Identity: Vol. 8 gives you 77 minutes of excellent music from
Century Media's best artists.
1. Watch Them Die: Torn Pages is intense death metal that
breaks the monotony of other death metal bands with some hardcore
influence.
2. Arch Enemy: Leader of the Rats is a solid mid-paced track of
riff-tastic Death N Roll with throat shredding vocals.
3. Children of Bodom: Needled 24/7 continues the fine tradition
of hyper speed skilled Finnish metal with the hard vocals and great
guitar/production work.
4. Shadows Fall: Deadworld write some of the best thrash riffs
since 80's era Metallica/Testament and this song continues that
technical feat with some ripping vocals.
5. Haste: With All the Pride and Dignity of a Drowning Swimmer
brings a true hardcore band into the fold with the requisite
breakdowns and vocal rants, but also has some melodic vocals too.
6. My Ruin: Made to Measure is a decent song, but this is one
female led band that doesn't really do anything for me with her
harsh vocals and simple song structures.
7. Eyes of Fire: Disintegrate is an okay song of aggressive
metal that doesn't really stick to my gray matter.
8. Nevermore: I, Voyager is a bit fast at times, but largely
melodic above the heavy riffs and excellent drumming…this is the
original mix.
9. Into Eternity: Spintered Visions opens with a breathtaking
fret burning solo before smashing some nice riffs and speed into
your face along with good clean/heavy vocals, great band.
10. Moonspell: The Southern Deathstyle is fairly aggressive in
relation to what the Portuguese had been doing on prior albums.
11. Labyrinth: The Prophet is power metal of the average kind,
very typical and average vocalist.
12. Passenger: I Die Slowly is a solid song with some very
catchy choruses sections that save the hard rock/metal from falling
into the abyss of boredom.
13. Extol: Grace For Succession has plenty of power in the vocal
assault, but sounds rather typical in its other musical aspects.
14. Krisiun: Murderer mixes that Cannibal Corpse/Morbid Angel
style of death metal into a batter that will appeal to most fans,
but is average at best.
15. Forsaken: First Weapon of Choice sounds like it could've
been written by any Swedish death metal band, especially
Abduction/Arrival era Hypocrisy.
16. Nightrage: Macabre Apparition shows a supergroup working
near their full potential even if the music is nothing fresh, just
excellent melodic Swedish death.
17. Carnal Forge: Bullet Proof God Material wasn't included on
the Swedish Death/Thrash album The More You Suffer, solid aggressive
metal.
18. Skinlab: Beneath The Surface is a barely average song by a
band that's faded out of the metal scene it seems.

Overall you can't go wrong with any installment of the Identity
compilation series.  I have all 8 in the series and you can acquire
them for the pittance of $2-3 each from the label.
http://www.cmdistro.com/shop/index.aspx?
page=search&search=identity&option=

anyone who needs to dlownload some death.black metal videos - here is
the link - orderely arranged

http://www.lordsofwinter.com/Menu.php3?action=download&type=clips&tri=A

Jas

The Daily News (www.zwire.com) has issued the following report from
Brian Krasman:

What might a Swedish metal master be doing on his time away from the
road?

Searching through the thick and numerous forest areas, sword in hand,
looking for inspiration? Thrashing out endlessly, trying to find the
perfect bottom to a guttural growl? Imagining a scary story that
should enthrall music fans who dot the world's underground?
"I'm on tour in my living room," reports Mikael Akerfeldt, frontman
and guitarist for OPETH. "I'm spending every day with my daughter,
getting up very early and going to bed very, very late. I'm now tired
all the time, so I don't do much."

Wait, sitting in the living room with his 18-month-old daughter?
That's not very metal!

OK, so perhaps those above activities are what's become the axiom for
all non-metal listeners' opinion of what those musicians do when
they're not on stage or in a recording studio, conjuring up evil
spirits to sing backup. But those same people may be surprised how
good Opeth actually are as musicians and how accessible their music
can be, that is if a good, harsh growl here and there isn't a bother.

The band's new album Ghost of Perdition may have a very metal-
sounding title, and their tracks such as 'The Baying of the Hounds'
and 'Beneath the Mire' may sound typical, but the music is anything
but.

While the band's style of melodic death metal may seem harsh at first
to the untrained ear, there are passages in most of their songs that
employ softy strummed acoustic guitars, piano and Akerfeldt's
surprisingly mellow clean voice. And considering many of their songs
clock in at about 10 minutes, there's plenty for everyone.

Opeth fans started to see the band's sound change on 1999's Still
Life and even more so on 2001's Blackwater Park.

But it wasn't until the largely acoustic 2004 release Damnation that
it really sank in the band had changed for good. The reflective, sad
and beautiful record was a real departure and a serious risk for a
band whose fans generally come to shows to swing their heads about.

"Damnation helped me forget about the boundaries," Akerfeldt
recalls. "Now, when you look at a song like 'Hours of Wealth,' the
ending part is just piano and vocals."

It also helped Akerfeldt play on some of the music that made an
impact on him over the years, the source of which may surprise some
people.

"I listen to a lot of progressive rock from the '60s and '70s," he
says. "I love that kind of music, and Damnation was a way for me to
get closer to those kind of influences."

The fact Opeth fans have had a chance to get used to and embrace the
change could have something to do with the positive response the band
got when tracks for Ghost leaked early. Fact is, the new album, their
eighth, was a big one for them not only because they were gaining
momentum but because they had signed with Roadrunner, a label owned
and distributed by major Universal.

"Usually we get slaughtered by our fans when we put out a new
record," Akerfeldt says, laughing. "This time people seemed to like
it."

There was some early rumbling when Opeth went to Roadrunner, choosing
that label over approximately 30 others. The record company is home
to top-selling acts such as Nickelback, Slipknot and Killswitch
Engage, and some long-time Opeth followers feared the band would be
molded into something more palatable to fatten business.

Akerfeldt wasn't worried. In fact, knowing the label's storied
history of breaking legendary aggressive metal acts such as King
Diamond and Obituary, he felt right at home recording for a label
that introduced him to some of his favorite acts.

"Roadrunner was the best label for us," he says. "It's one of those
labels that I've been buying their stuff - whatever they put out in
the '80s - and they're a legendary, classic metal label."

It also was the company that made the band feel most comfortable when
considering the business end. They heard promises and vows from other
labels, but in the end, Akerfeldt says the band chose right.

"Every label told us we can promote and sell this record better than
anyone," he says. "But when Roadrunner said it, we believed it."

While Akerfeldt reports being happy with the band's choice - he
says "Ghost" is selling better and quicker than the band's past
releases - he understands they're not a driving monetary force behind
Roadrunner. He accepts Roadrunner houses bands with larger following
and more sales, but he's willing to accept Opeth are a "credibility
band" rather than a cash cow.

This year, Opeth were up for the hard rock category in the Grammis,
the Swedish equivalent to the Grammys, though they lost out to
Candlemass. While it may seem the nomination, the fourth in the
band's history, would help them become more of a household name in
their homeland of Sweden, it was not the case.

Despite what many domestic hard rock magazines would have American
fans believe, metal bands aren't generating large amounts of ink and
recognition in Sweden.

"No one knows who you are if you're a metalhead at an awards show,"
Akerfeldt says of his homeland. "They just think you're some bum
who's there to get (messed) up ... which is partially true."

Akerfeldt said he's not exactly bristling over the fact he and his
Opeth mates aren't celebrities. But he does wonder sometimes when he
sees publications at home why his band's success hasn't been
acknowledged.

"You'll pick up the evening paper and see about how some band
here 'broke America' by playing to, like, 50 people at CBGB," he
says. "But when we play New York City, it's to like 1,000 or 1,500 or
even 2,000 people, but there's never a call from the evening
newspaper because we 'broke America.' But it's not something I
contemplate that much."

While Opeth may not be headlining arenas tomorrow, Akerfeldt says
he's comfortable with the niche his band has carved, even if every
now and again he's chastised by someone who doesn't understand why
the band's music isn't all thrashing all the time.

"There was one guy in the guestbook on our Web site who said he
hates 'Hours of Wealth' and said the whole album's (garbage)," he
says, laughing. "He said 'Hours of Wealth' is like Elton John or Boyz
II Men ... I think that's over the top."


Two of Swedish death metallers CENTINEX' videos, 'Synthetic Sin Zero'
and 'Arrival Of The Spectrum Obscure' are currently available via
YouTube at this location. http://www.youtube.com/results?
search=Centinex

As previously reported, Centinex are about to embark on the Spanish
Declension Tour 2006. Dates include:

February
22 - Tarragona, Spain at Sala Zero
23 - San Vicente del Raspeig (Alicante), Spain at Sala Musicalia
24 - Santa María (Mallorca), Spain at Factoria De So
25 - Madrid, Spain at Sala Staff
26- Santander, Spain at D'Manu

May
13 - Eskilstuna, Sweden at Fisk & Fest 9 (with ASTRAL CARNEVAL,
ILLDAD and SLAKTATTACK)


DARK TRANQUILLITY have posted the following statement at their
official website in the wake of their February 15th show in Raleigh,
NC being cancelled:

"As most of you have heard, we didn't play the first gig of the tour
due to a missed flight in Paris. Due to foggy weather conditions, the
plane from Gothenburg to Paris took off a bit later than scheduled.
Despite the airline staff guaranteeing that they'd keep the
connecting plane to Atlanta on hold and even arranging a special
shuttle taking us to the gate as quickly as possible, we were met
with a 'too late, sorry' response when trying to check in.

Our management checked all possible options for booking a new flight
to allow us to make it to Raleigh in time, but ultimately we had no
other choice than to wait for the next Paris-Atlanta flight 24 hours
later.

We're really sorry for the inconvenience caused, but hope that
everyone understands that what happened was solely the fault of Delta
Airlines and not the band, management or any promotor. We did our
outmost to solve the problem, but unfortunately it couldn't be done."

remaining dates on the tour are as follows:

February
17 at Recher Theatre – Towson, MD
18 at Mr. Small's Theatre – Millvale, PA
19 at Bogart's – Cincinnati, OH
20 at Headliner's Music Hall – Louisville, KY
21 at Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH
24 at Webster Theatre – Hartford, CT
25 at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI
26 at Imperial – Quebec City, QC (Canada)
28 at The Drink Nightclub – London, ON (with Devin Townsend Band only)
22 at Agora Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
23 at Jaxx – Springfield, VA (with locals)
27 at Club Soda – Montreal, QC (Canada)

March
1 at The Orbit Room – Grand Rapids, MI
2 at I-Rock – Detroit, MI (with Opeth, DevilDriver)
3 at The Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
4 at First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
5 at The Venue – Winnipeg, MB (Canada)
7 at Odeon Event Centre – Regina, SK (Canada)
8 at Red's – Edmonton, AB (Canada)
9 at MacEwan Hall Ballroom – Calgary, AB (Canada)
10 at Big Easy – Spokane, WA
11 at WOW Hall – Eugene, OR (also with Northwest Royale)
13 at House of Blues – San Diego, CA
15 at Marquee Theatre – Tempe, AZ
17 at Cain's Ballroom – Tulsa, OK
18 at Juanita's Cantina Ballroom – Little Rock, AR
19 at House of Blues – New Orleans, LA
21 at House of Blues – Lake Buena Vista, FL


Sweden's EVERGREY have made samples from three tracks from their
forthcoming new album, Monday Morning Apocalypse, available at their
website (www.evergrey.net).

Check out the tracks 'Still In The Water'
http://www.evergrey.net/media/evergrey-
still_in_the_water.wma, 'Monday Morning Apocalypse'
http://www.evergrey.net/media/evergrey-monday_morning_apocalypse.wma
and 'Unspeakable' http://www.evergrey.net/media/evergrey-
unspeakable.wma.

As previously reported, InsideOut Music will release Monday Morning
Apocalypse, on April 4th.

The band recorded the album at Division One Studios in Gothenburg,
Sweden with producers Sanken Sandquist and Stefan Glaumann
(RAMMSTEIN, BON JOVI, DEF LEPPARD).
In other news, the band will hold their first ever headlining show in
England in March. They will be playing The Underworld in London
(Camden) on March 7th. For more information go to
http://www.theunderworldcamden.co.uk/

This is really long, take your time.

Dan Swanö
14/02/06  ||  Lord K Philipson
When talking about Mr. Swanö, words
like "genius", "legendary", "multi-talented", "responsible for
recording the song "The One" with Nightingale" etc are usually
included to describe him. I would not call Dan a legend, simply becoz
it would feel very weird to call a friend just that. Some 15 years of
friendship has passed since I first met Dan. New friends have been
made thru the years and old ones have disappeared, but me and Dan
always stayed in touch even though we are not considered very "close"
or anything.

We have recorded alot of shit together, the latest being "Armageddon
March Eternal" by The Project Hate. I have been involved in composing
an EP, with the band Odyssey, with him. We did our first recording
together in the early 90's… And so forth. I know Dan quite a bit, and
Dan knows me. I respect Dan's opinion and he respects mine. On top of
this, I know that I can always call Dan for support when it comes to
things I don't understand in Cubase or Reason. He always helps out.
Dan is definitely a genuinely excellent guy to the core and I have
been thinking about making one insane interview with him for quite
some time. I knew that what we would get to read would be one of the
finest moments in GD-history (and, when you think about it, in
general history as well. It's right up there with World War II, The
Chinese Wall, The A-bomb and Peter Forsberg's underwear) when it
comes to getting something worth reading.

Before we start this off, I just wanna thank Dan for the insane
amount of time put into this and for always being a real fucken stand-
up guy. I wish you nothing, absolutely nothing, but the fucken best
in whatever you do. You have fucken deserved it. So, here's a great
read for you on Valentine's day, of all fucken days available.

Global Domination: Yo Mr, D. How's it hanging and what the fuck are
you up to at this exact moment? I'm guessing you are mixing some
bullshit-band from the States or something, complaining about the
piss-quality of their performance or something like that. Been
working on something good lately?

Dan Swanö: Yeah!! I am really busy at the moment. But I bring my
IBook to my (now half-time!!) dayjob and spend a lunchbreak with you!
I am currently mixing a band from Portugal called Shadowsphere. It's
to early to tell anything about this band, but so far nothing has
really pissed me off. I have mastered an old US Metal band called
Steel Assassin. Really `metal' stuff!! A fine blend of genius and
insanity! I have also done some mixing for Paganizer and Dead Sun.
Mastered the Cronian album. Mixed Ruin and Misery Speaks. Not to
forget the Another Life album that turned out really cool.

GD: By the way, are you seriously ready for some 50 questions? We are
not going to go fucken easy on you this time around you know…

D: Wow. Now I am scared. Is it OK if I call you and cry when you give
me too much of a hard time??

GD: We always have a shoulder for you to cry on, that's what friends
are for. Anyways, we asked some of our forum-visitors if they could
possibly have something they wanted to know about you so quite a few
questions dropped in and we decided to go with a bunch of them to
ease their hunger for Swanö-food a little. Someone wants to know a
little about `Crimson'., ofcourse. And it's not like this hasn't been
brought up before, but hey… Why did you deside to make it one song?
And from the recording of it, would you possibly have some funny
moments to share from it? Or perhaps some not-so-funny moments? How
do you look at this album today? If you hate this question feel free
to talk about the NHL instead.

D: I choose to talk about `Crimson'. Hockey was never my thing. I
tried it for a few times, but I only got through half a match before
I got a bad tackle from some big-ass guy in the other team, lost my
breath and ended my hockey-career the same night. After we had done
so many albums in the `3:30 Verse/Bridge/Chorus Pop-Death' style
starting with `The Spectral Sorrows' thru `Until Eternity Ends'
and `Purgatory Afterglow' I was running out of ideas and inspiration
to write more short catchy tunes.

I had just been working with OPETH and re-discovered the fun of
working with `anti-song structure' liket we did with PAN-THY-MONIUM.
I wanted to write a song that involved all the guys and where each
riff gave birth to the next, not just staple riffs from different
writers `on top' of each other. I wanted to customwrite the next part
to fit the one before. When I say `I' all the time means that it was
really my baby. The other guys had already written a couple of normal
songs back in Finspång, and we recorded them (`Murded. Divided' and
what later turned out to be `Epidemic Reign' + a Sator cover!!!)
right before we started to record `The big epic'.

The writing was smooth. We sat in a circle in my tiny controlroom in
the tower at Järntorget, Örebro, and Benny was locked up in the
drumbooth, without any visual connection with the rest of us. I
played `Nightingale-guitar' tuned in DADADE (Low to high), jacked up
to some FX. Sami and Dread played Death Metal guitars tuned down to
A. Anders bass was tuned in D. I played the first riff (Stolen `a
little bit' from a Nightingale song… but don't tell anyone..) The
guys joined in, and and as soon as we got something cool going we
recorded it to DAT. Then we wrote a part to fit with that one and
made sure that we had a smooth transition between the ideas. Once we
had like 30 min. worth of material, after a total of 24 hours in
the `writingmode' we were ready.

