Swedish indie act Speedmarket Avenue has signed with Spanish label Elefant Records. Expect a new album in the spring.

Norwegian pop artist Bertine Zetlitz will release a new best-of collection on December 3. Otherwise, listen to the brand new track "Ashamed" at myspace: https://www.myspace.com/bertineofficial

"Saturn reality" is the name of a new film documentary on the band Circle, set to debut at the Avanto Festival on November 16. Read more: https://www.circlefinland.com/

Audrey will be begin recording their next album at Mission Hall in Skåne, Sweden on December 27. Mathias Oldén (Logh) will produce/engineer.

Finnish singer/songwriter Astrid Swan has signed a new deal with Johanna Kustannus, who will be releasing her new record "Spartan picnic" in Finland this coming February.

22-Pistepirkko say that their new album "Well you know" will be out in February with the first single out in late November/early December on both CD and 7" vinyl.

MIC Norway on Ballade's picks for the 20 best Norwegian jazz albums of all-time (thus far): https://www.mic.no/mic.nsf/doc/art2007110513230353999542

Swedish punks Förmögenhet (ex-Hanna Hirsch) haven't been around very long - they have a 7" and have performed live once, but they're already working on compiling a tribute album. Not everyone is 100% confirmed yet, but names so far include Suis La Lune, Viktor Sjöberg and Monorail. More details when I get 'em, otherwise expect a springtime release.

Swedish rockerts Diamond Dogs are working on a 6-track Sam Cooke tribute entitled "Cookin'" to be released via Jerkin Crocus. Guests said to appear on said record include Spike from the Quireboys, Nicke Andersson (Hellacopters, Death Breath), Danny Bowes (Thunder), Papa D and Louise Hoffsten. In related news, look for a new solo album from DD frontman Sulo to be released in the near future via Smilodon.

The Determined Dilettante on classic Swedish jazz artist Jan Johansson and the album "Jazz på Svenska": https://determineddilettante.blogspot.com/2007/10/fall-has-arrived.html
If you haven't heard this yet, you are definitely missing out. Also posted over there, a bit on Britney Spear's latest album "Blackout" which boasts an impessive roster of Swedish production credits. From the few tracks I've heard so far and considering the vocal (over-)production, I'd agree that it's barely even a Britney album at all. For better too, I'd say.

Face Down has parted ways with guitarist Jocke Carlsson. Read more: https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=83938

German label Power it Up will be rereleasing Regurgitate's 1994 album "Effortless regurgitation of bright red blood" plus the "Concrete human torture" demo on double-vinyl with the 4th side being etched with their logo. The first 500 copies will also come with a bonus 7" featuring five previous unreleased tracks recorded during 2006. Expect a late March release and act fast if you want color vinyl because quanitities will be limited.

Opeth has started work on their next album, tentatively due out next spring.

Finnish indiepop act Captain Cougar will release their new album "Chapters" on December 5 via Pinetree Records. Listen to the first single "Nature" at myspace: https://www.myspace.com/captaincougar

Pitchfork talks to Peter Bjorn and John frontman Peter Morén about his forthcoming solo record: https://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/46785-pbjs-peter-moren-reveals-more-solo-album-details