Four Albums of a Christmas Eve!

Posted on 28/12/2014 by pnille61

Christmas with all its expectations, hopes and stress. The holiday which should give a great possibility for harmony and energy intake very often ends up in family drama and stress. What could be a better prevention action than to order some of the recently released albums and in my case read about, but not yet listened to. Since, I cannot longer go into a record store to buy new releases (still, used cd’s and vinyls are doing pretty well in Sweden in the old format of a record store managed by a very knowledgeable person), my new procedure of ordering records on the internet works very well. The delivery time is normally 1-3 days and the waiting time brings back the feeling of waiting for the weekly Spiderman magazine I received as a small boy. My order this time was placed a week before Christmas and the pack landed the day before Christmas Eve. The opportunity was then given to wrap the cd’s, put a sticker on with my name with Santa as the giver and to be placed under the Christmas tree just in time for Christmas Eve. At least one Christmas gift had now been secured for the metalhead, the ousider of the family.

I can therefore only promote http://www.ginza.se as a great on line purchase site with a great range of old and new music in all categories. Also their long list of films is impressive. With a very surprised face I opened up the Christmas gift with the following titles:

AC DC, Rock or Bust (Colombia Music, Sony Music, 2014):

The band has a special place in my heart. It was formed in 1973 when I was 12 years old. I picked them up towards the end of the 70’s and has followed them closely ever since. My three time live encounter (Paris, Gothenburg, Stockholm) with the band during their 2009-2010 Black Ice Tour created memories for life. After a first listening of the Rock or Bust album my happy feeling flows in the direction of the Friends arena July 19, 2015. When my whole family and my brother will be happy concert goers among 50.000 more! The album has great potential with its new set up (Stevie Young replaces Malcolm ‘the great’!) and deserves a higher score than the 3 out of 5 as I have seen in most reviews.

Entombed A D, Back To The Front (Century Media Records Ltd, 2014):

Another band with a new set up. The band was formed this year after the former Entombed broke up right in the middle of a very press covered new record production. Alex Hellid, guitarist and a member from the start left the band and concerns have been risen if the sound also would leave with him. After a first listening through at the gym yesterday I must say I have severe body ache and a lust of listening to it again today. The sound is still there and this Death ‘n’ roll still with a cruel L-G Petrov on song makes it listenable for a broader group.

Black Stone Cherry, Magic Mountain (Roadrunner Records, 2014):

When L-G Petrov’s cruel voice has pounded all of my ghosts away Black Stone Cherry’s southern blues oriented riff based rock fits fine. Even lyrics are possible to follow and in some cases to sing-a-long. I like this alot and their live performance at the Store Vega in Copenhagen together with Alter Bridge November 10, 2011, is among the best I’ve seen and heard.

Slipknot, .5: The Gray Chapter (Roadrunner Records, 2014):

My first encounter with the band was at the Metaltown festival in Gothenburg in 2010 visted together with our oldest son. He and his friends had a period end of the 90’s when Slipknot coloured their musical life. This was the introduction for me into the genre of ‘nu-metal’ with the more intense listening to bands like Slipnot and Korn. A review will here come later. Requires some focus and a few times more of listening than normal. The first few tracks now in the background makes me think about trying to get tickets to their concert in Stockholm in February!!

In conclusion, of this post, there will be more concrete impressions from these albums later. The above written may give the impression of a depressed Christmas, still in retrospect it has been good and our house is full of our dearest children, now adults and in great relations. The music here described is not my highest priority, but only a sweet addition to what is the most important in life – FAMILY!

Soilwork returned to Hbg!!