Then the guys came back, nailed it pretty much all live and me and
Dread stayed behind and spent a few days with the lyrics and making
up the vocalphrasing for the whole piece. The lyrix was a bitch and
that is why I refused to write the lyrics for the follow-up years
later. I know it sounds boring and all, but I have really no positive
or negative memories from this session. I went home to my family and
I guess the guys bought tons of beer and got wacked up in the
studiokitchen, or something??? I also remember when Anders Måreby
came up to record the `Deathcellobizarre', that was fun. We took a
contactmike, placed it on the cello and put it thru a Marshall amp
with all on 11… Sounds really really fucken heavy!!!

Then Mike Åkerfeldt came to town and recorded the best bits of death
metal vocals I had ever heard (not much can touch the shit he pulled
off then, even today…) and a cool Andy LaRoque style guitarlead. Oh…
one not so funny memory is seeing the cover for the first time. It
might be the ugliest looking shit I have ever seen!!! And yeah, the
mix….. oh boy…the mix. This was still in the analog 16 tracks (well
14.. 2 channels were broken!!). I was going crazy from the stress and
I remember that I heard one little digital `blip' during one soft
part. I called the masteringhouse and they said they could fix it,
and that I didn't have to remix anything. It's only that this
little `blip removal' costed 800 SEK + taxes!!!

Anyway. The album was a success. We kept the top-spot on House Of
Kicks' distribution chart for a month (and then we disappeared
without a trace!!!!). I still like bits of this album to death, some
parts are a bit too much "lets get on with the playingtime, guys" for
my taste…

GD: Is `Crimson 2' a better album?

D: To me, Yes. Of course. Otherwise it would never have been
released. `Crimson' = Compromise. `Crimson II' = Total egotrip. What
do you think!!!?? ;)

GD: And do you think it was right to use the Edge of Sanity moniker
for this since you are the only one playing on it?

D: The name and all that shit was so much of a business- oriented
thing. I was visiting Black Mark to put together a `world-domination
scheme' for Nightingale. But all Boss ever talked about was how much
they wanted a new EOS album. He gave me a budget that was 5 times as
high as ever before and I felt for the first time that I could make
the EOS album I always wanted to do. Because, from the `The
Spectral…' and onwards it was very much so that EOS had become 2
projects in one. Dread & Benny v/s Me. Anders and Sami were both
abscent on an album once (Dread played bass on `Spectral' and Sami
was `unavailable' for `Infernal') and never really wrote anything
after `Unorthodox'.

If you hear stuff like `Twilight' and compare it to `Enter Chaos' you
see the 2 different camps inside one unit and `Crimson II' was my
chance to give the EOS fans 100% my songs, where `Cryptic' was Dread
and Benny's chance to give the world `their' EOS to 100%. One of the
things that made me `give in' to Black Mark and go along with the
name (and the old ugly logo…) was the fact that I had spent so many
years making EOS albums for `peanuts' and we sold pretty well and
made the money back and was always close to + with the sought-after
royalty-checks.

`Cryptic' costed a fortune and sold pretty much nothing. And all the
money I had made with my solo-album ("Moontower"), and also with
Nightingale was `on the same account' with Black Mark. So this was a
chance for me to even also the financial balance. If I record a new
album, the back-catalogue automatically starts selling again. They
printed vinyls of the most successful albums and stuff.

GD: The other guys must have thought this was quite weird, huh? But
we bet you thought it was ok to use the Edge-name since the other
guys recorded an album as Edge of Sanity after you left. Are you
still friends with them guys?

D: I know this sounds extremely weird, but we were never really that
good friends after `The Unorthodox'-era. We drifted apart as
individuals and never really had anything in common apart from the
lust to do brutal death metal. When I wanted to make things more
sofisticated they guys never liked it that much and we were divided a
bit. We had a meeting right before I started demoing `C2' and they
gave me a `go' to this project. Boss was with me and he gave the guys
an award-winning speech and after a few minutes we started talking
old memories.

I promised them to only make this one album `to even the score' and
then maybe put together a `The best of' sometime in the future. I
haven't spoken to the guys in ages. But I hear they are OK. I think
Benny have stopped playing, which is a shame because I really love
his drumming. Dread have been in and out of bands and about Anders
and Sami… I really don't know.

GD: Michael Samuelsson is curious if you still has your copy of
F.O.A.D Magazine and if so, can he have it?

D: I don't. I was stupid enough to leave all my cool fanzines (Slayer
mag, Blackthorn, Mega Mag, Hypnosia!! etc.) in a big box in
the `Sanctuary' studio. When we were forced to clear out from this
space in one afternoon some guy took it for garbage and threw it
away. There was a whole fortune on eBay in that box!! :( Not to
mention the total nostalgia kick it would be to go thru these mags
again!!!

GD: Will you ever catalogue all of yer releases, demos and whatnot,
and give them a proper release? With `proper release' I guess you
shouldn't launch it thru Black Mark, huh? Isn't that company quite
fucken dead? How come you have been with them since day one? Has the
Boss turned into some kind of extra daddy for you? Does he give you
any royalties?

D: I am a faithful person at heart and I like to be around people
that can understand weirdos like myself. Boss is a nice old man and
after all these years with Quorthon he knew all about how to handle a
megalomaniac like myself (I think I am bit better these days..
right??). I did stuff for so many labels and they were all the same.
I like to stick to the small labels. They never tell me how to do
things. I deliver a master, they print it and sell it to the ones
that want it. There have been moments when I wanted to burn down the
office, but there's been similar moments with the other, bigger,
labels as well. I am happy with our relation and will remain there
for a while. Boss is not an extra daddy or anything. We don't speak
that much. We talk a few times a year, but he knows me better than
anyone in this industry. He's been with me since I was 17!!! We have
been thru thick and thin together and he believed in my vision and I
thank him for this by sticking to him.

GD: Speaking of royalties, what's the biggest amount you ever got
from releasing albums during the years? How much did you spend on
drugs and hookers?

D: I haven't gotten that much royalities in my days. The stuff we got
from the Odyssey CD is among the few actual royalties I've gotten. I
got some cheques from Osmose in the old days, but only enough to get
drunk for a few weekends. The publishing cheques can be nice. I got a
shitload of cash when JVC paid for the EOS releases, but this pretty
much goes straight back into the company, and after the taxes and
stuff is gone, it's not so much. I cannot remember exactly but I
think I got like 90.000skr from STIM ( The company that makes sure
artists get paid in Sweden, for the music they do – The Lord ) once,
but I was so behind on a lot of stuff that it never really felt
like `Wow!!!'. The money kind of disappeared faster than they came. I
also got a good budget for `Jesusatan' ( By the band Infestdead – The
Lord ) and `Crimson II', but the hours I put into those records… wow…
not to mention the price I had to pay to get the files back from when
I accidentally erased the `Jesusatan' album from the harddrive!!
Those were the days…

GD: Would you even know how many records and demos and shit you have
been on thru the years?

D: I made a list around 97 and I never really counted. But I do
remember that is was like 75 CD's and 20-30 Mini CD's. And now, 9
years later, the list goes on.

GD: Tell us the truth here:

Best album-recording, soundwise, that you have done:

This far, ANOTHER LIFE sounds really classy. From the `old days' I
think `Unbound' sounds pretty cool.

Worst:

The Altar-split. Jesus… it sounds so awful. Some guys thought it was
a `trick'. First you have a really shit sound only to have `the real'
sound kick in after a while and knock you out (Like Slayer's "Ghosts
of war"...) but the good sound never came!! That was hilarious… So
sorry guys…

Yer best performance vocal-wise:

Clean voice:

Nightingale – `Nightfall Overture'.

Growling:

`Hell is where the heart is' – EOS.

Worst:

Clean voice:

Some of the stuff of `The Closing Chronicles' from Nightingale.

Growling:

`Dead but dreaming', demo with EOS.

Fave-album, musicwise, that you have recorded:

Opeth-Orchid

Least favourite:

Too many to mention….

GD: The infamous story about Dark Funeral in Unisound… What was the
deal anyways? Did they refuse to record with the pink guitar-cables
you had? Were they really true, grim and necro at the time? Have you
talked to the guys at all after that recording? Would you like to
work with them again?

D: I don't remember much from those sessions. I was in a pretty dark
place mentally during those days. The mini-album went fine and turned
out good enough for the guys to come back for an attempt with the
full-length album. I do remember that they were pretty drunk and
obnoxious during bits of the recordings of the mini-album, and it's
never fun to be the only not-drinking guy in the room, and the rest
of the guys are making weird comments because they are out of their
minds on bad booze.

The story about the full-length is pretty simple. None of us were
really ready to take on this big a task at that time. I had just come
off the recording of my first solo album (Nightingale – "The
breathing shadow") and was not mentally stable. My personal life was
not really that swell at the time and it reflected my sense of
selfcontrol. When the guys show up, pretty unrehearsed, and things
just seemed to take forever, I lost my temper a few times for various
musical reasons. I only ended up getting really shitty sounds for the
poor guys because the gear I had bought, that proved to be excellent
for mixing my soloalbum, was not really the optimal stuff for black
metal.

I remember that I went down to the studio a few days after the
original mix had been done, changed a lot of the stuff and suddenly I
got this really good sound coming out of the speakers. The same
moment the guys call me and ask for the mastertapes, they wanna do a
remix and complete some stuff at Sunlight… And that is when the
nightmare began. Poor Skogsberg had no chance of getting anything of
my recordings. We work in 2 different ways and he called me a couple
of times wondering what I had been up to. It's no secret that I
fucked up big time, but the fault was not only mine. The vibe in the
studio was weird and I felt like the band could have used a little
bit more time to get their act together. But it all happened, later
on, in the embrace of Täggan (Peter Tägtgren) they re-recorded the
stuff and from what I have heard, it turned out just fine. I have
spoken to Blackmoon on the phone a couple of times and we're cool. I
think I met Ahriman at Abyss one time. He didn't kill me, so I guess
we're kind of cool??

GD: Someone on the forums wanna know if you have any dirt on me that
they would like to know about.

D: You have done a few dirty things on my livingroom floor… But that
is too X-rated for this feature, right…?? I think we have had many
excellent times together since we buried the hatchet after our
little `Habitat incident'. We were young. And when someone drink all
your booze for the weekend (and you didn't have any chance to buy any
new stuff..) you turn into a mortal enemy….

GD: Someone else wants to know why the fuck you are not having your
forum over at GD for? You are quite active in the one you have, but
the place and lay-out of it sucks ass and there's like a million
bands there. Why the hell don't you join us for? You'd fit right in
and it'd be an honour to have you. Not to mention that it's free of
charge.

D: And could that `someone' maybe be you?? ;) Hey, K, I don't care
where my forums are. I didn't start it, they did. I don't pay for it.
I love the fact that UM started a forum for me. One of the highlights
of my career. As long as they make a fine job, I stick with them.

GD: Another fucko wants to know what yer dream-band featuring metal-
musicians would look like. Make one with living people and one with
dead people. You can't be in the band, nope.

D:

Living:

Death-vocals: Mike Åkerfeldt.

Normal but rough vocals: Phil Anselmo.

Guitar: John Petrucci.

Bass: Blacky.

Drums: Ed Warby.

Keyboards: Jens Johansson.

Dead:

Death-vocals: Chuck.

Normal but rough vocals: The guy from Crashdiet when he sing
highpitch!!

Guitar: Piggy.

Bass: Cliff Burton.

Drums: Hmm… Metal-drummers don't die, do they?? John Bonham will have
to do, he would fit right in with his 80' kickdrum.

Keyboards: Are not suitable in this band….

GD: What actually made you start playing in the first place?

D: I think the first impulses came from watching my older brother
play. He is 10 years older than be, so when I started to realize what
reality was, he was already jamming with his friends in the
livingroom. I played in my first band; The Fordz (with my 2 older
brothers) when I was 7.

And why the hell do you play the guitar in such a weird way for? Ever
tried to play like a normal human being?

D: Good question. And I have given this a lot of thought, but since I
am kind of `split-handed' person I guess there is something with the
fine motorics in my left hand and the more `lumberjack' motorics in
my right arm. I hold a gun `the wrong way' I used `right' hockeyclubs
and I guess the guitar felt natural that way. I started with a nylon-
string guitar without any `up and down' on it, apart from the strings
of course. But since I started at such an early age, it was more
important for me that it looked cool in the mirror than what string
was up or down!! I tried a few timse to change to a normal right-hand
style, but it felt and sounded awful, so I stayed weird.

I never played guitar in a band until Nightingale started to play
live. The idea was to have 2 guitarists and with only me singing, but
since the project was never gonna make any real money gigging, it was
more efficient with 4 players instead of 5 so I took on the role of
the rhythm-guitarist and had to learn how to play standing up… which
was really tough to start with. The guitar is so far away and in a
weird angle compared to sitting with it in your lap. And you cannot
rewind and do it again when you play live ;)

GD: Do you still consider yourself a drummer first and foremost?

D: No. After a recent encounter with drumming I have decided to never
do it again. It was so humiliating. It is all there in the mind, but
it just won't come out tight from my hands and feet. God, it must be
tough to be impotent!!! I consider myself a multi-instrumentalist. I
am pretty crappy at all the stuff, but with the aid of recording
devices, I do alright!

GD: You stated after the demise of Edge of Sanity that you were tired
of metal, both playing and producing, what made you change your mind
and return? The money? The fame? The chicks? Do the chicks have the
hots for you, D? Gotten any nude photos from girl-fans in the mail?
Anyone knocking on the door wanting to bear yer child and whatnot?
Any proposals?

D: I must admit that the groupie-account has been sadly lacking in
funds through-out the years. I am too shy and must see so much
meaning in anything before I commit to it. The amount of girls
hanging backstage at EOS gigs was minimal, and if there were any,
they were soon taken into custody by Dread and Lindberg. I met my ex-
wife through my involvement with death metal and also met my new
girlfriend thru this `scene'. So it's not been entirely fruitless!!
The reason why I returned to the scene was quite simple… The guys
like me here. I tried to take on the prog-rock scene only to find
that, at the time, if you had dabbled with death or thrash you were
marked for life. Like a hardcore pornstar trying to be accepted by
the finest theater crowd… So I swallowed my pride and got right back
into it with a vengeance (Bloodbath!!!!) and after that I got re-bit
by the bug and have accepted the eternal presence of death/thrash in
my musical life. I like the simplicity and the raw brutality of it…
but I am really picky when it comes to bands, riffs etc. and that is
never gonna change. I don't like anything just because it happens to
be a part of a genre.

GD: Any producers/studios today that you are impressed with? There's
gotta be someone you hold in very high regards, right?

D: My eternal idol is Chris Lord Alge. His mixes are God!!! For metal
I like the work of Niel Kernon and Andy Sneap. I try to make my
productions to sound a bit like their but a little bit more `alive'
if possible.. So many guys get a killer-sound today. It's tough out
there!!!

GD: Comment on the general sound from the following studios:

Sunlight: Used to be so good and special, then something happened and
it all started to sound a bit weird.

Morrisound: Some of the stuff Scottie did there still rules. There is
something about the high-end quality to death and thrash.

Fredman: Some of his stuff is incredible. I love the sound of At the
Gates (who doesn't??) and also Dream Evil.

Dug Out: I am starting to appreciate his stuff more and more. I had
trouble with it at first, but the new Soilwork sounds really smashing!

Berno: I haven't heard anything from there in a while. But some of
the Vomitory stuff sounded alright.

Fascination Street: Jens is a great talent and I am happy to have
been a part of his connection to metal. I know the Bloodbath album
pretty much secured him the deal with recording Opeth. And from
there… the rest is history. The Opeth album sounds amazing, I am sure
Katatonia sounds great too. The Bloodbath album he did turned out
just the way I had expected. I hope to work with him sometime in the
future again, but I am sure he'll be booked beyond belief!!

And don't forget Abyss and Studio Underground. Täggan & Pelle do some
highclass stuff!!!

GD: Who has the most talent, you or your brother Dag? Who gets more
chicks?

D: I think our talents lie in different places. He is more even than
me. But he's got a 10 year headstart… so it's hard to compare. He
definitely gets more chicks. Hey, he played as a professional
musician for 4 years (in a dansband called Norrsken !!) and I am sure
he's lost the count of his `adventures'.

GD: What is your proudest moment from the EOS-days?

D: I remember a few good times. One of them was the trainride home
from Stockholm when we had mixed `Unorthodox'. I listened to the mix
on my headphones and afterwards I felt this incredible feeling that
I'd just been part of something really special. That album was all I
ever wanted to do with that band… but that was a moment of pride for
me. I guess I would have been mega-proud if I had attended the
Zeppelin-awards show in Stockholm when EOS was voted `Best Swedish
Heavy Metal band 0f 1994'... but for some reason it felt so
unbelievable that we'd win this (Tiamat was also nominated and had
just `lost' their Grammy-award). Boss called in the middle of the
night and screamed… 'You won!'... and I understood nothing. I had
forgotten all about it. Later on we had to pay for the reservations
he made for us at the table, and we never showed up…. Cool!!!

