The Cardigans' forthcoming best-of collection is now confirmed for release on January 30 in Europe, January 28 in the UK. It will be available both as a single disc version and as a 2CD with extra rare tracks and b-sides. Both collections will include extensive liner notes from the band with background info on each and every track.

Säkert!'s next single will be "Det kommer bara leda till nåt ont", a duet featuring Markus Krunegård of Laakso. Look for a video soon.

Swedish shoegazers LKWRM report that they have recorded a cover of "Throwing back the apple" by the Pale Saints for inclusion on the 3rd volume of Club AC30's "Never lose that feeling" compilation series. In other news, the band insists that their long-awaited mini-album will be released this spring.

Dark Essence will be releasing a new live 7" from Taake early next year entitled "Svartekunst". Four tracks, including a cover of "Over fjell og gjennom torner" by Darkthrone.

Finnish doom act Paganus has confirmed that their new self-titled album will be released on January 12. 4 tracks in 50 minutes, so you know it's the real deal. Hear samples: https://www.myspace.com/paganusdoom

NRK on Vamp's new vocalist Paul Hansen: https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/rogaland/1.4231197 (in Norwegian)

Swedish electronic/experimental duo Fontän will release the new EP "Winterhwila" on Information (Studio) in early 2008. Their previous record "Aktionskammarn" was superb, so I'm definitely looking forward to hearing something new.

Viktor Sjöberg on the new album from the V. Sjöberg New Jazz Ensemble: https://elefanten.blogspot.com/2007/12/on-upcoming-v-sjberg-new-jazz-ensemble.html
No official release date yet but, as he says, the discs are currently being manufactured so I'd expect an early 2008 release. I've been fortunate enough to hear some excellent live recordings, so I expect great things. All of the people involved in this project are fantastic musicians.

Despite the tragic death of guitarist Robert Burås earlier this year, Madrugada is continuing on and will be releasing the new single "Look away Lucifer" on December 10. Look for a new self-titled album in 2008 as well.

Long-running Swedish crust act Skitsystem is breaking up. They might do one last performance, but otherwise their recent appearance at Truckstop Alaska in Göteborg on November 27 with Warcollapse will be their final show.

I'm not one for Christmas cheer, but I do like seeing Attila from Mayhem in a Santa suit: https://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1139&Itemid=28

Norwegian act Animal Alpha has confirmed that their new album "You pay for the whole seat but you'll only need the edge" will be released on January 28. Said album was recorded live at Propeller Studio in Oslo with producer Mike Hartung (JR Ewing, Skambankt, Marit Larsen, etc.).

MIC Norway reports that legendary Norwegian act Motorpsycho has permanently enlisted Kenneth Kapstad (Monolithic, Dadafon) as their new drummer: https://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007120514080081082627
A new album is already recorded and due out for release in the spring.

Skatterbrain's favorite albums of the year includes quite a few Scandinavian titles such as The Honeydrips, Cats On Fire, Celestial and Club 8: https://skatterbrain.org/2007/12/skatterbrains-top-15-of-2007-woo-hey.html

The Open Up and Bleeds have recruited Makkan Johansson (Medecine Show) on guitar and Mattias Värmby (Royal Cream) on drums to round out their live lineup. No word yet on any new permanent members, but at least this means they will be able to gig again.