Posted on 20/10/2014 by pnille61

On October 11, 2014, Soilwork returned to Helsingborg, as promised. It isn’t at all obvious and Soilwork has no particular plan to include Helsingborg naturally in their touring around Europe. Normally, Malmö (KB), Stockholm and Gothenburg gets one gig each. Soilwork played the Tivoli in Helsingborg for the first time in 2000 and was then support to Testament. Latest they played the Tivoli was in 2006. As we understand, is Goran Raber at ABF, at this blog and below highly appreciated and mentioned for other great gigs at the Tivoli, the reason for them to stop by in Hbg after 8 years. Goran knows some of the boys in the band since they started. We fans can only again say a big and greatful thanks to Goran for bringing one of the best bands in its field back to its hometown.

Support this evening all from the metalsouth region (Helsingborg, Glumslöv, Höganäs) was in order: Mörbultad (mentioned and praised below), 8Stone (new acquaintance for me, BUT how good they were!), Outtrigger and Kayser.

Mörbultad always gets too short time. They are just great and give them a whole evening on the big stage and I and many more will come!

8Stone’s Thomas Klintberg – Bass & Backing Vocals in a pause between songs.

8Stone is now my next ‘catching up on their career’ band. Much to learn and listen to and not to forget one of many bands in this region, which has been there for a while and delivers wildly well.

Outtrigger are among professionals, makes a great job and has gained quite a big audience mainly from their successful song Echo, which made ‘the 2nd chance’ round in the Swedish Eurovision qualifications nationally broadcasted via TV to a major part of Swedish homes. If the boys can stay together and give it a few years more, get out of the, sort of, ‘Eurovison metal’ sound they can gain also the true heavy metal fans.

Kayser had the hardship of playing last and after the main act of Soilwork. Not easy, but as always a perfect delivery. Their latest album ‘Read your enemy’ is still a main favourite of mine.

As we say, pictures say more than words, and only a few words are needed to describe the Soilwork performance. A few songs it took to get the guitars to fall into the sound waves and when Panic Broadcast was performed guitars were also in!!

Completely memorable, historical and hell of a lot of fun.

The Final song became as spectacular as Björn Strid promised by introducing a 12 year old mini version of himself, who rocked the Tivoli almost into pieces. This boy doesn’t need a few years more. He’s ready to get rolling NOW!

It was the best evening! Thanks to Soilwork for the homecoming, thanks to Goran Raber and thanks to the Tivoli for arranging these gigs and for being still there for us living in the region to get these fantastic evenings with great fun and emotions!!

(Inspirational artice: Helsingborgs Dagblad, Stefan Lindqvist, 2014-10-11)

The Swift Passing of a Hot Summer

Posted on 10/10/2014 by pnille61

Now when darkness slowly moves closer to end sunny light lovely days it’s clearer in mind how important it is to live in the current and to enjoy those moments a hot and dry summer day brings. Some wonderful weeks here in the metalsouth region gave us more sun and D-vitamines than will last for a life time. It was great and it’s a privillege to live here with great access to cool waters in the canal Öresund between Sweden and Denmark. The Spring and Summer season was full of great music and great gigs, concerts and record buys. The following collage will be a summary of the Summer season of 2014. Less text and more pictures in order to catch up on coming events when October 11, tomorrow, will be a great Fiesta…Soilwork comes home to Helsingborg and the Tivoli after a long period of touring the world. All the winning factors are there for a great evening with among others also Kayser and Mörbultad. Please, join up!! Tickets are for sale at the Tivoli homepage. The link to be found below!

KB, Malmö, June 24, 2014.

Posted on 10/10/2014 by pnille61

Philip H. Anselmo – Darkane – Mörbultad – made me want to go to Malmö more than anything this evening…and to be honest Darkane can make me go far. It was close that I booked a ticket to London when they toured together with Soilwork early this Spring. Mörbultad are three guys from Helsingborg, who have a reputation of being rough and Philip H. Anselmo, of course, we know…the former Pantera singer. I had in mind to stay for Darkane and then leave for home. I stayed for a completely unforgettable evening. My good friend asked me to stay on for Philip H. Anselmo. This recommendation led to the purchase of all Pantera records and hardly Soilwork can now compete when it comes to my best gym music…only temporary!!?? I can only hope that the pictures can give some idea of a fantastic musical experience… here on this blog without one note being played.