GD: Are you tired of answering questions about Edge of Sanity? Should
people just forget about this band or do you think you guys had some
important input in the movement at the time?

D: I will never get tired of answering these questions. Especially
not yours :) (Can you feel the tongue, babe!!) Anyway, EOS was a big
part of my `formative years'. I saw my salvation in death metal. And
looking back, it gave me the life I have today. I can blame pretty
much everything good (and bad) that has happened to me since 1990 on
my whole involvement with this death metal scene. Had I never
listened to "South Of Heaven" that fateful day, none of this would
have happened. I'd most likely be alone, living in Finspång and
desperately trying to reach out to the major labels with my soft and
sensitive singer/songwriter music… But we'll never know if I'd be
happier than today, will we???

There is still a special thing for me every time someone name us as
an influence. I read on the Internet about this band, and one of the
members said `We met when we played in an Edge Of sanity cover band
together in New York' and I was like…... WHAT!!!!??? A Fucken EOS
tribute band. Isn't that the coolest thing!! And just the other day a
friend said that there was a riff on the new In Flames that sounded
like it could have been an EOS riff. Stuff like that makes my day. We
have made nowhere near the same impact like say, Entombed or Leukemia
( Hahaha… Touche' – The Lord ), but anyway… We left our mark in the
music-industry.. It's small, but it's there!!! And that's cool!!!

GD: "When all is said" was quite suprising a tune when it came out in
the world of death metal at the time. What made you write this song
in the first place? To get chicks?

D: Of course. EOS was all about getting chicks. "When all is said" is
one of the most important songs from the EOS days. Boss told me
straight up, that if it wasn't for that song, he'd never renewed our
contract after the 1st album. We sent him the "Dead but dreaming"
promo and he'd pretty much given up when that song came on, and then
and there he changed his mind and saw a `new dawn' for the band. We
recorded a lot of B-sides for an intended 12' maxi for that song and
even went to Stockholm and made a video-edit for it… But no video was
ever made… And no 12', even though you could order if from BMP!!!
Hm….hm…. I recall writing this little piano-piece and whatever I
tried to sing (with my normalv oice) on top of it, sounded weird. So
out of cheer frustration I growled something and eureka, the worlds
first death metal power-ballad was written!!! I stole the lyrix from
a book at school. I think I still have the torn out page somewhere… I
hope Bergskaskolan won't sue me for damage of their property now!!!

GD: You know I have to ask this… What drugs were Dag on when he
wrote `The One' for Nightingale? And what drugs were you on when you
actually accepted to record it? This could probably be one of the
worst songs I have ever heard in my entire life. Is it safe to say
that this tune is not one of yer proudest moments?

D: The fault is entirely mine. I heard that song on a DAT tape when I
was going thru old DAT tapes and I liked the chorus a lot. It felt
like it could be really fat and grungy. At the time I was really much
into `The Darkness' and stuff… I know my brother wasn't to keen on
using it (even though he wrote it, some 15 years ago) but I was
consistent and we recorded it and played it live and stuff… But it's
none of the NG classics, but no matter what you think, I still like
the song and even though it's probably the weakest link
on "Invisible", I think the song is cool. Nuff said.

GD: You seriously didn't know about the complete theft you did of E-
type's `Back in the loop' for your `Shadowman' tune on some
Nightingale-album? Now when I have provided you with the pieces, and
you have heard it, would you agree that it's a theft de-luxe? You
should sue E-type you know.

D: Well… I am not really sure who stole from who. The track in
question, "Shadowman', was finished like a year before the other
songs but I think that the E-Type album was already out then… My son
was a huuuge E-Type fan around that time and I am afraid that
something might have stuck in the back of my mind, and once I got
around to riff a little, this melody snook up on me and I
accidentally ripped it off completely!! I have done this before, but
managed to stop it before it was too late… But not now…

GD: On a cheese-scale from 1-10, how cheesy is Nightingale actually?
I'd say something like 9. Is this the music that's closest to yer
heart? I seriously think that you should do real metal since that's
what yer really awesome at. What's with this cheese-shit? How metal
are you on a scale from 1-10?

D: Bullshit. I am the most awesome at doing symphonic pop. It's a
shame that it takes me like 5 years to complete a song though. The
Nightingale cheese scale is probably a pretty variable one. Our live
opening with "Nightfall overture", "A raincheck of my demise"
and "One of the lonely ones" is not even close to milk on your cheese
scale. Where moments of "Eternal" and "Atlantis rising" is way up
there with the Cottage Cheese!!! Then you have the depressive
sourcream of "Stalingrad" and the `B-side' of the "I" album. It's
funny that I am lactose-intolerant and play in this band :)

GD: I have some info about this but I don't wanna say too much, but
for the ones who don't know, how's the vocalist-search for Bloodbath
going? Anyone in particular you'd like to see fronting the band?
Let's say you could choose anyone, who would it be?

D: We had a little communication going with David Vincent for a
while, but he was too expensive for us. I know there are so many guys
out there that would do an awesome job and could reach close to the
standards of Mike and Peter, but there is always something that is
keeping me from really promote them all the way. We had the same
problem with the drummer. Then one day I spoke with HalvJapanen and
he said their drummer was amazing and I thought "Yeah, yeah, of
course…", and then I listened to their stuff (NCO) and heard he did
that to a click-track and also found out he did gigs with Orchriste-
Jensen (Now in Haunted and Witchery) And wam bam boom… We had the
drummer of our dreams aboard the ship. Now I am just waiting for that
guy, but as a singer, to show up. A guy that has it all. I know it's
much to ask for, but there is really no hurry. I see no reason to
release a new BB album unless it shreds "Nightmares made flesh" to
pieces. The hunt continues. I want Mike back. He's the singer of
Bloodbath for me, Peter is a lovely bloke, but he was just a hired
gun for the session.

GD: Who did the better job on the Bloodbath-albums, Mike or Peter?
And don't say something like `they are different and both awesome in
their own way'. Just tell me which one you prefer.

D: It's hard to say, because we produced Peter to sing as "Mike-
alike" as possible. I really dig what Peter did on my songs. I have a
hard time believing I'd be happier with Mike on those tracks. But
Mike's sense of odd-timing and articulation is better and he's a
little bit easier to teach the stuff too.. But I still dig the stuff
Peter did. Mike is 5 out of 5 and Peter is 4 out of 5….

GD: Do you seriously believe there will be a DVD from the Bloodbath-
gig at Wacken? I know you had the nervous-shits a few weeks before
that gig. Did it turn out fine? Tell us how much money you guys got
from that gig. What was the contract like and how did the
organization treat you? When we played there with Dark Funeral, the
organization was a joke, that's why I'm asking.

D: The Wacken-show is the coolest gig I have ever done. The paycheck
was nice with many zeroes, but god, did we blow money!! We had to pay
for so much travelling, blood, and also hotel during the rehearsal
period. Bought a backdrop and hell knows what. In the end I made
around 750 euros after taxes. But then I had taken some time off my
dayjob and also spent endless nights rehearsing the material, bought
a barytone guitar etc. etc. So and in all I didn't lose any money and
had the time of my life…Aand that was all I asked for!!

GD: I wanna start a band with you that sounds like the song "Time is
running out" by Muse. Are you up for it? Why the hell don't you and I
start a band for? We work so well together you know, and have been
for over a fucken decade.

D: Kekko ( One of Dan's many nicknames for me – The Lord ). I never
start bands with the intention to sound like another band. I start
bands that hopefully will make other people go "Hey, why don't we
start a band that sounds like Swanö's new band??". That is my goal in
life… And you should know that, being the mastermind behind maybe the
most original band in metal today!! ( Hahaha, I guess yer referring
to God Among Insects – The Lord ). Seriously, working with you is
always a blast. But looking at my schedule, we'll have to save this
project of ours until we are 50!!! Old-People-Pretto-Metal..

GD: What's the most insane thing you ever got sent to you thru
regular mail? I think I might have some ideas here…

D: We just discussed this at work today. I remember something that
used-to-be youghurt and a pair of socks. Hey, there was a shitload of
rotten stuff in that package. I will remember that day til I die. My
mother asked me what the smell was…. And I cannot remember what I
said. But I do remember that I prepared a package for you as a thanx…
And was just about to go and get you an anthill!! But I scrapped the
idea for some reason… Wow, that would have been a sight. Kekko goes
to the post-office and get a nice big green package full of angry
piss-ants!!! Boy, those were the days!!!

GD: You work in a music-store and you are a top-salesman and all.
Would you prefer just living off the music or are you chuffed with
having that job? Any chance of you taking over the place in a few
years? Can I have a discount on shit then?

D: I just got down to half-time here at the music-shop and I hope I
will never have to beg them to take me back fulltime. I have made
certain adjustments to my reality, moving to a very small "flat" and
rent a small space for my mixsuite next door. These investments will
pay off in a few years when I can have more freedom to do exactly
what I want without having to worry so much about not being able to
pay the bills. Hopefully I can spend more time writing songs and also
hang with my son and my girlfriend a bit more… That would be nice.

But at the moment I am incredibly confused. I hate changes and now my
whole life is about to change… again… as if the divorce (October
2004) wasn't enough!! But this time it's more about really finding
a "pattern" for my future work. I wish to keep a good balance between
my son, my girlfriend, my studiowork, Nightingale and my musicshop-
work. It's impossible to schedule inspiration, but I will try to plan
my life so I have a little bit of everything and try to avoid the
chaos that was my downfall some 10 years ago.

GD: "Karaboudjan"... What was all that about really?

D: Kind of a "up yours" to the other guys of Pan.Thy.Monium who
continued with that project after I left Finspång. I had hoped that
the guys would stop, but they didn't and then me and my brother put
this totally bizarre shit together as some kind of compliment. The
PTM demo they made in 1995 sounded really dull and without much of
the weirdness that made us special, so I just took all that missing
weirdness and made an EP out of it. Distorted bass-guitars from hell,
saxophones from beyond the grave and Tintin samples. Crazy enough to
make any normal person insane! Relapse loved it and released it.
There were plans about a full-lenght. I even recorded a jam-session
once that was supposed to be cut up and turned in to a full-lenght
but my drumming was too crappy, so I scrapped the idea.

GD: Why is it that you don't care about the NHL? How can someone
record metal-albums and not care about the NHL?

D: I used to like hockey when I was rwally young. But nowadays it's
not really my piece of cake.

GD: Someone wants to know yer opinion on the latest Katatonia and
Opeth-albums, and especially what you think about the productions of
them 2.

D: I love the sound of the new Opeth. Jens rules. I haven't heard the
new Katatonia album for more that a few seconds at your place and it
sounded fat. Musically I think both bands are a little too
little `pop' for my taste. There are some `happy' moments on the
Opeth album that ranks with the best stuff they ever did… With
Katatonia… I think they are a bit too depressed and heavy for my
personal taste. I like this kind of music to be more like Hoobastank
or even stuff like Disturbed.

GD: Oh, and something more about Bloodbath. What's yer plans for this
band? Are you guys going to change vocalist with each and every
album? Maybe yer taking over the vocals next time around? After that
you only need to play bass and you have done all 4 spots in the band.

D: Cool idea. A revolving line-up. I had an idea about a band full of
multi-instrumentalists that changed line up with every song. You
could easily be a part of that line up ( Up until it's time to do
vocals, then you'd have to fire me – The Lord ). It would be so cool.
After each song all the guys change place and it sounds like a new
band… I think all of us in BB hope to find this perfect vocalist and
then live happily ever after. I am not sure the other guys would love
the idea of me singing. It's a little bit `desperate' too. I love
writing a bunch of death metal hits and record them, but it's not
like my life depends on a new BB record. With a new record comes more
responsibilities for me, like promotion etc. which I have to do in
the same time I could be making money mastering or mixing albums…
Money = freedom. Freedom = Happy Dan!!!

GD: Someone wants to know a bit about Odyssey. " – Are they dissolved
or is it just `put on ice?". Wasn't that quite a good EP we did? And
seriously, isn't my track the only one that's actually good? And
would you agree that yer vocals on this one is prolly yer best ever?
You do know that we could throw together an album in like a week if
we wanted to, just you and me. I wouldn't even charge you anything
for it. Up for it?

D: I have been thinking about something like that. The problem is
that Odyssey was ahead of its time with this kind of music. Nowadays
bands end up #1 on the fucking Billboard with songs even heavier than
our stuff!! I have found a singer that I want to work with and his
voice would be sooo nice with your wicked riffings. I just don't have
the time right now. But it's defintely a possible future-thing.

GD: Why did you go with that awful keyboard-sound on "Moontower"?
Except for that thing, it's a good album, you know. Was it hard to
record it all by yourself? How much has it sold? And by the way, what
release is the biggest seller when it comes to something you are
playing on?

D: I love that keyboard-sound, that's why. How come a band can have
the same leadguitar-sound for the whole record and noone cares, and
when I have the same leadsynth-sound people have a problem?? I love
this tone. Half of the minimoog-leads should have been guitar-
melodies but I always ended up using the guidetrack (the synthlead)
instead and it sounded better and the intonation was better. I suck
at playing harmony-guitars. I loved doing "Moontower". It was a
wonderful experience. It was some kind of a psychological revenge on
the EOS thing. It's a shame it sold like 11 copies. I wish more guys
could hear it. Download it, goddamnit!!! Pr maybe buy it?

GD: You think there will be another Infestdead album?

D: Never say never. If I get a decent budget, there are more boring
things to do than putting together 40 minutes of US-style death
metal!!! If Dread was up for it, it could happen someday.

GD: "- I wanna know all about Pan.Thy.Monium and what his obsession
is/was with "Inspector Gadget". The theme frequently pops up on `Dawn
of dreams'". I might be wrong here but isn't this fan misinfomed?
Inspector Gadget? Wasn't it all Tintin? Man, that's some really weird
shit you threw together.

D: Hmm… PTM was never about Tintin. That was Karaboudjan's
little "thing". I have no idea about this Gadget-thing and what he's
talking about. I guess I have subconsciously stolen a melody line…..
Again…. I should have a panel of people that get to listen to my
songs before I even make a demo… Maybe it would help me to avoid more
embarrasing thefts…

GD: Is Edge of Sanity dead now? I bet you will throw something
together under that moniker again when the money is going down the
drain. Is Edge actually making you any money?

D: I made the guys a promise. They let me do "C2" without too much
fuzz. I want to make a "Best of EOS" album where the fans vote for
the tracks to be featured. It will be the last thing I ever do. I
have also a wish to re-record some of the EOS-classics, but not using
the EOS band name in any way. More of a Dan Swanö-thing where I re-
record some trax that suffer horribly from (often my own) production-
mistakes. Just imagine "Twilight" with a production a'la the new
Soilwork!! Heeeellloooo!!!!

GD: Some fan-question: "- I've always wanted to know how come he
didn't do the "Star One Tour" actually as the "Live On Earth DVD'"
would have ruled even more than it did had he been on it".

D: I couldn't get more time off my dayjob. I had 2 months vacation
that year and also taking time off to do the actual recording of the
SO album put me on a brutal minus with the boss. I just couldn't ask
him for any more (14 days) of free time. It would have been nice. But
watching the DVD, I felt that I did the right thing. I am not a
natural live-singer/performer. I like to hide behind something live….
And those shirts…. Wow!!!

GD: And more fan-questions… "- In fact, he has never seemed to be at
all keen on the idea of playing live anyway, so is it playing live
that he doesn't like, or is it touring and being away from home?".

D: I write music that sounds best on record. I like my music to be
multi-layered. In a PA the balance of a song can be completely
destroyed and the whole point of a song can be lost. I like playing
live with Nightingale because the guys are so good performers and
since we got the whole "keyboards from the CD's on harddisc"-thing
going, we sound really good live. We have done something around 10-15
gigs with Nightingale and most of them have been really cool. We've
been to the States, Cyprus, Germany, Holland, Motala, Norway… We do
strategic gigs. Now we are really close to booking a three show thing
in Mexico at the end of June. I hope it be a blaze of Tequila and
Sombreros!!!

GD: Can I have some more royalties from our Odyssey EP? I think I
made more of that EP than I have with everything else I have
recorded. We really should start a band together. Maybe we could
write a follow-up to "The One" and name it "The Two" ?

