I don't feel like copying and pasting the whole thing, so go here for details on the forthcoming "Love Metal Archives Vol. 1" DVD collection from Finnish goth-rockers HIM: https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34627

Also from Blabbermouth comes a translation of an interview with Gorgoroth guitarist Infernus from MetalHeart.se regarding Gaahl's prison sentence, the infamous Polish concert, his solo project Orcustus and more: https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34618

New mp3 today from Strip Music, the synthpop group that rose from the ashes of Yyvonne. As Nick already stated in his review, the sound is melancholic, yet epic and uplifting- a description I agree with 100%. Unlike many other bands of their ilk (The Killers, The Bravery, etc.), Strip Music never comes off sounding too self-conscious or like they're trying too hard. It doesn't hurt they have a healthy appreciation of Einstürzende Neubauten either (they have a song entitled "Halber Mensch" fer crissakes, ring any bells?). Just like countrymates Silverbullit, they use the sounds that most people associate with the 80s, but you'd be hard-pressed to call the end result "retro". The song I've posted today is one of the record's mellower tunes. I love that the drummer doesn't play anything more than a steady kick thoughout the entire song. And check out those synths - they're so warm and fuzzy they envelope your brain like blanket. Fans of M83 take note and be sure to stick it out for the full outro.

You'd think that over here in the God-fearing USofA we'd be getting extra days off for Easter, but sadly that is not the case. Updates will continue here both Friday and Monday as usual.

The Anna Leong contest ends tomorrow. Click on the banner to the right if you haven't already entered yet. You can also read an interview the band from Västerbottens Folkblad right here: https://www.folkbladet.nu/index.asp?vf=1&x=30571 (in Swedish)

Debrah has a new website, now with a streaming jukebox: https://www.debrah.net/

In Flames report that they already have 12 new songs written for their next album and will begin tracking drums in May. A fall release perhaps?

Seems that Kim Hiorhøy won't be opening for The Boredoms in the US after all. Due to "some confusion and misunderstanding" Kim will instead do a few smaller dates in the US at around the same time (mid-to-late May).

Jet Black Combo's website is now open: https://www.jetblackcombo.com/
As mentioned before, JBC is the new band from ex-69-Hard member Kalle Metz.

Here's this week's YLE/Morjen top 10 Nordic video chart:

01. Smak - Nousen (FIN)
02. Korpiklaani - Hunting song (FIN)
03. Anniina - Who's about to cry (FIN)
04. Disco Ensemble - We might fall apart (FIN)
05. Kent - Max 500 (SWE)
06. Pain - Same old song (SWE)
07. Infernal - From Paris to Berlin (DK)
08. The 69 Eyes - Lost boys (FIN)
09. Searching for Nurmes - Pyhätunturi (NOR)
10. Nina Rochelle - Mörkertal (SWE)

Challengers:
11. Nerdee - Ivy (FIN)
12. Anna Ternheim - My secret (SWE)
13. Bertine Zetlitz - Ah-Ah (NOR)

It's been delayed quite a bit, but it seems that ex-Midnight Choir vocalist Paal Flaata will finally release his debut solo album "Rain" on April 11. The first single will be for the song "It Will All Come Down".

Here's this week's top 20 Swedish album chart:

01. Kent - Du och jag döden
02. Moneybrother - To die alone
03. Christer Sjögren - Love Me Tender
04. Hammerfall - Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken
05. Timbuktu - Alla vill till himmelen men ingen vill dö
06. Sofia Karlsson - Svarta ballader
07. Darin - The anthem
08. Lena Philipsson - Det gör ont en stund på natten men inget på dan
09. Martin Stenmarck - Think of Me (New Version)
10. Håkan Hellström - Ett kölikbarns bekännelser
11. Christian Walz - Paint by Numbers
12. Anna Ternheim - Somebody Outside
13. Lars Winnerbäck - Vatten under broarna
14. Benny Anderssons orkester - BAO!
15. Magnus Uggla - Den tatuerade generationen
16. Stefan Nilsson - Så som i himmelen (filmmusik)
17. Timo Räisänen - Lovers Are Lonely
18. Bodies Without Organs - Prototype
19. Thorsten Flinck - Vildvuxna rosor
20. The Real Group - In the Middle of Life

Swedish Christian nu-metallers Blindside have signed with DRT Entertainment. Besides releasing the band's new album later this summer, the label will also be reissuing their self-titled debut album and "A Thought Crushed My Mind" in late May along with a new DVD "Ten Years Running Blind". More details: https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=34548

Photo:Henrik is updated with new pics of The Accidents and Andreas Tilliander: https://www.photohenrik.com/

Blinders On, a new indie/emo band from Malmö, has posted their entire new 3-song demo online: https://www.blinders-on.com/

Leif Karate's debut album "Let's back the wrong band" is out now and as promised, you can download the entire thing from their label's website: https://www.corruptionrecords.com/artist.php?artist=14&page=&open=39