Please, take the chance firstly to buy records CD’s and LP’s or if you live in a minimalistic home atmosphere and do not have the space to keep records in bookshelves stream and pay for the fantastic songs to give the artist financial possibilities to create more for us who are dependent on this to survive!!

Mörbultad – looking forward to seeing you again tomorrow at the Tivoli in Helsingborg. How did you manage to get Philp H. to put your band t-shirt on! Impressive work!

Darkane – forever favorites. One of the best in its genre.

Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals – why weren’t more people there? A ticket for a gig like this ca. SEK 300 (EUR 28). With a couple of beers or two an evening can end up at SEK 500 (46 EUR). I cannot see where you can better value for money. It is at the time a fantastic capre diem moment and it becomes a memory for life.

Sweden Rock, June 6, 2014.

Posted on 10/10/2014 by pnille61

A dream came true on the Swedish National Day June 6, going with good friend to Norje, Sölvesborg, to visit the Sweden Rock Festival. It was a fanatstic day! A memory for life and let the pictures pass on the great music!

Thundermother – AC DC positively soundalikes and can take over the throne! Really great stuff and a good performance at noon in clear bright sunlight!! This is the band, which suffered a mass leave of band members during 2013. Remaining Filippa Nässil and Giorgia Carteri didn’t give in, and to now listen to Thundermother with new band members Claire Cunningham (song), Linda Ström (bass) and Tilda Stenqvist (drums) is massively good. And I’m only sorry not to be the one who caught the LP album of Rock’n’roll Disaster (Warner 2014), which they threw out in the audience. What a bright future and just let us know when and where the next performance will be!!

Joe Bonamassa – the best performance of the festival!?! Magical! Musically perfect! Must be seen and listened to again!! World class performance! No more words are needed.The man rules!!

Kvelertak – Norwegian heavy metal, which would have been even more enjoyable in darkness.

Annihilator – Canadian thrash metal top quality from Vancouver!

Canned Heat – American blues-and boogierock from California formed in 1965, drew more and more people forming one huge crowd when the wonderful groovie harmonica, bass, drum and blues sound spread all over the festival area. A bit of a nice contrast to the loud sound waves sent out from most band here. Personally, I had a great time! Some of the band members participated in the Woodstock festival at the end of the 1960’s!

Black Sabbath – ended this wonderful day and it must have been 30.000 in front of the stage. Expecations on a high level after the successful comeback album ’13’. I bought a copy when visiting Warszawa, Poland. The price of a CD there was really good in comparison to Sweden. And speak about value for money! Great album!! Fantastic performarnce with Ozzy’s voice being stronger by age!! We hope to see you again soon in Sweden, preferably in the metalsouth region!!

The Tivoli, Hbg, May 24, 2014.

Posted on 10/10/2014 by pnille61

I was not the only one who went to the Tivoli to watch Kayser, the thrash metal band from Helsingborg, this evening. Also most of us considered Kayser as the headline act. Surprisingly, the order of Kayser and Outtrigger was shifted to make Outtrigger the headliners. Experience versus youth!! I was in doubt over this firstly, with Kayser, formed in 2004, 3 albums produced and heavy touring experience over many years. Outtrigger was know over night in most Swedish homes when they performed the song Echo at the Swedish TV Eurovison 2014. Can we call this Eurometal, maybe?? The advantage with the shift was that Kayser started and I was on my way to leave after their heavy performance, but I stayed on for a spectacular gig with loads of energy. Outtrigger also from Helsingborg needs time, but will certainly face a bright future!

Kayser and Outtrigger below in this order.

Energy band Outtrigger again at the Tivoli on Saturday October 11, as one of 4 supporting bands to Soilwork.

Soilwork is back in town!