D: You're insane. If I ever hear from Dragan Balog again, I can ask
him… The deal with Odyssey EP was kind of cool, it's also one of the
few times I actually got some money that wasn't advance or publishing
money. It was actual royalities… That's what happens when you record
for free and have a good record deal. But most bands spend a fortune
in the studio and they are paying with the money they borrow for
their record company. And they need to sell like 15647489 copies to
get any royalities, which never happens and the band think their
label is a rip off. But most of them never went to math-class anyway…

GD: How many times have people asked if you and Dag are actually
twins? Jesus Christ, you guys look exactly the same. Who gets the
better chicks?

D: Holy smoke, Kekko… What's with you and this chick thing??? ( What
can I say, I dig chicks. And Peter Forsberg – The Lord ) I know you
have scored a few ( A few? Multiply that with at least 2… – The
Lord ) really good looking chicks in your days, but you've got the
Brad Pitt-thing going once you shave and wear a wig!!! I have had a
few major crushes in my life, but I never ended up with those girls.
For some reason I always saw the end of the "relationship" before it
even began. I saw what girlfriends did to my friends. They got to
fuck.. That's cool… But the girlfriends owned them and made their
lives miserable when they wanted to do anything but sit and home and
be cosy… I love freedom. To do what I wanna do, when I wanna do it.
So it wasn't until I met my X-wife that things really clicked on all
points. We were together for 12 years, then it all went to hell, I
met a new girl one year after the divorce and we're still together
and it feels really nice!! Sometimes me and my beloved bro look
really the same, but there's been pictures taken of us where we look
like we are from 2 different planets!!!

GD: And another fan-question: "- When he starts a new project does he
have a clear idea of what he wants it to sound like or does he just
start working on it and then see where that leads?.

D: It's often that "one little piece of music start off an avalanche
of ideas" thing, but often less than half way thru I realize that the
concept really doesn't hold up for more than a few songs, and that's
when the project either:

1. Make an EP.

2. Die.

3. Or changes into something completely different, but keep the name
in order to avoid even more confusion…A good example is Nightingale.
The idea was to make a goth-album. The day before I went into the
studio with zero minutes of suitable material, I listened to a Judas
Priest song called "Night comes down" and just out of the blue, the
first song was written and recorded for "The breathing shadow" and it
was a tribute to THAT SONG, not so much Judas Priest in general (even
though I love all their pre-"Unleashed in the east" material to
death). After that song was written and I felt it was just the gloom
I was looking for, how much goth is it?? Pretty gothless if you ask
me… Then I went berzerk on the drum-computer and started to bash out
Rosetta Stone/Sisters of Mercy-sounding material, but my heart was in
it only for a few songs, then I started to go back to my roots, which
is pomp-rock. After a while the style of Nightingale was somewhat
divided into different categories, but it all blended kind of nicely
together. So I ended up with heavy pomp-metal with touches of goth…

The whole idea with Odyssey was to make Candlemass/Memory Garden-
alike metal, tuned down and full of pomp. After the three songs I had
enough of this majestic form of music and couldn't have written more
songs in this style to save the world…

GD: Another fan-question: "- In the past he has put out albums where
he has done absolutely everything by himself, was this through choice
or out of necessity? Is it more or less difficult to do that compared
to working with others? ". Personally, I think you do better stuff
when you work with other people. But that's just me. You can slap me
now.

D: I think it's a combination. Personally I totally enjoy every
second of "Moontower" and there are very few other albums I have
done, with other guys involved, where everything is all good.
Nowadays I want other people aboard. I bring in session-musicians, or
my old friend Edwinzon, to help me from the total megalomania. I like
working with bands again now, but after the EOS-debacle, I wanted to
see if the grass was so much greener working alone, and
for "Moontower", it was. For the future stuff, one or two guys more
will never hurt. If I wanna play live, there has to be more guys you
know. Playback is not accepted in the modern metal world just yet!!

GD: And another fan wanna know this: "- Does he see Nightingale as a
band where everyone is on an equal footing, or is it "his"' band?
What are the most important contributions of the other members? How
different would "Invisible" have been if the other members weren't
there and he was doing everything by himself?"

D: Nightingale has gradually grown from being my total ego-project to
slowly becoming a band. I let my brother aboard as a producer for the
2nd album, and by the time of "I" he wrote more than half of the
material and played all the bass, some keys and some rhythm-guitars.
With "Alive Again" we were joined by Erik and Tom and from that
moment on Nightingale was even a little bit less "mine".

Erik and Tom do not write any material yet. I don't have a problem to
let them aboard as writers, but only if their material is as good as
the stuff my brother and myself knock out ( Yeah, like masterpieces
such as "The One", haha… – The Lord ). I am not so big on the "You
guys can have one song each on the album, just to let you believe you
are a part of the writing team…", that kind of stuff doesn't work for
me. I know both guys can write good stuff, both musically and
lyrically. And for the new album, Erik's written some lyrix and if we
end up short of material, I know Tom is a good composer and would
easily supply us with some stuff, but he's also one of the key
writers for Memory Garden, so I think most of his stuff ends up there.

GD: Doesn't Bathory completely fucken suck? Care to explain why
people dig this crap? I ask this becoz Bathory just came on my Winamp.

D: Not sure. I like a few Bathory-tunes. But nothing from the "Now I
sing normal"-period. I think "Enter the eternal fire" is amazing.
It's a shame I never got to work with Quorthon. I am sure we'd have
done some miraculous stuff together!!! R.I.P.

GD: I have 2 words for you: `Viking'. Man, wasn't that a great fucken
band? Shit D, we are old now.

D: Yeah!!! Viking rules!! The first album was a must-have because:

1. It got 5% (of 100%) in Metal Forces and one K in Kerrang!!

2. The snaredrum sounds like a floortom!!! There is a short Viking
tribute in "Dead but dreaming" (EOS) where Benny playa the floortom
instead of the snaredrum for a short time.. Incredibly "internal
humour!!" Then this Erikson guy totally wrecked and pussified Dark
Angel… No power to him ;(

GD: Comment on the following skanks in metal, and rate them on a
looks-scale from 1-10:

Lee Aaron: Never heard any of her stuff, but she looked hot back
them. Even did some nude stuff for OUI!! 7.

Amy Lee: I like her voice a lot. "My Immortal" is so fucking good, it
scares me!! She is good looking and stuff. 9.

Lita Ford: Yeah!! I like "Kiss me deadly" and her duet with Ozzy. She
looks hot considering her age. And she's fucked Chris Holmes from
WASP!! 8.

The Kittie-whores: Do nothing for me. 2.

The cunt from Otep: Growls like a mad hellhound. That's a bonus in a
relationship. 4.

Tarja Turunen: Zzzzzzzzzz. 2.

Leif Edling: The master of 4 note riffing! This is my tribute to
Leffe. 10 points, only based on the genius of "At The Gallows End".
Hail!

GD: Are you your own worst critic when it comes to your music or do
you tend to be happy with the end result?

D: I am incredibly picky, but I am getting better and better to let
go of things that no one will ever care about, like the levels of
breaths (!!) between words etc. But I am still picky about tuning and
intonation, and also timing. Since I got lucky with my new studio-
monitors, the mixes I do sounds better than I ever thought possible
coming from me… There will be less details bugging me at the mixing-
stages, and I hope the productions will take a little bit less time
now that I work 4 days a week with the studiostuff…

GD: How do you feel about getting bad or indifferent reviews?
After "The One" you must be pretty used to it. Haha, I rule. Forgive
me.

*D: It's weird, but it's only the really bad ones you remember, isn't
it?? I have had my share of complete beheadings in the press, but you
must try to learn not to care too much about it, then you turn into
someone trying to please reviewers across the globe, and they are all
failed musicians and their music-taste is often really really weird.
The only critics I listen to are my fans. Guys that liked my previous
stuff, independent of style.

GD: Tony Laureano has something to ask: "- Ask him if I can play
drums with a reformed Edge Of Sanity. And if he doesn't know who I
am, just lie, and tell him I'm Gene Hoglan. I'll just grow a goatee,
get some 80's biker shades, and tell him I got a perm".

D: He can reform Edge Of Sanity any day he like..I. can get a perm
again too!! But I will not be in the band though!! :)

GD: You grew up with the guys of Marduk and Abruptum. Do you talk to
these guys at all these days? Do you even care about their music?

D: Tony said hello to me thru a friend some time ago, that was nice.
He went thru some weird times I heard. I haven't spoken to him since
1995. Mogge from Marduk and I met up in Abyss Studios some years ago
when I was there to install some stuff. I think he's a little bit
like he used to be in the "good ol'days" now again. I wish he would
reform Moses!! I could get Ulan Bator back together. Dread, Benny and
Sami could knock FZ… back into shape, and we could have a Monsters Of
Punk festival!!!

GD: Can you at least tell me what number Forsberg's jersey is? And
don't you fucken cheat.

D: 1536??

GD: What's the one metal-album that changed yer life?

D: Death's "Leprosy" is the corner-turner for me. There's probably
some stuff earlier on that led onto that path, like Mercyful
Fate's "Don't break the oath" and "Melissa". Judas Priest's "`Sad
wings of destiny" and "Sin after sin", WASP's "WASP".

GD: 2 more questions, are you still with me?

D: I am with you, now at Skavsta airport typing away the time before
I fly with my son to see HIM, The Rasmus and Negative in Cologne.

GD: Is power metal the wart in the ass of music?

D: Not when it's done properly. The power metal bands that only
listen to other power metal band are horrible, but some tracks from
some of the originators are really cool stuff!!

GD: That's that. You can now thank me for being cool and for this
interview. You are a true gem, D. I love you.

D: I love you too my friend. Thanx for the taking the time with me!!

Yeah, I didn't mention it since those songs were previously released
and I have the original version.  I have both of those Dwell tribute
CD's and found them both to be good if a bit erratic in quality.
Compared to some of the other Dwell tributes (Wasp, ACDC) that had
almost all unsigned bands doing songs these 2 were very good.  The
best CD released by Dwell records was Opera IX's The Black Opera.

NP: Dawn: Slaughtersun: Crown of the Triarchy 2CD reissue.

--- In danswanofans@yahoogroups.com, "Justin Gaines" <eva_unitjg@...>
wrote:
>
> What a phenominal album. Demon of the Fall is one of the best Opeth
tracks
> ever, and a total crowd pleaser when they play it live.
>
> The reissue adds Maiden and Celtic Frost cover songs that were
previously
> only available on somewhat crappy tribute albums.
>
> Justin
>
> NP - Dream Theater: Awake
>
> http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/
>
>
>
>
>
> >From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@...>
> >Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
> >To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: Dan Swano Fan's CD of the Month: Opeth: My Arms, Your
Hearse
> >Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:43:27 -0000
> >
> >My Arms, Your Hearse, the third observation by Opeth was absorbed
by
> >the electronical devices at Fredman Studios and captured on tape by
> >Fredrik Nordstrom, Anders Friden and Opeth during August/September
> >1997.  At 52-minutes, this is the 2nd shortest album of Opeth's 8
CD
> >career.
> >
> >Prologue is nothing, some rain sound or something.  Then you get
into
> >the sweet technical death metal of April Ethereal.  April Ethereal
is
> >a clear 9-minute journey filled with plenty of power, but some
clean
> >hard rock passages mixed within, plenty of vocals and progressive
> >structure.  The same description applied to When, only this song
has
> >a true slow clean vocal harmony/acoustic break late in the song
with
> >additional clean vocals over the heavy metal base.  Madrigal is a
> >short acoustic track with some atmospheric keys in the background.
> >The Amen Corner comes in naturally powerful with great guitar work,
> >but a doomy somber sound kind of leaves it limp at times.  The fan
> >favorite Demon of the Fall arrives to take you away with its raw
> >power riffs and aggressive vocals, though there is the obligatory
> >clean vocal section late in the song.  For a preview of what Opeth
> >would do on the Damnation CD you need only hear the totally slow
and
> >melodic Credence.  You knew they would come back to metal on the
next
> >song and they deliver with Karma, which is not lacking in the
melodic
> >choruses either.  Epilogue closes out this great with atmospheric
> >heavy metal and plenty of lead guitars.
> >
> >It's kind of funny that this was the 1st Opeth album with US
> >distribution, then again Blind Guardian had to wait for their 6th
> >release to enter the US market…both bands were met with instant
> >success that has grown larger every year.
> >
> >http://www.opeth.com/
> >
> >This CD is $11 @ http://shop.relapse.com/search_results.aspx?
> >st=1&ss=opeth
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

What a phenominal album. Demon of the Fall is one of the best Opeth tracks
ever, and a total crowd pleaser when they play it live.

The reissue adds Maiden and Celtic Frost cover songs that were previously
only available on somewhat crappy tribute albums.

Justin

NP - Dream Theater: Awake

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/





>From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@...>
>Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Dan Swano Fan's CD of the Month: Opeth: My Arms, Your Hearse
>Date: Fri, 03 Feb 2006 18:43:27 -0000
>
>My Arms, Your Hearse, the third observation by Opeth was absorbed by
>the electronical devices at Fredman Studios and captured on tape by
>Fredrik Nordstrom, Anders Friden and Opeth during August/September
>1997.  At 52-minutes, this is the 2nd shortest album of Opeth's 8 CD
>career.
>
>Prologue is nothing, some rain sound or something.  Then you get into
>the sweet technical death metal of April Ethereal.  April Ethereal is
>a clear 9-minute journey filled with plenty of power, but some clean
>hard rock passages mixed within, plenty of vocals and progressive
>structure.  The same description applied to When, only this song has
>a true slow clean vocal harmony/acoustic break late in the song with
>additional clean vocals over the heavy metal base.  Madrigal is a
>short acoustic track with some atmospheric keys in the background.
>The Amen Corner comes in naturally powerful with great guitar work,
>but a doomy somber sound kind of leaves it limp at times.  The fan
>favorite Demon of the Fall arrives to take you away with its raw
>power riffs and aggressive vocals, though there is the obligatory
>clean vocal section late in the song.  For a preview of what Opeth
>would do on the Damnation CD you need only hear the totally slow and
>melodic Credence.  You knew they would come back to metal on the next
>song and they deliver with Karma, which is not lacking in the melodic
>choruses either.  Epilogue closes out this great with atmospheric
>heavy metal and plenty of lead guitars.
>
>It's kind of funny that this was the 1st Opeth album with US
>distribution, then again Blind Guardian had to wait for their 6th
>release to enter the US market…both bands were met with instant
>success that has grown larger every year.
>
>http://www.opeth.com/
>
>This CD is $11 @ http://shop.relapse.com/search_results.aspx?
>st=1&ss=opeth
>
>
>
>
>
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

My Arms, Your Hearse, the third observation by Opeth was absorbed by
the electronical devices at Fredman Studios and captured on tape by
Fredrik Nordstrom, Anders Friden and Opeth during August/September
1997.  At 52-minutes, this is the 2nd shortest album of Opeth's 8 CD
career.

Prologue is nothing, some rain sound or something.  Then you get into
the sweet technical death metal of April Ethereal.  April Ethereal is
a clear 9-minute journey filled with plenty of power, but some clean
hard rock passages mixed within, plenty of vocals and progressive
structure.  The same description applied to When, only this song has
a true slow clean vocal harmony/acoustic break late in the song with
additional clean vocals over the heavy metal base.  Madrigal is a
short acoustic track with some atmospheric keys in the background.
The Amen Corner comes in naturally powerful with great guitar work,
but a doomy somber sound kind of leaves it limp at times.  The fan
favorite Demon of the Fall arrives to take you away with its raw
power riffs and aggressive vocals, though there is the obligatory
clean vocal section late in the song.  For a preview of what Opeth
would do on the Damnation CD you need only hear the totally slow and
melodic Credence.  You knew they would come back to metal on the next
song and they deliver with Karma, which is not lacking in the melodic
choruses either.  Epilogue closes out this great with atmospheric
heavy metal and plenty of lead guitars.

It's kind of funny that this was the 1st Opeth album with US
distribution, then again Blind Guardian had to wait for their 6th
release to enter the US market…both bands were met with instant
success that has grown larger every year.

http://www.opeth.com/

This CD is $11 @ http://shop.relapse.com/search_results.aspx?
st=1&ss=opeth

No one raises their fist for metal like Wolf. Evil Star is a must-own album.

