metal zine "Grimoire of Exalted Deeds" has put together a documentary on the genre of Pagan metal, which of course is well-represented by many Scandinavian acts. Watch a trailer here: m/watch?v=VT1mIGJ0b10" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT1mIGJ0b10
Bands featured include Korpiklaani, Finntroll, Ensiferum, Turisas, Tyr among others and the official release date is December 8.
There's now a video for the new Aqua Christmas single "Spin me a Christmas": m/watch?v=6hov-m7LK6Q" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hov-m7LK6Q
The upcoming Haust/Next Life split 12", the latter's first recordings with a live drummer I believe, has been finished and sent for pressing and will be out on early next year.
Shining are streaming a new track at myspace off their forthcoming record "Blackjazz": myspace.com/shiningofficial" target="_blank">https://www.myspace.com/shiningofficial
miss Li's "Bourgeois Shangri-La", the song you hear on those new iPod ads including the one at Pitchfork, will be officially released as a single on December 15 via . Also coming out that same day will be the singles "Voodoo doll" from Val and the Bitches and "Trip to Luleå" by NEI.
The new Rigas album "Let's get gone" is now finished and confirmed for an early march release via . Said album was written and produced by Rigas in conjunction with his friend, labelmate and frequent stage companion Pelle Lindroth (Parken, The Chrysler) and will also feature guest appearances from the likes of Anna maria Espinosa, Jenny Wilson and more. Expect the first single in mid-January.
Susanne Sundfør's new project The Brothel (m/?n=32450">see here) will release their self-titled debut on march 15 with the title track single preceding it on Feburary 1.
will be out a split 12" featuring Uncurbed and Warvictims. Eight tracks each, expect a January/February release.
The new Upland album "monochrome adventures" is finally out and to celebrate, he's created a 20-minute mix of old tracks for free download: mp3s/upland_monochrome_mix.mp3" target="_blank">https://upland.no/mp3s/upland_monochrome_mix.mp3
Deranged Records is putting out the debut 7" from Umeå-based hardcore act U.X. Vileheads (ex-DS-13, Vicious, Regulations, etc.) and has it available for preorder: m/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=373" target="_blank">https://www.derangedrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=373
Popmatters reviews Rune Grammofon act Fire! and their album "You liked me five minutes ago": matters.com/pm/review/116610-fire-you-liked-me-five-minutes-ago/" target="_blank">https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/116610-fire-you-liked-me-five-minutes-ago/
I had no doubts that AC4's self-titled debut would be decent even if some of David and Dennis' post-Refused/Final Exit meanderings have been sub-standard because I know their hearts are in the right place and they really do truly believe in what they're doing their place in the hardcore/punk/DIY world. And of course, there's no faulting the cred of their bandmates from The Vectors. my only point of contention: Dennis' vocals. His affected screech is pretty tiresome with The (International) Noise Conspiracy (not that Ian Svenonius did much better with Nation of Ullysses or The make-Up, but I digress), but to hear him raging in full-on hardcore mode... I am satisfied. Still prefer David on the mic, but whatever, give me anti-cop anthem with a catchy chorus and I'm happy. Give me a few more (see also "Fuck the pigs", "Coptown") and what can I say? I love it.
AC4 - Pigs lose