Posted on 10/10/2014 by pnille61

Well, it’s not so well in advance, but tomorrow October 11, Soilwork returns to their roots after world touring. At numerous times we have asked for this here in the metalsouth region. Please, come back here and play. Supporting acts are all Helsingborg related, but, of course, we look forward to one day having Soilwork and Darkane concerting together. Why not at the Glumslövs IP (soccer field) and we can really talk about homecoming. Soilwork and Darkane, you are hereby challenged to do this and it’s pretty easy to here make a comment and ask for help. From this blogger you are guaranteed energy of the same level you show on stage.

Check the link out for tickets and more information. Come on…again…the SEK 500 budget for the best evening of your life!!

http://www.thetivoli.nu/biljett

Four Albums of a Copenhagen Day

Posted on 26/07/2014 by pnille61

Yesterday, was a fantstic summer day in this beautiful region of southern Sweden and Denmark. My wife and I went for a day trip to Copenhagen on the hottest day of the summer, BUT how great it was! I want to take the opprtunity to thank my wife for this initiative. It gave me the possibility to visit one of my favorite record stores and one of the few remaining, which sells new releases over the counter. My wife and I split up for a few hours and I went strolling to SEX BEAT RECORDS at Studiostraede 18 soon to find out that it was not there anymore. I was in shock and the massive feeling of sorrow as I felt when my life line i Helsingborg the WELOVEMUSIC store closed some 2 years ago. No-no, it can’t be true! After asking around and being helped by the basement restaurant it was only comforting to hear that the new address is Studiostraede 3, some hundreds metres down the same street. After a high pulse and some running I could find it still being active, although on a smaller, but slightly more efficient area. I was happy to meet with the store owner who happily explained how much better this location is.

I can therefore only promote http://www.sexbeatrecords.dk/ as a great purchase possibility and mine were:

Jack White, Lazaretto (Third Man Records, 2014):

After a few songs a great impression of this non-metal, but really guitar strong hard rock album. It makes me really happy, I must say!!

Queens Of The Stone Age, Lullabies To Paralyze (Interscope Records, 2005):

Personally, a new encounter, but a tip from a good friend who also said that Jack White is a must!!

Mastodon, Once More Round The Sun (Reprise Records, 2014):

Mastodon, an old favourite of mine, and the theme inspired albums the super group produces are always of highest quality. Another victory!

Pantera, Vulgar Display of Power (Rhino Entertainment Co, 2012):

Since my encounter with Philip H. Anselmo, former Pantera singer, I have listened my way through parts of Panteras carreer. More on Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals’ gig at KB, Malmö, some weeks ago will come later.

In conclusion, of this post, there will be more concrete impressions from these albums later. BUT I would here like in particular to thank my wonderful wife for a great day in Copenhagen. You’re the best and I still have hopes to convert you into a metalhead one sunny day!!

metalsouth raises before The Final Collapse

Posted on 20/07/2014 by pnille61

metalsouth more or less raises from the dead…

Due to a job change my mind has been occupied with getting the new stuff in and getting the old out!! Now when debits and credits have balanced finally and vacation time has arrived more great opportunities to catch up on several events during the Spring and Summer season are given.

Please, be ready for a season resume with great pictures and some real metalsouth impressions.

…among others, the clinically well performing Joe Bonamassa at the Sweden Rock Festival, Norje, Blekinge. The best performance of the festival?? This is the opinion of many!

…Darkane as support together with Mörbultad (‘Battered’, Helsingborg hard core) to Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals at KB in Malmö. ENERGYYYY!!!

…or Kayser as support to Outtrigger at Tivoli in Helsingborg earlier this Spring, which became a pretty peculiar situation, when the expected headline act all of a sudden became the support… Experience over youth?? Both give their best and the headline band was worth waiting and taking another final beer for!!

Since metalsouth is now up again, although stumbling…there will be more soon…

(Ref.: Some very inspirational lyrics in Soilwork’s song The Windswept Mercy in the double CD The Living Infinite, Nuclear Blast, 2013, for the title of this post and to just get going, get my act together and think about what’s important in life)

Record Store Day – April 19, 2014.