Justin

NP - Green Day: American Idiot

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/





>From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@...>
>Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Dan Swano Fan's WOLF - New Album To Be Record With Fredrik
>Nordström In June
>Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:13:42 -0000
>
>Swedish metallers WOLF have posted the following message at their
>website:
>
>"The new, and yet untitled, fourth WOLF album will be recorded with
>Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, Gothenburg, Sweden. The
>recording starts in June and should be all done and mastered sometime
>in late July or early August. More info on release dates, track list
>and album title will be published here as soon as possible."
>
>Former drummer Dale Bergkvist has issued the following studio report:
>
>"Hi ya'll! So I finally got down to the rehearsal with the guys to
>check out some of the new Wolf tracks. I have to admit it felt kind
>of weird (and a bit sad actually) not to be in the band any more,
>just to sit there and listen instead of bashing away as I am used to.
>But things got much better when they started to play. The guys played
>four of the nine tracks already written, and man what sweet stuff it
>is! I didn't get to here any vocals though as Nick (Olsson) needed to
>save his metal pipes for the final Jesus Christ Superstar shows that
>are coming up in the next few weeks. It's an intense schedule for him
>right now. But from what I have heard earlier the JCS-gig has done
>great things for his vocal skills as he sings better than ever
>before. I'm really psyched to hear him go at it full throttle in the
>studio. As you all know by now Tobbe Kellgren is the new lad behind
>the drum kit and I must say that I'm impressed. He has something that
>I always lacked - namely technique. I'm an old school drummer. I made
>it through a live set on sheer determination and luck, but Tobbe is
>way more skillful, so he has definitely added something new and
>interesting to the band and the music. I think it's going to be
>wicked good. Let's all hope for a production that lets him shine. I
>think Fredman is the place for that so I'm looking forward to the
>final result.
>
>So what about the tracks then? Well, the feeling I got was that it
>was a bit darker melodies than before, more eerie harmonies and
>complex parts that sometimes took me by surprise, but there obviously
>where some up-tempo wolfish harmonies as well. Harmonies that sounded
>better than ever. They simply knocked me over. The new tracks are a
>bit more technical than on previous albums, but with the same old
>school heavy metal intensity and groove that we all know as Wolf.
>
>The tracks will probably change some in time for the recording, but I
>have to say that something that sound this awesome without the vocals
>will for sure blow us all away with Nick howling away in better shape
>than ever. And last but not least - Tobbe uses the sweet sweet cow
>bell on one track. My heritage lives on."
>
>
>
>
>
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

Swedish metallers WOLF have posted the following message at their
website:

"The new, and yet untitled, fourth WOLF album will be recorded with
Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, Gothenburg, Sweden. The
recording starts in June and should be all done and mastered sometime
in late July or early August. More info on release dates, track list
and album title will be published here as soon as possible."

Former drummer Dale Bergkvist has issued the following studio report:

"Hi ya'll! So I finally got down to the rehearsal with the guys to
check out some of the new Wolf tracks. I have to admit it felt kind
of weird (and a bit sad actually) not to be in the band any more,
just to sit there and listen instead of bashing away as I am used to.
But things got much better when they started to play. The guys played
four of the nine tracks already written, and man what sweet stuff it
is! I didn't get to here any vocals though as Nick (Olsson) needed to
save his metal pipes for the final Jesus Christ Superstar shows that
are coming up in the next few weeks. It's an intense schedule for him
right now. But from what I have heard earlier the JCS-gig has done
great things for his vocal skills as he sings better than ever
before. I'm really psyched to hear him go at it full throttle in the
studio. As you all know by now Tobbe Kellgren is the new lad behind
the drum kit and I must say that I'm impressed. He has something that
I always lacked - namely technique. I'm an old school drummer. I made
it through a live set on sheer determination and luck, but Tobbe is
way more skillful, so he has definitely added something new and
interesting to the band and the music. I think it's going to be
wicked good. Let's all hope for a production that lets him shine. I
think Fredman is the place for that so I'm looking forward to the
final result.

So what about the tracks then? Well, the feeling I got was that it
was a bit darker melodies than before, more eerie harmonies and
complex parts that sometimes took me by surprise, but there obviously
where some up-tempo wolfish harmonies as well. Harmonies that sounded
better than ever. They simply knocked me over. The new tracks are a
bit more technical than on previous albums, but with the same old
school heavy metal intensity and groove that we all know as Wolf.

The tracks will probably change some in time for the recording, but I
have to say that something that sound this awesome without the vocals
will for sure blow us all away with Nick howling away in better shape
than ever. And last but not least - Tobbe uses the sweet sweet cow
bell on one track. My heritage lives on."

I like anything new anD exciting sounding!

--- danswanofans@yahoogroups.com wrote:

> There is 1 message in this issue.
>
> Topics in this digest:
>
>       1. matchbook romance
>            From: red hot <adultbooksx@...>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________
>
________________________________________________________________________
>
> Message: 1
>    Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:00:05 -0800 (PST)
>    From: red hot <adultbooksx@...>
> Subject: matchbook romance
>
>       Is anyone else looking forward to the new
> Matchbook Romance album Voices? It comes out on
> February 14th and I cant wait to get my hands on it!
>
>   http://epitaph.com/artists/album/462
>
>
> Moderator:
> If you're into pop/punk you might like it, not a
> Swedish band but I'll let it slide.
>
> [This message contained attachments]
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________
>
________________________________________________________________________
>
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>     danswanofans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
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http://mail.yahoo.com

German power metallers GAMMA RAY have been confirmed
for this year's installment of the Sweden Rock
Festival, set to take place June 8-10 in Sölvesborg,
Sweden. The festival billing is shaping up as follows
(in alphabetical order):

ANVIL
BLITZKRIEG
CACTUS
CATHEDRAL
CELTIC FROST
DEEP PURPLE
DORO
EASY ACTION
EVERGREY
FIREWIND
FROM BEHIND
GAMMA RAY
GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS
JADED HEART
JEFF HEALEY BAND
JOURNEY
KROKUS
LORD BELIAL
METAL CHURCH
MOLLY HATCHET
NEVERMORE
RAISE HELL
STRYPER
THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND
THE STORYTELLER
THE SWEET
VENOM
W.A.S.P.

GAMMA RAY's latest album, "Majestic", was recorded and
mixed at Hansen Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Mastering
duties were handled at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki,
Finland by Mikko Karmila and Kai Hansen. The follow-up
to 2001's "No World Order" includes 10 tracks which
represent "all of the characteristic strengths of the
band's musical career to date," the group write on
their web site.

I don't actually own this album, but have heard enough songs off it
to recommend.  So here's a review I took from http://www.metal-
observer.com

Vinterland - Welcome My Last Chapter (9,5/10) - Sweden - 1996
Genre: Black Metal
Label: No Fashion Records
Playing time: 49:40
Band homepage: Vinterland

Tracklist:
Our Dawn Of Glory
I'm An Other In The Night
So Far Beyond… (The Great Vastforest)
A Castle So Crystal Clear
As I Behold The Dying Sun
Vinterskogen
Still The Night Is Awake
A Winter Breeze
Wings Of Sorrow

VINTERLAND are a somewhat mysterious Swedish band that released this
killer album in 1996 and disappeared a short time after that, which
is really very sad. After all "Welcome My Last Chapter" offers first-
class melodic, intense Black Metal which could be described as a
mixture between DISSECTION, old NAGLFAR ("Vittra") and old DIMMU
BORGIR ("For All Tid" and "Stormblast"). As you have probably guessed
already because of this comparison, I don't mean Gothic-like or even
commercial by "melodic". DISSECTION were also relatively melodic
on "Storm Of The Light's Bane", but nevertheless you can't say this
melodic aspect was intended to cotton up to the Gothic scene, can
you? No, definitely not!

Well, but on to the music now! I can still remember well when I first
read about VINTERLAND and my interest was caught by the fact that
they had only released one single album. I instantly started
searching for samples, found some quickly and from the first second
on, I was captivated by the music that came out of the speakers. It
was so powerful, partly down right furious, but at the same time very
melancholic and always extremely intense. After the short intro
to "Our Dawn Of Glory" a true Black Metal inferno is unleashed upon
you, but with time the song gets a little slower again and you
already notice these deeply sad riffs which, together with the
amazing vocals by Jorn Bragman (also guitars and bass), create an
unbelievably moving atmosphere. This continues on the same high level
of quality on the following songs, with "So Far Beyond…" being an
piano instrumental which provides for some well-done variation amidst
the quite heavy songs. On the entire CD you can't find any bad or
even average songs, but nevertheless said "Our Dawn Of Glory" as well
as "A Castle So Crystal Clear" and "Wings Of Sorrow" stand out
slightly among the other tunes. Only really, really slightly however,
for songs like "As I Behold The Dying Sun" or "Vinterskogen" are also
masterpieces which 99% of today's Black Metal bands will never
succeed in doing.

By the way, the album was produced by Dan Swanö who also laid down
the keyboards. He did both jobs very well, so that a nice production
and the simple, but greatly designed booklet top off an almost
perfect CD. It's only sad that this will probably be the last album
ever by this fantastic band, a true loss for the scene. (Online
October 28, 2004) Dennis

Waterclime, a band with an unusual name - fitting for the rather
unusual individual who helms it. "Mr. V" or Vintersorg as he's
commonly known has founded yet another "band" to satiate his ever-
increasing interest in eclectic, experimental and avant-garde music.
Taking on the sole responsibility for production, instrumentation and
composition, Mr. V has created a most intriguing record in The Astral
Factor. Sound familiar? Well, it seems Mr. V's fervor for
astronomical phenomena and existentialism hasn't been quelled since
his previous outings in his namesake band and Borknagar, and he
reprises these themes (albeit less prominently than before) taking on
nature and art as well. Lyrically, the album is more accessible and
less complex (read: pretentious) than what his back catalog is known
for, and he primarily uses clean singing rather than his trademark
growls.

The music is extremely well produced; Mr. V's prowess in creating an
ambient "wall-of-sound" is remarkable, which compliments the mellower
tone of the album well. Based in 70's progressive rock akin to the
likes of Uriah Heep, Vintersorg blends soothing, folky guitarwork and
calming symphonic electronics including bells, mellotrons and flutes
to create a wonderous feel to the music. Vintersorg largely dispenses
with traditional song structures completely including time scales on
occasion, much akin to the work of The Devin Townsend Band circa
Terria, all of which is quite impressive from a technical
perspective. He opts more for creating textures through motive,
repetition and variation - there's scarcely a (what one could term a)
riff to be heard on this record. Vintersorg layers some brilliant,
intersecting vocal harmonies, presenting a heightened mix of intrigue
and splendor to the tracks - uncontrolled genre defiance is a key to
its success, as Vintersorg infuses some of the most vibrant jazz-
inspired passages since Opeth's Still Life into the music. The
dissonant vocals on Scarytale lend themselves towards jazz fusion and
evokes the memories of 60's and 70's prog such as Yes, Genesis or
Pink Floyd. However, with that being said, the long instrumental
passages can sometimes be tiring, but are rarely dull. It's an
inspired album, however light on crunchy, heart-pounding metal that
some might find uninteresting. Another annoyance is his over-
dependence on simulated percussion in lieu of actual drums - the flow
and sound combined can quickly become lifeless and static.
Vintersorg's reputation for penning quality music goes unrefuted yet
again - a great album that doesn't follow the rules but inexplicably
comes out on top.

Standout Tracks: Scarytale, The Astral Factor, Painting Without
Colors

Rating: 8.5 / 10
Eyeless Sentry

Man, that guy gets around. Swano still holds the record though, or maybe
Jorn Lande.

Justin

NP - Demons & Wizards: s/t

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/





>From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@...>
>Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Dan Swano Fan's Cronian, new band by Vintersorg and Oystein G Brun
>Date: Thu, 05 Jan 2006 19:06:20 -0000
>
>The production of TERRA finished!
>
>Well, after a month of intense work we are happy to announce that the
>production of TERRA is finished. The album was mixed at Waves Studios
>the weekend before Jol(Xmass). The freezing weather in the Northern
>part of Sweden made it an unforgetable memory for both of us. We had
>a great and constructive time, and hopefully that will be proven when
>our album is out in not so distant future. We are very proud of the
>result and are looking forward to unleash the album throughout the
>world!
>The album will most likely be released during the end of march, a
>more spesific date will be issued soon!
>
>The album was mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound. Mr. Swano did an
>amazing job, thanx man!
>
>1. Diode Earth
>2. Arctic Fever
>3. Cronian
>4. Iceolated
>5. Colures
>6. The Alp
>7. Nonexistence
>8. Illumine
>9. End(durance)- Part I
>
>
>We are proud to announce that CRONIAN have officially signed a
>worldwide record deal with Century Media Records. After several
>rounds of discussions we inked a 3 record deal which both parties
>feel comfortable with.
>
>CRONIAN is a duo consisting of Vintersorg and Øystein G. Brun.
>Already back in 1999 we had plans to do a project together, something
>beside respective bands like Vintersorg and Borknagar. The idea
>floated around for a few years in our minds, but in 2002 we started
>the actual process of constructing a musical expression, then under
>the name Ion. We had a mutual agreement to only proceed with the band
>if we managed to establish a unique and original sound. That's what
>we have done and that's what we prepare to show the world....
>
>The debut album will be released early next year, a more specific
>date will be announced soon. The title of the album will be "Terra"
>and the album will contain 9 songs. Some song titles
>are: "Cronian", "The Alp", "Iceolated" and "Nonexistence". The nature
>of the music is cold, atmospheric (eerie!) and catchy. So beware!
>
>At www.cronian.com you will find all the latest news and updates
>available. The site is temporary but will be upgraded with new
>design, photos, bio etc. in near future. Keep posted....
>
>Sincerely, THE CRONIANS (Vintersorg and Øystein G. Brun)
>
>
>
>
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

The production of TERRA finished!

Well, after a month of intense work we are happy to announce that the
production of TERRA is finished. The album was mixed at Waves Studios
the weekend before Jol(Xmass). The freezing weather in the Northern
part of Sweden made it an unforgetable memory for both of us. We had
a great and constructive time, and hopefully that will be proven when
our album is out in not so distant future. We are very proud of the
result and are looking forward to unleash the album throughout the
world!
The album will most likely be released during the end of march, a
more spesific date will be issued soon!

The album was mastered by Dan Swano at Unisound. Mr. Swano did an
amazing job, thanx man!

1. Diode Earth
2. Arctic Fever
3. Cronian
4. Iceolated
5. Colures
6. The Alp
7. Nonexistence
8. Illumine
9. End(durance)- Part I


We are proud to announce that CRONIAN have officially signed a
worldwide record deal with Century Media Records. After several
rounds of discussions we inked a 3 record deal which both parties
feel comfortable with.

CRONIAN is a duo consisting of Vintersorg and Øystein G. Brun.
Already back in 1999 we had plans to do a project together, something
beside respective bands like Vintersorg and Borknagar. The idea
floated around for a few years in our minds, but in 2002 we started
the actual process of constructing a musical expression, then under
the name Ion. We had a mutual agreement to only proceed with the band
if we managed to establish a unique and original sound. That's what
we have done and that's what we prepare to show the world....

The debut album will be released early next year, a more specific
date will be announced soon. The title of the album will be "Terra"
and the album will contain 9 songs. Some song titles
are: "Cronian", "The Alp", "Iceolated" and "Nonexistence". The nature
of the music is cold, atmospheric (eerie!) and catchy. So beware!

At www.cronian.com you will find all the latest news and updates
available. The site is temporary but will be upgraded with new
design, photos, bio etc. in near future. Keep posted....

Sincerely, THE CRONIANS (Vintersorg and Øystein G. Brun)

Sounds like he really went the solo route this time, doing everything
himself and not following a particular genre.  It will be interesting
to hear this album and the reviews for it too.  If I see any review,
I'll post it here.

--- In danswanofans@yahoogroups.com, "Justin Gaines"
<eva_unitjg@h...> wrote:
>
> Nice, Vintersorg rarely disappoints.
>
> Justin
>
> http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/
>
>
>
>
>
> >From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@y...>
> >Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
> >To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: Dan Swano Fan's New release by Vintersorg band called
Waterclime
> >out soon
> >Date: Wed, 04 Jan 2006 18:52:23 -0000
> >
> >"The Astral Factor" is the stunning new album from WATERCLIME, a
new
> >project led by Vintersorg main man "Mr V". Combining the very best
> >elements of traditional progressive and symphonic rock filtered
through
> >a Nordic mind with Scandinavian folk tones and at times a jazzy
ambient
> >atmosphere. The Astral Factor yields a highly individualistic sound
> >that will appeal to a wide cross section of rock fans.
> >
> >http://www.lionmusic.com/waterclime.htm
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

Nice, Vintersorg rarely disappoints.

Justin

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/MetalNation/





>From: "James B Beavan III" <thespectralsorrows@...>
>Reply-To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>To: danswanofans@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Dan Swano Fan's New release by Vintersorg band called Waterclime
>out soon
>Date: Wed, 04 Jan 2006 18:52:23 -0000
>
>"The Astral Factor" is the stunning new album from WATERCLIME, a new
>project led by Vintersorg main man "Mr V". Combining the very best
>elements of traditional progressive and symphonic rock filtered through
>a Nordic mind with Scandinavian folk tones and at times a jazzy ambient
>atmosphere. The Astral Factor yields a highly individualistic sound
>that will appeal to a wide cross section of rock fans.
>
>http://www.lionmusic.com/waterclime.htm
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

"The Astral Factor" is the stunning new album from WATERCLIME, a new
project led by Vintersorg main man "Mr V". Combining the very best
elements of traditional progressive and symphonic rock filtered through
a Nordic mind with Scandinavian folk tones and at times a jazzy ambient
atmosphere. The Astral Factor yields a highly individualistic sound
that will appeal to a wide cross section of rock fans.

http://www.lionmusic.com/waterclime.htm

MUSIC EXTREME #37
http://www.musicextreme.com
info@...
Labels and Bands send your CDs, demos, etc. for reviewing to:
Federico Marongiu/ Music Extreme
Billinghurst 2380 2-A
(C1425DTV) Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA

Hi extreme maniacs !!! We have a new issue online !!!
First of all I would like to thank everybody for the support since we
have surpased the 72.600 visits from over 90 countries in the world!!