Posted on 17/04/2014 by pnille61

Why buy a record, a CD or a vinyl, when you can subscribe to a streaming supplier like Spotify or Google Play Music free of charge (including commercials) or pay SEK99 per month for a premium version which is commercial free??

I say that there’s definitely room for both kinds of media. I pay the SEK99 per month, but use the streaming possibility to listen to new music and test new bands and new releases I have heard or read about. It has also been perfect for playlist of graduation-and jubilee parties in our home. When DJ’ing at my wife’s birthday party I never forget the question: ” Is it possible to wish a song” and the natural answer was: “Sit here yourself and play your own favorites for a while”. This led to that everything from country to modern house to heavy metal was played and raised the temperature in the house. A perfect party in many senses and the music was commented positively by many!!

Still, the visit to a record store, today often with used records, is a positive and genuine experience. Usually the staff is so knowledgeable that the musical experience from buying a record is sweetened with some valuable facts. I reward myself every Friday lunch a visit to Roadhouze records in Helsingborg. Normally, a couple of CD’s have been picked out for me by the staff from incoming collections during the week. It’s great! I meet a person who knows his/her stuff. I get to talk shop with someone for a while. I get my compact product, with the booklet, lyrics, stories and photos and not to forget I get the songs presented in the order of the artist. Normally, the artist/the band has an idea with the order of the songs and I still always mess up how songs are played when I use the streaming suppliers. It’s so much more to this than just downloading a song, consume it and throw it out. The music and the records is a life style and the best way to meet the artist/the band without really and actually meeting. In this sense even the vinyl is an even better experience!!

Record Store Day started in 2008 and is celebrated on the third Saturday in April. New record releases are made this day. Artists/bands are performing in record stores all over the world. On Saturday April 19 is time again. Due to Easter holidays this coming weekend the celebrations will in Sweden instead take place next Saturday April 26. Our small contribution to Record Store Day will be, of course, to buy a couple more records, but also to here recommend a few related records stores in the metalsouth region. Please, check these three out. Pay them a visit or contact them for orders.

http://www.roadhouze.se (Roadhouze Records, Helsingborg, Sweden)

Latest buys:

LOK: Naken, Blästrad och Skitsur (Sonet, 1999)

“Naked, Blastered and Pissed off”. Swedish brutal powerful metal worth listening to, although you don’t get the full meaning of the Swedish brutally lovely lyrics. (SEK79)

Janne Stark: The Heaviest Encyclopedia Of Swedish Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Ever (Premium Publishing, Stockholm, 2013)

An unbelievably valuable book for any hard rock and heavy metal fan…not only Swedish ones. It’s all in the English language and it answers all of your questions you can ever think of on Swedish bands in the genre. It’s great and weighs a couple of kilos. (SEK449)

http://www.sexbeatrecords.dk (Sex Beat Records, Copenhagen, Denmark)

One of the few stores around, which sells new releases. Normally connected to making a one day trip to wonderful Copenhagen. Great experience. Great knowledge!

Latest buy:

Soilwork: A Predator’s Portrait (Nuclear Blast Records, 2013)

A new release of the album from 2001, digitally remastered and with three bonus tracks. Just awesome!!!

http://www.repeatrecords.se ( Repeat Records, Lund, Sweden)

A fantastic record store in central Lund with an enormous collection of used vinlys! Good prices and a really good time can be spent in there.

Latest buy:

Frank Zappa: Chungas Revenge (Warner Bros. Inc.,1970)

This vinyl purchased for SEK200 made my road to a complete Zappa collection of vinyls slightly shorter.

Finally, we make a reference to the Swedish Rock’n’roll Magazine (http://www.rocknrollmagazine.se/) and the issue #6 2013 in which a great Record Store guide (Sweden) is published.

KEEP THE MUSIC-, CD-, VINYL- AND RECORD STORE BUSINESS ALIVE AND VISIT A RECORD STORE TODAY, ON RECORD STORE DAY AND ON ALL OTHER DAYS!!