We have just put online the new issue (number 37) at (
http://www.musicextreme.com ) . The new issue has interviews with:
Amok Vedar; Cropment, Holy Moses, Midnattsol, Nikki Puppet, Satanic
Dirge, Trepalium, Vanguard and Walpurgisnacht.

There are 100 reviews on this issue( there are a couple of reviews
that didn´t appear when I uploaded the file so tonight I will have
them ready). The reviews feature the following artists: Atritas,
Akiyama/Kahn, Amok Vedar, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Arrows lounge,
Atritas, Autumn, Balder, Bataklan, Between the Buried and Me, Black
Angel, Blue Rage, Blynd, Borgogna, Brutart, Candlemass, Carpathian
Forest, Cessation of Life, Chaos Creation, Chirleison, Coal Mine
Canary, Cold Colours, Darkest Hate Warfront, Day Six, Dead 7,
Decision to hate, Despondency, Ditchwater, Down Edge, Dream
Theater, Dusk Eternal, Entombed, Equal Vector, Ethereal Blue,
Eventide, Everglow, Evile, Fear of Dolls, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gamma
Ray, Grindnecks, Gwynn Ap Nudd, hand of Doom, In Flames, Ion
Dissonance, Jenny´s Joke, Jess Rowland, Juglans Regia, Kataklysm,
Kobold, Kreator, Kurgan´s Bane, La Mamoynia, Left IN ruin, Liholesie,
Little Dead Bertha, Lupara, Madam press, Magnus Rising, Malicious
Damage, Membrane, Nihilistkrypt, November´s Fall, Obituary, Ordained,
Paradise Lost, Pestnebel, Plaything, Profanation, Quadruple,
Rainwound, Ram-Zet, Rebellion, Revulva, Rusted Chains, Sadiztik
Impaler, Sammohan, Satanic Dirge, Sentenced, SmaXone, Sonic Pulsar,
Stonegard, Stratovarius, Stygma IV, Subliminal Crusher, Subsonic, The
absence, throne of Katharsis, To-Mera, Transcending Mortality,
Transfigural Form, Transfix, Vanitas, Vasilisk, Vixen, Voices of
Decay, Wetwork

Also on the new issues we have news about the following artists:
Zyklon, Infernum, Darkane, Threat Signal, Beyond the Embrace,
Defleshed, Holy Moses, God Among Insects, Decapitated, Vader, Razor,
Pandemia, Dissection, Melechesh and many more. And we have new
releases information about Holy Moses, Victory, Venom, Endstand,
Lifeforce Records, Crash Music, Driller Killer, Osmose Records,
Impaled Nazarene, : Daylight Dies, Katatonia, Candlelight Records and
many more.

Hi, Can't say I know you or Exene, but thanks for writing and enjoy
the group.
James

--- In danswanofans@yahoogroups.com, "lieeslo" <lieeslo@y...> wrote:
>
> Hey my names Vanes and I just wanted to say hi and all..I'm into
dark kinds of
> Paganism (Hey! Paganism and Devil oK..Love to ya..) and metal..I
love ya..I see Exene
> Cervenka's here and I don't know why I know that name..
>

Hey my names Vanes and I just wanted to say hi and all..I'm into dark kinds of
Paganism (Hey! Paganism and Devil oK..Love to ya..) and metal..I love ya..I see
Exene
Cervenka's here and I don't know why I know that name..

Hi Alina, nice to hear from you and see that someone is finally
keeping that website up to date.  Its been a long time since we got
to chat, but I'm never on yahoo IM anymore it seems.  So, I hope you
are doing well and had a good christmas, Happy New Year!

James

--- In danswanofans@yahoogroups.com, Metalspyce <metalspyce@y...>
wrote:
>
> Hahahaha glad you like the fact that I am posting news
> on Swedish Metal again!  I had to bug Fredrik for the
> password again because I was getting pissed sitting
> around waiting for him to do shit.  :)  At least I got
> him to post my Amon Amarth interview quickly, but I
> have a Symphorce interview ready for about 3 1/2 weeks
> now that I'm STILL waiting for him to post.  Having
> problems with the permissions for myself to do that.
> Still working on some bugs, so hope the rest will be
> updated soon, along with the albums reviews I have
> that I want to post.  Will have a LOT of interviews to
> post very soon as well.  :)
>
> ~Alina Michelle
>
> www.photomistress.com
> www.swedishmetal.net
>
> --- James B Beavan III <thespectralsorrows@y...>
> wrote:
>
> > Unchained taking a break - 2005-12-27
> > Swedish melodic metallers UNCHAINED have posted the
> > following message
> > on their official web site: "Our bass player Mattias
> > [Osbeck],
> > decided to leave the band due to family matters.
> > Mattias have come to
> > the point where he feels, he doesn't have the
> > necessary time to put
> > in the band to maintain and take it to the next
> > level. Also he feels
> > the band spirit now is somewhat lost since he joined
> > the band.
> > Mattias will now be focusing on his other band,
> > LOCOMOTIVE BREATH,
> > instead which recently released a new album. We
> > separate as brothers
> > and all respect to Mattias and good luck in the
> > future… "About the
> > lost band feeling… That is something all members
> > agree on. Too much
> > of everything can break most bands apart and we feel
> > no is burning
> > for this at the moment. When Mattias quit the band
> > we also lost our
> > rehearsal room and haven't been able to find
> > something suitable
> > since. None of us wants to split up the band but you
> > know — we just
> > don't do this half-hearted. Therefore UNCHAINED is
> > hibernated until
> > further notice." UNCHAINED's self-titled debut album
> > was released in
> > January 2005 via Sound Riot Records. The CD was
> > recorded at Pama
> > Studios (KARMAKANIC, THE FLOWER KINGS) in Sweden and
> > mastered at
> > Digital Fabriken (DESTINY, RAUNCHY, TRANSPORT
> > LEAGUE). Artwork was
> > handled by ProgArt (KOTIPELTO, EVERGREY, LOST
> > HORIZON).
> >
> >
> > Urban Breed no longer vocalist of Tad Morose; band
> > seeks replacement -
> >  2005-12-26
> > "As many of you already know, Urban Breed is no
> > longer in the band.
> > He has posted his thoughts about this on the Tad
> > Morose forum. I
> > can't see how he could have continued in the band
> > either. We wish him
> > all the best in the future. The recording of our
> > next album will be
> > delayed due to this, but we are looking for a new
> > singer and we got
> > some interesting names already. We will start the
> > audition after the
> > holidays. If you think you are the right person,
> > drop us an email
> > (tadmorose@h...)and we'll take it from there.
> > Heavy X-mas and
> > a Metal New Year to all of you!" Cheers! Krunt
> >
> >
> > Nightrage writing next album with new vocalist -
> > 2005-12-23
> > Swedish/Greek melodic death metallers NIGHTRAGE have
> > commenced the
> > songwriting sessions for their as-yet-untitled third
> > album,
> > tentatively due next year via Century Media Records.
> > Songtitles set
> > to appear on the CD include "Drone", "Ostentatious
> > Behaviour", "A
> > Condemned Club" and "De-Fame". NIGHTRAGE parted ways
> > with vocalist
> > Tomas Lindberg (ex-AT THE GATES, THE CROWN) in July
> > 2005 due to
> > scheduling conflicts. Replacing Lindberg on the
> > microphone is Jimmie
> > Strimell. NIGHTRAGE's sophomore album, "Descent Into
> > Chaos", was
> > released earlier this year via Century Media
> > Records. The follow-up
> > to 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" was mixed at Studio
> > Fredman in
> > Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Patrik J. Sten and
> > was mastered at
> > Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm with Peter in de
> > Betou.
> >
> >
> > Morgana Lefay update on guitarist's condition, video
> > shoot - 2005-12-
> > 23
> > We just wanted to give a short update on Peter's
> > condition. He
> > suffered an inflamed appendix and had to get it
> > removed ASAP. The
> > surgery went fine and he's at home now recovering
> > nicely. The video
> > shoot next week will go ahead as planned. Peter and
> > the rest of us
> > want to thank everybody for their concern about him
> > and we wish You
> > all some very happy holidays! /Morgana Lefay
> >
> >
> > Europe on Swedish Music DVD chart #9 - cancel Bang
> > Your Head
> > appearance - 2005-12-21
> > Reactivated Swedish hard rockers EUROPE entered the
> > Swedish Music DVD
> > chat at position No. 9 last week and moved up to No.
> > 3 this week with
> > their live DVD, entitled "Live from the Dark". The
> > two-disc set
> > features the group's November 15, 2004 concert at
> > the Hammersmith
> > Apollo in London, England along with video clips,
> > interviews, band
> > information and a section called "Taxi Diaries." As
> > previously
> > reported, Music Video Distributors and Talent Trust
> > have announced a
> > February 21, 2006 U.S. release date for "Live from
> > the Dark". A
> > special-edition version of "Live from the Dark" will
> > come with a
> > bonus CD — the group's most recent studio album,
> > "Start from the
> > Dark", which was originally released in the U.S. via
> > Friday Music,
> > Inc. The group's first collection of new material
> > since
> > 1991's "Prisoners In Paradise", "Start from the
> > Dark" was produced by
> > Kevin Elson, who had previously worked with EUROPE
> > on their multi-
> > platinum 1986 release, "Final Countdown". EUROPE
> > have cancelled their
> > previously announced appearance at next year's
> > installment of the
> > Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June
> > 23-24, 2006 in
> > Balingen, Germany. According to reports, EUROPE will
> > be spend next
> > summer in the studio recording their follow-up to
> > 2004's "Start from
> > the Dark" and will therefore be uanble to perform
> > any gigs during
> > this period.
> >
> >
> >
> > Cloudscape new album, projects announced -
> > 2005-12-22
> > Swedish metallers CLOUDSCAPE have set "Crimson
> > Skies" as the title of
> > their sophomore album, tentatively due in Europe in
> > June 2006 via
> > Metal Heaven. A spring 2006 Asian release via
> > Marquee/Avalon is
> > expected. Artwork will be handled by Mattias Norén.
> > CLOUDSCAPE will
> > enter RoastingHouse studio in Malmö, Sweden on
> > December 26 with
> > producers Anders "Theo" Theander and Pontus Lindmark
> > to begin
> > recording the new CD. According to a posting on the
> > band's web site,
> > the album "will be a bit more melodic and sometimes
> > a bit proggier
> > compared to the debut." As previously reported,
> > CLOUDSCAPE frontman
> > Mike Andersson has finished pre-production on seven
> > songs that will
> > be included on the Swiss project-band SILENT
> > MEMORIAL's second album.
> > The vocals for this album will be recorded at
> > RoastingHouse during
> > the first week of February. SILENT MEMORIAL released
> > their debut
> > album in 1998 in Asia with Thomas Vikstrom
> > (STORMWIND, BRAZEN ABBOT,
> > ex-CANDLEMASS) on vocals. Mike is also handling the
> > lead vocals on
> > one song on the Dutch guitarist Marcel Coenen's (SUN
> > CAGED)
> > forthcoming solo album, entitled "Colour Journey",
> > which is expected
> > in Europe in late January 2006. A release party for
> > this album will
> > be held in Weert, The Netherlands on January 28,
> > 2006 where all
> > musicians involved in the album will appear live on
> > stage. This will
> > be the one and only chance to hear Marcel Coenen's
> > solo album live.
> >
> >
> === message truncated ===
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Yahoo! for Good - Make a difference this year.
> http://brand.yahoo.com/cybergivingweek2005/
>

Hahahaha glad you like the fact that I am posting news
on Swedish Metal again!  I had to bug Fredrik for the
password again because I was getting pissed sitting
around waiting for him to do shit.  :)  At least I got
him to post my Amon Amarth interview quickly, but I
have a Symphorce interview ready for about 3 1/2 weeks
now that I'm STILL waiting for him to post.  Having
problems with the permissions for myself to do that.
Still working on some bugs, so hope the rest will be
updated soon, along with the albums reviews I have
that I want to post.  Will have a LOT of interviews to
post very soon as well.  :)

~Alina Michelle

www.photomistress.com
www.swedishmetal.net

--- James B Beavan III <thespectralsorrows@...>
wrote:

> Unchained taking a break - 2005-12-27
> Swedish melodic metallers UNCHAINED have posted the
> following message
> on their official web site: "Our bass player Mattias
> [Osbeck],
> decided to leave the band due to family matters.
> Mattias have come to
> the point where he feels, he doesn't have the
> necessary time to put
> in the band to maintain and take it to the next
> level. Also he feels
> the band spirit now is somewhat lost since he joined
> the band.
> Mattias will now be focusing on his other band,
> LOCOMOTIVE BREATH,
> instead which recently released a new album. We
> separate as brothers
> and all respect to Mattias and good luck in the
> future… "About the
> lost band feeling… That is something all members
> agree on. Too much
> of everything can break most bands apart and we feel
> no is burning
> for this at the moment. When Mattias quit the band
> we also lost our
> rehearsal room and haven't been able to find
> something suitable
> since. None of us wants to split up the band but you
> know — we just
> don't do this half-hearted. Therefore UNCHAINED is
> hibernated until
> further notice." UNCHAINED's self-titled debut album
> was released in
> January 2005 via Sound Riot Records. The CD was
> recorded at Pama
> Studios (KARMAKANIC, THE FLOWER KINGS) in Sweden and
> mastered at
> Digital Fabriken (DESTINY, RAUNCHY, TRANSPORT
> LEAGUE). Artwork was
> handled by ProgArt (KOTIPELTO, EVERGREY, LOST
> HORIZON).
>
>
> Urban Breed no longer vocalist of Tad Morose; band
> seeks replacement -
>  2005-12-26
> "As many of you already know, Urban Breed is no
> longer in the band.
> He has posted his thoughts about this on the Tad
> Morose forum. I
> can't see how he could have continued in the band
> either. We wish him
> all the best in the future. The recording of our
> next album will be
> delayed due to this, but we are looking for a new
> singer and we got
> some interesting names already. We will start the
> audition after the
> holidays. If you think you are the right person,
> drop us an email
> (tadmorose@...)and we'll take it from there.
> Heavy X-mas and
> a Metal New Year to all of you!" Cheers! Krunt
>
>
> Nightrage writing next album with new vocalist -
> 2005-12-23
> Swedish/Greek melodic death metallers NIGHTRAGE have
> commenced the
> songwriting sessions for their as-yet-untitled third
> album,
> tentatively due next year via Century Media Records.
> Songtitles set
> to appear on the CD include "Drone", "Ostentatious
> Behaviour", "A
> Condemned Club" and "De-Fame". NIGHTRAGE parted ways
> with vocalist
> Tomas Lindberg (ex-AT THE GATES, THE CROWN) in July
> 2005 due to
> scheduling conflicts. Replacing Lindberg on the
> microphone is Jimmie
> Strimell. NIGHTRAGE's sophomore album, "Descent Into
> Chaos", was
> released earlier this year via Century Media
> Records. The follow-up
> to 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" was mixed at Studio
> Fredman in
> Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Patrik J. Sten and
> was mastered at
> Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm with Peter in de
> Betou.
>
>
> Morgana Lefay update on guitarist's condition, video
> shoot - 2005-12-
> 23
> We just wanted to give a short update on Peter's
> condition. He
> suffered an inflamed appendix and had to get it
> removed ASAP. The
> surgery went fine and he's at home now recovering
> nicely. The video
> shoot next week will go ahead as planned. Peter and
> the rest of us
> want to thank everybody for their concern about him
> and we wish You
> all some very happy holidays! /Morgana Lefay
>
>
> Europe on Swedish Music DVD chart #9 - cancel Bang
> Your Head
> appearance - 2005-12-21
> Reactivated Swedish hard rockers EUROPE entered the
> Swedish Music DVD
> chat at position No. 9 last week and moved up to No.
> 3 this week with
> their live DVD, entitled "Live from the Dark". The
> two-disc set
> features the group's November 15, 2004 concert at
> the Hammersmith
> Apollo in London, England along with video clips,
> interviews, band
> information and a section called "Taxi Diaries." As
> previously
> reported, Music Video Distributors and Talent Trust
> have announced a
> February 21, 2006 U.S. release date for "Live from
> the Dark". A
> special-edition version of "Live from the Dark" will
> come with a
> bonus CD — the group's most recent studio album,
> "Start from the
> Dark", which was originally released in the U.S. via
> Friday Music,
> Inc. The group's first collection of new material
> since
> 1991's "Prisoners In Paradise", "Start from the
> Dark" was produced by
> Kevin Elson, who had previously worked with EUROPE
> on their multi-
> platinum 1986 release, "Final Countdown". EUROPE
> have cancelled their
> previously announced appearance at next year's
> installment of the
> Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June
> 23-24, 2006 in
> Balingen, Germany. According to reports, EUROPE will
> be spend next
> summer in the studio recording their follow-up to
> 2004's "Start from
> the Dark" and will therefore be uanble to perform
> any gigs during
> this period.
>
>
>
> Cloudscape new album, projects announced -
> 2005-12-22
> Swedish metallers CLOUDSCAPE have set "Crimson
> Skies" as the title of
> their sophomore album, tentatively due in Europe in
> June 2006 via
> Metal Heaven. A spring 2006 Asian release via
> Marquee/Avalon is
> expected. Artwork will be handled by Mattias Norén.
> CLOUDSCAPE will
> enter RoastingHouse studio in Malmö, Sweden on
> December 26 with
> producers Anders "Theo" Theander and Pontus Lindmark
> to begin
> recording the new CD. According to a posting on the
> band's web site,
> the album "will be a bit more melodic and sometimes
> a bit proggier
> compared to the debut." As previously reported,
> CLOUDSCAPE frontman
> Mike Andersson has finished pre-production on seven
> songs that will
> be included on the Swiss project-band SILENT
> MEMORIAL's second album.
> The vocals for this album will be recorded at
> RoastingHouse during
> the first week of February. SILENT MEMORIAL released
> their debut
> album in 1998 in Asia with Thomas Vikstrom
> (STORMWIND, BRAZEN ABBOT,
> ex-CANDLEMASS) on vocals. Mike is also handling the
> lead vocals on
> one song on the Dutch guitarist Marcel Coenen's (SUN
> CAGED)
> forthcoming solo album, entitled "Colour Journey",
> which is expected
> in Europe in late January 2006. A release party for
> this album will
> be held in Weert, The Netherlands on January 28,
> 2006 where all
> musicians involved in the album will appear live on
> stage. This will
> be the one and only chance to hear Marcel Coenen's
> solo album live.
>
>
=== message truncated ===





__________________________________
Yahoo! for Good - Make a difference this year.
http://brand.yahoo.com/cybergivingweek2005/

Unchained taking a break - 2005-12-27
Swedish melodic metallers UNCHAINED have posted the following message
on their official web site: "Our bass player Mattias [Osbeck],
decided to leave the band due to family matters. Mattias have come to
the point where he feels, he doesn't have the necessary time to put
in the band to maintain and take it to the next level. Also he feels
the band spirit now is somewhat lost since he joined the band.
Mattias will now be focusing on his other band, LOCOMOTIVE BREATH,
instead which recently released a new album. We separate as brothers
and all respect to Mattias and good luck in the future… "About the
lost band feeling… That is something all members agree on. Too much
of everything can break most bands apart and we feel no is burning
for this at the moment. When Mattias quit the band we also lost our
rehearsal room and haven't been able to find something suitable
since. None of us wants to split up the band but you know — we just
don't do this half-hearted. Therefore UNCHAINED is hibernated until
further notice." UNCHAINED's self-titled debut album was released in
January 2005 via Sound Riot Records. The CD was recorded at Pama
Studios (KARMAKANIC, THE FLOWER KINGS) in Sweden and mastered at
Digital Fabriken (DESTINY, RAUNCHY, TRANSPORT LEAGUE). Artwork was
handled by ProgArt (KOTIPELTO, EVERGREY, LOST HORIZON).


Urban Breed no longer vocalist of Tad Morose; band seeks replacement -
  2005-12-26
"As many of you already know, Urban Breed is no longer in the band.
He has posted his thoughts about this on the Tad Morose forum. I
can't see how he could have continued in the band either. We wish him
all the best in the future. The recording of our next album will be
delayed due to this, but we are looking for a new singer and we got
some interesting names already. We will start the audition after the
holidays. If you think you are the right person, drop us an email
(tadmorose@...)and we'll take it from there. Heavy X-mas and
a Metal New Year to all of you!" Cheers! Krunt


Nightrage writing next album with new vocalist - 2005-12-23
Swedish/Greek melodic death metallers NIGHTRAGE have commenced the
songwriting sessions for their as-yet-untitled third album,
tentatively due next year via Century Media Records. Songtitles set
to appear on the CD include "Drone", "Ostentatious Behaviour", "A
Condemned Club" and "De-Fame". NIGHTRAGE parted ways with vocalist
Tomas Lindberg (ex-AT THE GATES, THE CROWN) in July 2005 due to
scheduling conflicts. Replacing Lindberg on the microphone is Jimmie
Strimell. NIGHTRAGE's sophomore album, "Descent Into Chaos", was
released earlier this year via Century Media Records. The follow-up
to 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" was mixed at Studio Fredman in
Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Patrik J. Sten and was mastered at
Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm with Peter in de Betou.


Morgana Lefay update on guitarist's condition, video shoot - 2005-12-
23
We just wanted to give a short update on Peter's condition. He
suffered an inflamed appendix and had to get it removed ASAP. The
surgery went fine and he's at home now recovering nicely. The video
shoot next week will go ahead as planned. Peter and the rest of us
want to thank everybody for their concern about him and we wish You
all some very happy holidays! /Morgana Lefay


Europe on Swedish Music DVD chart #9 - cancel Bang Your Head
appearance - 2005-12-21
Reactivated Swedish hard rockers EUROPE entered the Swedish Music DVD
chat at position No. 9 last week and moved up to No. 3 this week with
their live DVD, entitled "Live from the Dark". The two-disc set
features the group's November 15, 2004 concert at the Hammersmith
Apollo in London, England along with video clips, interviews, band
information and a section called "Taxi Diaries." As previously
reported, Music Video Distributors and Talent Trust have announced a
February 21, 2006 U.S. release date for "Live from the Dark". A
special-edition version of "Live from the Dark" will come with a
bonus CD — the group's most recent studio album, "Start from the
Dark", which was originally released in the U.S. via Friday Music,
Inc. The group's first collection of new material since
1991's "Prisoners In Paradise", "Start from the Dark" was produced by
Kevin Elson, who had previously worked with EUROPE on their multi-
platinum 1986 release, "Final Countdown". EUROPE have cancelled their
previously announced appearance at next year's installment of the
Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June 23-24, 2006 in
Balingen, Germany. According to reports, EUROPE will be spend next
summer in the studio recording their follow-up to 2004's "Start from
the Dark" and will therefore be uanble to perform any gigs during
this period.



Cloudscape new album, projects announced - 2005-12-22
Swedish metallers CLOUDSCAPE have set "Crimson Skies" as the title of
their sophomore album, tentatively due in Europe in June 2006 via
Metal Heaven. A spring 2006 Asian release via Marquee/Avalon is
expected. Artwork will be handled by Mattias Norén. CLOUDSCAPE will
enter RoastingHouse studio in Malmö, Sweden on December 26 with
producers Anders "Theo" Theander and Pontus Lindmark to begin
recording the new CD. According to a posting on the band's web site,
the album "will be a bit more melodic and sometimes a bit proggier
compared to the debut." As previously reported, CLOUDSCAPE frontman
Mike Andersson has finished pre-production on seven songs that will
be included on the Swiss project-band SILENT MEMORIAL's second album.
The vocals for this album will be recorded at RoastingHouse during
the first week of February. SILENT MEMORIAL released their debut
album in 1998 in Asia with Thomas Vikstrom (STORMWIND, BRAZEN ABBOT,
ex-CANDLEMASS) on vocals. Mike is also handling the lead vocals on
one song on the Dutch guitarist Marcel Coenen's (SUN CAGED)
forthcoming solo album, entitled "Colour Journey", which is expected
in Europe in late January 2006. A release party for this album will
be held in Weert, The Netherlands on January 28, 2006 where all
musicians involved in the album will appear live on stage. This will
be the one and only chance to hear Marcel Coenen's solo album live.



Entombed recording new cd "Serpent Saint" - 2005-12-15
ENTOMBED have entered Soundland studio in Upplands Väsby, Sweden to
begin recording their new album, "Serpent Saints", due on June 6,
2006 via Threeman Recordings. The upcoming CD will be the group's
first without the contributions of guitarist Uffe Cederlund, who left
the band in September. ENTOMBED guitarist Alex Hellid has issued the
following report on the progress of the recording sessions for the
new CD: "Friday, December 9, 2005: I get to the studio a little
before 2 pm. Pete [Stjärnvind, drums] and Nico [Elgstrand, bass] are
already there and I hand over the new hard drive and keypad (Nico
poured a cup of the in keypad he had and it stopped working). I pick
up the V and warm up while Nico is setting up the new drive and
formatting it, which takes longer than we thought. Pete is ready and
anxious to start hitting some drums. Finally we have a green light
and start playing. Things go a lot better today and we do a couple of
takes one of the songs from yesterday and it feels like we are
getting somewhere. Next Pete wants to have another go at a song
(working title: 'Carnage') that me and Nico feel is already 'in the
can,' but why not… I go listen to the demo a couple of times, it's an
old-school fast NIHILIST-type thing, and we play the song four or
five times. It sounds good but I don't know that it's better than
what we already have. "Nico and I try out a few different guitar amp
and cabinets after Pete leaves but I'm really tired after a rather
long week decide to call it a day a little after 7 pm. Short day
today but it is Friday. Nico stays to listen to the days work and see
what we got. "Monday, December 12, 2005: Another Monday starts off
week four. I pick two Marshall speaker cabinets from our practice
room and head out to the studio at 1 pm. Nico is already out there.
When Pete gets there a little later we start listening to the demo of
the track we decide to have a go at today, so far it's called 'Amok'.
We run through it a couple of times but Pete is really tired and
don't like what he hears when we listen back. We decide he should
take tomorrow off and just recharge his batteries. There's lots of
other things to do so that's OK, but we start to feel the pressure of
the upcoming crucifixion celebration and we want to have done as much
as possible of the drums by then. "I leave the studio at 8 pm. Nico
stays." "Tuesday, December 13, 2005: Only Nico and I at the studio
today. We go over the arrangements for the songs we haven't recorded
yet. Try a few edits here and there to see what works and what
doesn't. "We need to get drums done. We count to six days before the
holiday break and we want all drums and some guitars done by
then! "Next we try out amp heads with different speaker cabs and
can't find anything that we like. We move the cabs around and box
them in and move them to the concrete room behind the drums to see
what that sounds like. Nothing feels good and we plug straight into
the computer and play around with the Amplitube plug in. Then we
listen to some old albums to get some reference. Want a sound better
than any other album we done but nothing too complicated. I would be
most happy if straight into one of the 800 Marshalls would do the
trick. "Brought my Gibson Melody Maker today, mostly play it acoustic
on the couch at home but it's got a real nice tone and I want to use
it for something, but we quickly find out that it's not the mail
rhythm guitar. Think I'll bring an old SG tomorrow and see if it can
compete with the Les Paul and the V (that Nico hates — naturally, I
play it as much as I can) for some rhythm tracks. "At 8.10 pm we
leave the studio and race back into town."


Destiny seeks new guitarist - 2005-12-18
Bassist Stefan Björnshög of the long-running Swedish metallers
DESTINY has issued the following update: "Unfortunately, our good
friend Janne Ekberg has left DESTINY. He has started his own business
and has decided to focus on that and his family. Janne will be missed
but we respect his decision. We thank him for his four years in the
band and we wish him the best of luck in the future. Janne played
guitar on 'Future of the Past' and 'Beyond All Sense 2005'. "Now the
good news. Most of the music for the next DESTINY album 'Cold Fire'
is written. The plan is to start rehearsing the songs as soon as we
have found a replacement for Janne. We hope to start recording the
new album in DRS in late January/early February and the aim is set
for a late spring release. "At the moment Birger is ill but as soon
as he is well enough to play the drums again we will try out a
guitarist that we hope will work out. Still, other guitarists that
are interested in the position can contact DESTINY through
avn@...." DESTINY's most recent release was the "Beyond
All Sense 2005" CD, a re-recorded version of DESTINY's debut album
(originally issued in 1985). The band earlier in the year announced
the addition of guitarist Michael Åberg (NOSTRADAMEUS) to the group's
ranks.


News from Angel Blake, new band featuring The Crown guitarist Marko -
2005-12-18
17/12 -2005 Album track listing revealed! I`m in the middle of the
mix now. It should be all done in the next couple of days..
Everything is going well. The sound is massive and I`m happy how
everything is turning out. Here´s the track list: Angel Blake "Angel
Blake" 1. The Force 2. Lycanthrope 3. Retaliate 4. Self-terminate 5.
Solitude, my friend 6. Autumnal 7. The Forsaken 8. Thousand Storms 9.
Paint it black 10. ...´til the end More details coming up soon: Audio
samples, artwork, release-date, line-up etc etc..... You can visit
the band at www.angelblake.com



Amon Amarth checks in after US tour - 2005-12-20
Well, the US tour is over for this time. We've had a fucking great
time during these six weeks, and we'd like to thank Children of Bodom
and their crew for a fantastic tour. Thanks also to Trivium with
crew, and good luck on the In Flames tour. Last but not least, thanks
to all you fans - old and new - who came to the shows and made every
one of them a magical experiense! Special thanks to those of you who
bought us beers and booze. We truely appreciate it, and we hope to
see you all next time around! The plan now is to take a couple of
weeks off, before we start working on the new album in January. The
recording is scheduled for May/June this year. We wish you all the
best for the end of this year, and a great 2006! Cheers!



Speed from Soilwork working on new Disarmonia Mundi album - 2005-12-
19
Dear Soilworkers! I wanna thank everybody for their strong support
and their faith in the band. You guys always stay with us through
thick and thin, this makes me and the band confident and eager once
again to show the world that we will kick ass like never before! On
the behalf of Peter i can say that you guys gave him such a strong
support and many kind words of encouragement to be able to proceed
with his "new life". He will never forget those words, i can tell you
that..THANK YOU! Right now i'm down in Italy to record the second
Disarmonia Mundi album. I've just finished the vocals and will return
home to Sweden tomorrow. I've got a lot of positive response about
the first Mundi album and i can assure you that the second one will
not make you disappointed.. Man, this year has been the busiest year
in my life, so many months on the road with Soilwork and then
recording 3 albums in between.. I think i need a break to recharge
the batteries.. I wanna take the time to thank all the people for
coming out to the shows and the people who hung out with us during
the tours.. This year will for sure not be forgotten.. Talk to ya
soon.. Peace, Speed

MUSIC EXTREME #37
http://www.musicextreme.com
info@...
Labels and Bands send your CDs, demos, etc. for reviewing to:
Federico Marongiu/ Music Extreme
Billinghurst 2380 2-A
(C1425DTV) Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA

Hi extreme maniacs !!! We have a new issue online !!!
First of all I would like to thank everybody for the support since we
have surpased the 72.600 visits from over 90 countries in the world!!

We have just put online the new issue (number 37) at (
http://www.musicextreme.com ) . The new issue has interviews with:
Amok Vedar; Cropment, Holy Moses, Midnattsol, Nikki Puppet, Satanic
Dirge, Trepalium, Vanguard and Walpurgisnacht.

There are 100 reviews on this issue( there are a couple of reviews
that didn´t appear when I uploaded the file so tonight I will have
them ready). The reviews feature the following artists: Atritas,
Akiyama/Kahn, Amok Vedar, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Arrows lounge,
Atritas, Autumn, Balder, Bataklan, Between the Buried and Me, Black
Angel, Blue Rage, Blynd, Borgogna, Brutart, Candlemass, Carpathian
Forest, Cessation of Life, Chaos Creation, Chirleison, Coal Mine
Canary, Cold Colours, Darkest Hate Warfront, Day Six, Dead 7,
Decision to hate, Despondency,  Ditchwater, Down Edge,  Dream
Theater, Dusk Eternal, Entombed, Equal Vector, Ethereal Blue,
Eventide, Everglow, Evile, Fear of Dolls, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gamma
Ray, Grindnecks, Gwynn Ap Nudd, hand of Doom, In Flames, Ion
Dissonance, Jenny´s Joke, Jess Rowland, Juglans Regia, Kataklysm,
Kobold, Kreator, Kurgan´s Bane, La Mamoynia, Left IN ruin, Liholesie,
Little Dead Bertha, Lupara, Madam press, Magnus Rising, Malicious
Damage, Membrane, Nihilistkrypt, November´s Fall, Obituary, Ordained,
Paradise Lost, Pestnebel, Plaything, Profanation, Quadruple,
Rainwound, Ram-Zet, Rebellion, Revulva, Rusted Chains, Sadiztik
Impaler,   Sammohan, Satanic Dirge, Sentenced, SmaXone, Sonic Pulsar,
Stonegard, Stratovarius, Stygma IV, Subliminal Crusher, Subsonic, The
absence, throne of Katharsis, To-Mera, Transcending Mortality,
Transfigural Form, Transfix, Vanitas, Vasilisk, Vixen, Voices of
Decay, Wetwork

Also on the new issues we have news about the following artists:
Zyklon, Infernum, Darkane, Threat Signal, Beyond the Embrace,
Defleshed, Holy Moses, God Among Insects, Decapitated, Vader, Razor,
Pandemia, Dissection, Melechesh and many more. And we have new
releases information about Holy Moses, Victory, Venom, Endstand,
Lifeforce Records, Crash Music, Driller Killer, Osmose Records,
Impaled Nazarene, : Daylight Dies, Katatonia, Candlelight Records and
many more.

http://www.msuicextreme.com

info@...

September 23, 2005 -- AUDITION FOR NEW SINGER
Bloodbath is looking for a new singer that will equal or outdo the
two former singers, yes you read that right, so (hint hint), some of
you might wanna stop reading here already. Anyways, we're certain a
new death metal god is lurking out there as even Mike Åkerfeldt and
Peter Tägtgren started out somewhere, being unknown and raw talent.
We got a number of very strict rules and high demands and if you dont
qualify all of these, then please dont bother applying, thank you
very much.

RULES FOR APPLYING

1. Your vocals must be brutal but clear with essential articulation
(we'll be judging harshly).

2. The mp3 of your vocals you want us to listen to can be whatever
you like, but you MUST also be ready to perform a bloodbath song upon
our request.

3. All various kinds of earlier experience is taken into
consideration, but not a demand.

4. The level of ambition, passion and hunger for performing this kind
of metal must be at 100%.

5. Keep in mind we're looking for a new frontman, someone able to
work a large audience with charisma and skill. Hesitations? Then
please step aside.

6. You must be able and willing to commit to touring.

7. Your age is 20+ years old.

We can not guarantee a reply, but will consider and check all mails.
Bare in mind, at the same time this audition is running, we're also
actively searching among a few well known and not well known names on
our own, so the outcome is pending.

Do not contact us before reading the rules.
Do NOT e-mail us mp3s. You must send a link to an mp3 hosted on your
server.

APPLY
blood@... subject=BLOODBATH vocalist application


August 9th , 2005 -- Wacken Open Air: The Bloodbath Report!
Monday, August 1

Rehearsals are about to begin. Jonas and I got up disgustingly early
at 6 am (puke!) and took a train down where Axe lives - Linköping, a
town located 2 hours away from Stockholm. We met up with Dan fukkin
Swanö at the train station who arrived in a rental car with all the
Bloodbath gear. Checked into the hotel we were supposed to stay for 3
days and drove away to pick up Axe. Our drummer told us he'd been
suffering from a stomach disorder and been plagued with fever and
puked for the last two days, so we feared he'd be in a bad shape for
the very demanding and intense rehearsals. We packed up the gear and
as soon you heard the familiar buzz saw tone of the "Sunlight-
Entombed" guitar sound it was time to drill.

This was the first time ever in Bloodbath's history to rehearse as a
band in the same room!!! Even though Mike hadn't arrived yet, the
instrumental version of the songs really kikked azz and we knew this
was gonna be a pure fukkin death metal BOMB! We jammed through half
of the set over and over and some bloody 10 hours later decided to
call it quits for day one. Axe had shown no sign of weakness and was
playing perfect. Every little drum detail you could hear on the album
was reproduced, so it's fair to say Axe is one ambitious motherfukker!

I and Swanö agreed it's often a wise thing to chill down and let your
mind think about something else after having long intense sessions of
rehearsals, studio work, or whatever, so we went for a cold beer. On
our way to a bar we saw a hedgehog try running across the main
street. As a heavy bus drove straight over it, we noticed it had
survived unharmed, so being the gentlemen of death metal we decided
to give it the second chance rescue. Karma!

Tuesday, August 2

Another day of pure DEATH! Got up and went for breakfast at McDonalds
at 10 am. Today was the time for jamming through the rest of the set.
We scratched down a play list of 13 songs total and went aggressively
into another 10 hour session. The songs sounded real good by now and
were so much fun to play that you just couldn't help head banging and
shit. Now, when was the last time a rehearsal was that much fun?
1993?!? There's a lot of tremolo picking in death metal and neither I
nor Swanö had really been doing this actively for a while, so you
could feel the strain and Jonas who hadn't stood straight up with a
bass on him for ages got his finger tops pretty blistered – The labor
for the art of DEATH!

So day two's session was over and it was yet again time to grace
yourself with the soothing cold beer – a good way of letting the hard
work at learning the songs sink in as they're still in your "ram
memory" and needs to be initialized in your internal hard drive. We
met up with Axe and his friends and hit Linköping's one and only
rock/metal club called "The Rock".

Apparently a Tuesday in this town is a city of the dead without
rockers, so we were the only people there. However, the club was
great and the DJ had an amazing collection of songs and you could
wish for pretty much anything you wanted and they had it! I suspected
they were wired online to Direct Connect or something hahah!
The "lets have one beer" thing turned into plural and we got pretty
hammered. Neither one of us hit the hotel bed before 4 am.

Wednesday, August 3

Rehearsals are wrapping up. Swanö woke us up around 10 am and we went
for breakfast with Axe at McDonalds again.

Went back to the complex of corridors the practice place was at,
cranked the volume and played through the entire set one round before
it was time to pick up Mike at the train station. The hardworking
Opeth mastermind had been touring nonstop in the US for over a month
and had just been home a few hours before we dragged his ass down to
Linköping, jetlagged and tired, but still proving to be the good old
Mike we love. Grabbed some lunch and sat around chatting about
Opeth's US tour, then went to go grab some props for the stage show
as we'd decided to play a little with the band name and do it
symbolical justice. Back at the rehearsals, everything was tight and
solid by now and hearing the vocals really convinced us how
unbelievably cool this set was gonna be.


Mike knew most of the songs from before and had practiced the
Tägtgren songs while on tour, so we decided this was as good as it
gets. The clock was running late, so we loaded the gear into the car
and went for some greasy meals at Max hamburgers and crashed at the
hotel.

Thursday, August 4

Leaving for Wacken open air. Same procedure again, up and left at 10
am and had breakfast at… yeah you know where… We hooked up with our
crew David (the sound engineer), Sodomizer (the guitar/bass tech) and
Martin (the camera guy) at the airport.

The flight was delayed so we decided to chill at the bar with the
arsenal of Jägermeister with redbull, Whiskey with coke, you name it.
Stockholm – Lübeck was only one hour in the air, so we got to Germany
in no time. Got our asses on a shuttle (that ironically took way
longer than the flight) and ventured through well familiar sceneries
of Germany towards the hotel.

Once there, we were told we were still like one hour's ride away from
Wacken and there was no guarantee we would get a lift back home
again, plus the fact that we had a pretty early show and a lot of
press to do in the morning, we decided to go get some wine and party
in one of our rooms and put the festival visit on hold for tomorrow.


Friday, August 5

The Wacken Bloodbath. We got up around 9 am and on the festival
shuttle after breakfast. Picked up the passes and went backstage and
left some stuff at the dressing room. The guys from Century Media got
to pick us up for press and we did a very entertaining metal quiz at
the Metal Hammer tent: Two teams competing against each other, I and
Jonas on one, Mike and Swanö on the other… We lost Hahah! But at
least we nailed all the death metal oriented questions, while they
scored all the "old men's music" points. Then there was nearly one
hours signing session simultaneously with my old friends in Naglfar.
It ran pretty much like a factory as you didn't get to talk much, as
the line had to move on. I saw many items looking suspiciously
prepared to go up on eBay the same night hahah!

Less than one hour to stage time, it was time to get in mood and
ready for fukkin ripping DEATH! We got dressed up in our thrashed
white shirts, stained with blood and dirt and took the stage as the
old style death metal intro was building up the mood.

Terror, blood, guts 'n gore!!!

The gig was a BLAZT and we had the time of our lives!!! Bloodbath was
finally making its debut live performance on stage and what possibly
better could it have been but at the black stage at Wacken?!? We
never played for this many people before and I think it went down
very well thanks to all those of you who came out and see us and your
great support! CHEERZ!!!

Unfortunately, we had to scrap one song since the stage time was
running out, so even though it was rehearsed and part of the show –
the song "Cry My Name" was dropped as a last second decision, just to
make sure "Eaten" was closing the gig, as the flagship it is.

After the show we all wandered about the area and indulged in the
awesome backstage party until about 4 am in the morning and got on a
shuttle back to the hotel.


Saturday, August 6

Going home. Got up around 11 am and after a little fracas about being
more people than allowed in the shuttle we were driven out to the
airport. At the check-in, Axe realized his bag containing his and his
girlfriends passports had been left behind. *Panic* Time was running
late and the check-in was soon about to be closed. However, Axe
managed to get his bag rushed out and as they went back in, they
could still see us at the gate, not yet bordered the plane. Ryan air
denied them entry. I've been in this situation before and GOT on the
plane thanks to staff with serviced minds and being professionally
helpful. Obviously the Lübeck airport wanted an award for the
opposite, so Fukk you very much! It was discouraging to leave the
couple behind, but we had no choice. I and Martin decided we'd skip
the going home plans and hit directly out to a club upon returning in
Stockholm, so we started the pre-party on the plane and as we arrived
in Sweden, we went for the Anchor bar. The rest of the guys and crew
went their ways, all very happy and with an experience richer. Oh,
and Axe and his girlfriend finally made their way home in the end,
just a dreadful 24 hours too late and NOT with Ryan air, so
thankfully everything's back to normal now. I still have a smile on
my face thinking back on the Wacken Bloodbath - the first and last
gig (with Mike).

Stay tuned for info and details about the DVD recording that will
follow next.

Cheerz!

Anders "Blakkheim" Nyström
http://www.bloodbath.biz/

Well, if you are a fan of the New Wave of Swedish Death Metal style
you might want to give Amon Amarth another listen.  I was just
listening to my favorite CD of their's The Avenger today.  The
Avenger is only 7 songs, but very intense and full of Viking Power
and hatred.


--- In danswanofans@yahoogroups.com, Jas <jassi_832001@y...> wrote:
>
> I heard the album Sorrow Throughout The Nine Worlds. Seems like a
neat, tight band....but didn't appeal me much. BUt I think i need to
listen to it more. since the same thing happened with Death with me.
I have the other albums too and will surely check them out since
these days dont have any music to groove on.
>
>   Jas
>
> James B Beavan III <thespectralsorrows@y...> wrote:
>   Amon Amarth is well known in the death metal scene for a variety
of
> reasons.  Those being the brutal nature of their melodic death
metal,
> the other being for their Nordic attitude and "Viking" lyrics and
the
> consistency of their output.  The band set the standard for
> themselves with their Metal Blade debut Once Sent From The Golden
> Hall in 1998.  Vocalist Johan Hegg, guitarists Olavi
Mikkonen/Anders
> Hansson, bassist Ted Lundstrom and drummer Martin Lopez (who left
> shortly after to join Opeth) make up the recording line-up.  Knob
> master Peter Tagtgren assists with the production as his Abyss
studio.
>
> We begin our Ride For Vengeance with a fury of brutal vocals and
> flaying drums accompanying the frantic guitar shred.  Grab your
sails
> for the Dragons' Flight Across The Waves a tale of a coastal
> pillage.  Without Fear the band will die for their brand of sense
> assaulting music.  With no sign of weakness Amon Amarth lead the
> Victorious March with a clash of hate filled vocals and that
wondrous
> Swedish guitar playing style.  The gut wrenching Hegg lays havoc to
> the track Friends of the Suncross as they sail for distant shores.
> Abandoned wishes the death of the false religion known as
Christians
> who invade their lands and will punish those who forgot Asgard.
The
> song Amon Amarth shows the band in full bloom with speedy guitar
> harmonies and Johan's vocal obliteration showing its usual power
and
> clarity as the arrows with fire fly through the air.  The
aggression
> of the closing title track leaves the band upon a mountain towering
> tall as other bands in their field wilt and change direction.
>
> With our 45-minute journey at an end perhaps its time to pick up
the
> next horn of mead from Amon Amarth's vast stock?  Certainly follow-
up
> releases like Avenger, The Crusher, Versus The World and Fate of
> Norns have helped create and maintain a legacy for the band.  You
> might say Amon Amarth is the Manowar of death metal.
>
> This CD is available for $10 @
> http://www.metalbladestore.com/amonamarth#band
>
>
>
>
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danswanofans/
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>     Visit your group "danswanofans" on the web.
>
>     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  danswanofans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
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Service.
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "And when you think
> that we've used all our chances
> And the chance to make everything right
> Keep on making the same old mistakes
> Makes untipping the balance so easy
> When we're living our lives on the edge
> Say a prayer on the book of the dead"
>
> \m/ "IRON MAIDEN - BLOOD BROTHERS" \m/
> \m/ "BRAVE NEW WORLD" \m/
>
>
> ---------------------------------
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>

Amon Amarth is well known in the death metal scene for a variety of
reasons.  Those being the brutal nature of their melodic death metal,
the other being for their Nordic attitude and "Viking" lyrics and the
consistency of their output.  The band set the standard for
themselves with their Metal Blade debut Once Sent From The Golden
Hall in 1998.  Vocalist Johan Hegg, guitarists Olavi Mikkonen/Anders
Hansson, bassist Ted Lundstrom and drummer Martin Lopez (who left
shortly after to join Opeth) make up the recording line-up.  Knob
master Peter Tagtgren assists with the production as his Abyss studio.

We begin our Ride For Vengeance with a fury of brutal vocals and
flaying drums accompanying the frantic guitar shred.  Grab your sails
for the Dragons' Flight Across The Waves a tale of a coastal
pillage.  Without Fear the band will die for their brand of sense
assaulting music.  With no sign of weakness Amon Amarth lead the
Victorious March with a clash of hate filled vocals and that wondrous
Swedish guitar playing style.  The gut wrenching Hegg lays havoc to
the track Friends of the Suncross as they sail for distant shores. 
Abandoned wishes the death of the false religion known as Christians
who invade their lands and will punish those who forgot Asgard.  The
song Amon Amarth shows the band in full bloom with speedy guitar
harmonies and Johan's vocal obliteration showing its usual power and
clarity as the arrows with fire fly through the air.  The aggression
of the closing title track leaves the band upon a mountain towering
tall as other bands in their field wilt and change direction.

With our 45-minute journey at an end perhaps its time to pick up the
next horn of mead from Amon Amarth's vast stock?  Certainly follow-up
releases like Avenger, The Crusher, Versus The World and Fate of
Norns have helped create and maintain a legacy for the band.  You
might say Amon Amarth is the Manowar of death metal.

This CD is available for $10 @
http://www.metalbladestore.com/amonamarth#band

Amon Amarth is well known in the death metal scene for a variety of
reasons.  Those being the brutal nature of their melodic death metal,
the other being for their Nordic attitude and "Viking" lyrics and the
consistency of their output.  The band set the standard for
themselves with their Metal Blade debut Once Sent From The Golden
Hall in 1998.  Vocalist Johan Hegg, guitarists Olavi Mikkonen/Anders
Hansson, bassist Ted Lundstrom and drummer Martin Lopez (who left
shortly after to join Opeth) make up the recording line-up.  Knob
master Peter Tagtgren assists with the production as his Abyss studio.

We begin our Ride For Vengeance with a fury of brutal vocals and
flaying drums accompanying the frantic guitar shred.  Grab your sails
for the Dragons' Flight Across The Waves a tale of a coastal
pillage.  Without Fear the band will die for their brand of sense
assaulting music.  With no sign of weakness Amon Amarth lead the
Victorious March with a clash of hate filled vocals and that wondrous
Swedish guitar playing style.  The gut wrenching Hegg lays havoc to
the track Friends of the Suncross as they sail for distant shores.
Abandoned wishes the death of the false religion known as Christians
who invade their lands and will punish those who forgot Asgard.  The
song Amon Amarth shows the band in full bloom with speedy guitar
harmonies and Johan's vocal obliteration showing its usual power and
clarity as the arrows with fire fly through the air.  The aggression
of the closing title track leaves the band upon a mountain towering
tall as other bands in their field wilt and change direction.

With our 45-minute journey at an end perhaps its time to pick up the
next horn of mead from Amon Amarth's vast stock?  Certainly follow-up
releases like Avenger, The Crusher, Versus The World and Fate of
Norns have helped create and maintain a legacy for the band.  You
might say Amon Amarth is the Manowar of death metal.

This CD is available for $10 @
http://www.metalbladestore.com/amonamarth#band